Laura

In West Michigan the going rate for a homestudy is about $1,600. I found one agency that quoted me $300. I was so excited that I commended them on providing affordable services and told the caseworker what other agencies were charging. She told me that those rates were redicuolous and that there was no reason to charge that much. I called her a couple of days later to get an appointment and start the process. She informed me that they had raised their rates from $300 to $1,000. I was ENRAGED. I still am. She went on to say that since she quoted me $300, they would be willing to do o

Wow. Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies. I am overwhelmed and very nervous. I've spent the last 48 hours really questioning if I have the emotional ability to go through with the adoption that I have in my heart to do. I've even reconsidered going back to fertility treatments. Last night my dear friend, who is a new believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, even offered to be a serrogate mother for me...something I have never even talked about our considered. I was touched to tears at her love for me. Amazing. Yet in spite of all of that, I don't really want to pursue that route.

Sherrie, I'm so sorry that happened to you. I'm also enraged. That birthmother should be prosecuted for criminal activity. We are dealing with a very shady business if all parties including agencies, adoptive parents, government, AND birthparents are not held accountable. Aren't there any safeguards in place? While I respect a birthparent's right to change her mind (no matter how painful for the adoptive parents), I FIRMLY believe that all financial responsibility should become hers if she does decide to parent the baby. Anything short of that is robbery. Adoptive parents are not the

What about the financial risk? What happens if a birthmom chooses you and then changes her mind in the end? Are you still required to pay for her expenses? Does anything change in regards to your administrative expenses with Abrazo? -Laura

Dear SMR--I entered a reply but I don't see it on the forum. If you got this already, I apologize, but I just want to be sure that you know that I am praying for you and my heart hurts for you and what you are going through. I also wanted to share a verse with you that comes to my mind when I think about you. It is from Joshua 1:9. It says "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I am praying this verse over your life and trusting God to give you strength and courage to sustain you at this difficult ti

AHHH! I'm so sorry. Somehow I posted the same thing twice. I guess I posted when I thought I was editing. Sorry about that. -Laura

I can not tell you how thankful I am for this forum. There are so many issues related to adoption that I have never thought of, even though I have wanted to adopt since I can remember. One issue that I am really interested in hearing more about is the issue of open adoptions. I stand corrected and convicted of the fact that I too was one of those people who would stay clear of open adoption because of fear. Through your comments I have learned that being ready to adopt involves much more than being ready to have a baby. It means being ready to love the one who brings your baby into you

Dear Suebee, Thank you for your encouraging words. Both the verses you mentioned have been significant in my life at one time or another, but until now I have not claimed or held onto either of them at this time of infertility. Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." I prayed this verse over and over at a time of crisis in my life when I felt called to break up with a man I deeply lov

My husband and I have been off birth control for almost two years. Although the first year we were not extremely aggressive about getting pregnant, we have been the last several months and still no results. My husband seems to believe that we are not getting pregnant because it is not the right timing and God has other plans for us. We know a few couples who believe that God caused them to wait for pregnancy due to the events and circumstances in their lives that were not ideal to bring a child into. It is true that the timing probably isn't perfect. He is in school full-time and I work f

Thank you for your very helpful insights. You have helped me to understand the financial issues with much more clarity. I'm very thankful for a logical explanation!

I'm wondering if any one can share some helpful information about financing an adoption. What loans are available? What are the interest rates? Do you really get that $10,000 tax credit that the government promises if you make under $150,000? Also, why is adoption so expensive? I've checked with a number of "non-profit" agencies that charge close to $20,000 for a domestic adoption. Any contact with one agency is at a cost of $135/hour. I'm a professional with a Master's degree and a job I'm proud of, but anything near that kind of money sounds more like a dream than a reality.

My husband and I have always wanted to adopt a child of another race, but always imagined that we would have a couple of biological children first. We have been trying to conceive for nearly two years and while all of my friends seem to already have families or are getting pregnant for the first time, we are still childless. As time goes on, it feels like a twisting sword in my heart every time I see a pregnant friend or see women with infants. I am ready to have a baby in my arms to call my own...biology doesn't hold the draw that it used to. I am currently wondering when it is ti