A Bumpy Ride

This adoption process has been MUCH bumpier than Katelyn's adoption... we've hit several snags along the way with immigration and other paperwork oopses. But things continue to move along and each day brings us one step closer to Courtney.

That said, we've also run into some financial issues that we did not expect. Like everyone else in our country, the economy has started to affect us... up to this point we've been able to pay for all of the fees out of pocket. One of the latest fees was the $4705 orphanage fee... one that we didn't anticipate paying until it got closer to travel time. We still have other fees to come as well... things like visa fees, medical exam fees for Courtney, In-China fees for notaries/etc and, of course, travel costs.

We're in the process of applying for some grants/loans, and it's been a very humbling experience. We've always been so eager to help others, and we've always been blessed with the means to do so. Now, well... we're not in that position... and we're having to ask for help.

Since Courtney is currently living with a family, she has LOTS of stuff that she'll be bringing back here with her... plus all the stuff we already have here. If you were even considering sending a gift for Courtney, would you please consider donating to the Chip-In below??? Including travel expenses and all the additional fees, we still have about $8500 left to pay. If we receive additional funds (due to grants/etc) we will donate any overflow to the Baobei Foundation.

Thank you to everyone for all the support we've received throughout Courtney's adoption process... the prayers and kind words have meant so much.



Here's a break down of our adoption expenses...

*Agency/Home Study Fees - $5200
*CCAA Fees - $710
*Dept of Homeland Security (USCIS) - $830
*FDLE - $46
*Certification/Authentication - $435
*Dossier Compilation (including postage, birth certificates, etc) - $1318.97
*Visas (us) - $330
*Courtney's Visa - $400
*Orphanage Fee - $4705
Additional In-China adoption fees/food - ~$1800
In-China transportation/hotels - ~$3800
Airline (US-China-US) - ~$2000-$3000
Airline (Courtney) - ~$1000

* = already paid