How to start the adoption process
One of the biggest questions I am asked is how to get started with adoption. It seems very overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to begin. This is always the exact response I give people:
Pray
Are you called to adopt domestically or internationally? Public or private adoption? Do you want to use an adoption agency or do this yourself with word of mouth? I’ve seen people do it all these ways and you can too! :)
Research adoption requirements for your state/country you are interested in.
Establish your support system/community. Who are the people closest to you? Let them know that you are doing this! We sent out letters. You will not be able to go through this without them, trust me!
Do you need a lawyer? Sometimes with a domestic adoption you do, so it might be a good idea to go ahead and figure out who that will be.
Get a notebook. A big one. There will be tons of paperwork. You need a place to keep everything in one place.
Start the application process with your adoption agency / do a homestudy. A google search will show you some of the most reputable agencies, but please do your research! Ask around. Do you know someone that adopted? Who did they use? Word of mouth from someone you can trust is best. If you don’t know anyone, please reach out to me!
If you need to, now is the time to start fundraising. Our most successful form of fundraising was our Adoption Yard Sale and designing a custom shirt through Bonfire.
I want to personally add that adoption fees are not always super expensive. Depending on the route you go, will depend on the cost. Of course our China adoption fees were a lot more than our domestic, due to cost of travel, etc… but please HEAR THIS: The route that GOD called you to adopt, is the route that HE will provide! I was terrified of our payment schedule, but it seemed like every time something was due, HE provided!!! Don’t be scared of numbers. God is bigger. Research organizations that give grants towards adoption! My favorite, and one that gave us a grant, is ShowHope.
These are just a few of the “first steps” I like to give people. I hope they help you and God bless you on your adoption journey! He’s got this, and He’s got you! I used to blog our entire adoption process here if you would like to read more. :)
Our two miracles all because of adoption…