One of the questions that a couple of people have asked me is, "Where does all this money go? Why is adoption so expensive?". Our adoption is going to end up costing us between $25K-$30K. There are a lot of reasons that adoption is so expensive and the money is used for many different things. Much of the money spent is for travel (we have to go to Ethiopia two times), much of it goes to ensure that we are capable parents (documentation, blood work, social workers, adoption education, etc.). Again we are all about transparency, he is a link to the breakdown of the Ethiopian adoption cost from our agency.
As of today, Dave and I have paid close to $10k between our agency fees, application fees, document retrieval, home study, social worker, etc. but we still have a long way to go. If you know me you know that I worry about money, I mean I worry a lot about money. One of the things that kept us from starting the adoption process earlier was my fear of where the money was going to come from. One day I had an overwhelming feeling of peace and confirmation that we needed to just jump in and get the ball rolling, it was as if God was telling me that He would provide and it would all be ok. I felt all of the worry about retirement, college funds and all of the things that we need to save for melt away as I thought about children dying as orphans, no one to love them and no one to care for them. At that moment college and retirement funds did not seem like something that I should worry about. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"- Luke 12:34. I am not going to lie and tell you that I have the peace that He will provide everyday, but I am working on it.
Puzzle Fundraiser
I am so excited, I just ordered our fundraising puzzle! For each person that donates towards our adoption we will put your name on the back of one of the puzzle pieces. As the pieces go together it will form the jigsaw puzzle (shown to the right) that we will hang in Baby E's room when she get's here. The puzzle represents all of the people that loved her before she was even here. A representation of all of those who helped bring our missing piece to our puzzle home.
As an added bonus, I ordered two of the puzzles... This mean we will use one of the pieces to put the puzzle together, and give you the same piece of the second puzzle with a magnet attached. You can hang the piece on your refrigerator as a constant reminder to keep us in your prayers along our journey, and as a thank you for all of your love and support.
We already have a couple of donations, I am so very thankful. Dave and I have been so nervous about asking for help, but I truly do feel the love and support from everyone that we talk to. We love all of our friends and family so very much, and we could not do this without you. I know that when God lead us to adopt that He would see us through all of the obstacles and so far that has been true. God is good all the time!
If you are interested in donating, here is the information for our Lifesong for Orphans account:
Please make checks payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo, note “4579/Wink” to ensure funds go to the correct account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744. Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs . That means 100% of your donation will go directly to our adoption.
If you are interested in donating, here is the information for our Lifesong for Orphans account:
Please make checks payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo, note “4579/Wink” to ensure funds go to the correct account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744. Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all U.S. administrative and fund-raising costs . That means 100% of your donation will go directly to our adoption.
Another option is to give online. Go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate. Select “Give to an Adoptive Family.” Complete the online form and our account number is “4579” and the family name is “Wink”. Please note that PayPal will charge an administrative fee for credit card processing (2.9% + $0.30 USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.
Individual donations of $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $250 will gladly be sent upon request. Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
We are having t-shirts made to raise money toward the adoption. We all know that it takes a village to raise a child and it is no different with adoption.
If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, we will be taking orders from now through May 1st. The shirts are navy blue and come in both a women's more fitted design or a standard t-shirt. They are only $16 (please add $2 for 2XL, 3XL and 4XL). All of the profits go straight towards our adoption. If you are not local we are happy to ship them to you for whatever it cost us to ship.
Please email me at erica.wink@gmail.com if you are interested in ordering a shirt. Dave and I thank you so much for all of your love, support and prayers. I truly believe that without our "village" that this wouldn't be possible.
(click on the image above to make it bigger and easier to view)
Recipe Boards
These cutting boards have been transformed and customized to be a cute addition to your kitchen. They are perfect for an iPad or eReader, if you aren't cooking recipes off Pinterest like I do you can always just put your recipes on the board. These boards make perfect gifts!
The boards are white and then antiqued by hand with brown stain. I can customize the board with any name or saying that you would like to use. The cost of the board is $35 and all proceeds go towards our adoption.
Custom Family Trees
This family tree print makes a perfect gift, who does't love a family tree? Grandparents (some of the hardest people to buy for) especially love Family Trees :)
The trees are 100% customizable, I can change the color, the background, the fonts, verbiage on the bottom, etc. The print is sold one of two ways:
-You can purchase a digital file in either an 8x10, 11x14 or 16x20 format (your choice) for $40. This will provide you the file so you can print as many times as you want on any medium of your choosing. It looks great on photo paper and framed!
If you are interested in the tree please shoot me an email and I will send you a form to complete for the family tree structure.
All proceeds from the signs will go directly to our adoption. We thank you and praise God that you have chosen to help us on our journey. Every little bit helps, and please feel free to share this opportunity and gift idea with others.
Please email all orders to Erica.Wink@gmail.com
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