If you have read my blog or Facebook posts before then you know our financial situation. We first started our adoption process in June, 2011. We had to change agencies twice and lost $9000. The first time was due to a family member's interference and the second change was due to an agency being suspended from the China adoption program. The later agency did agree to refund $3000 to us. At present they have refunded $2000 and we are to receive the final check $1000 check from them the first week of December. We are extremely proud people and independent. It is not at all comfortable for either of us to ask others to help us. I worked as a social worker for 17 yrs. and am used to being on the giving end. At present we are in need of around $5000 ($4000 if the agency sends the check as planned) in fees to complete our adoption. We are now having the added expense of holiday travel. Instead of airline tickets being $1200-$1500 they are $2900-$3500. There is currently a Federal tax credit for adopting families in the amount of $12,500. It is set to expire the last day of 2012 and has not been renewed. We must travel by the end of 2012 so that we can receive the credit. The extra airfare is less than us losing the tax credit. Maya Grace will need surgery to repair her palate, likely extensive dental care as orphanage children have very poor oral hygiene, and she may have an additional medical issue that we will not know until testing is performed. The tax credit can help us meet those medical needs. The tax credit can also help us pay forward to help others as we have been helped.
Some families do choose to send one parent and the other remain home to decrease expenses and we have discussed this option. It is best for our family to travel together. My 9yo daughter's orphanage is within one hour from where we will be for two weeks. She strongly desires to return to visit. As quickly as China is changing it could be gone if we wait years to take her back. This is an important piece of her life story. We feel we owe it to her to take her back since it is her heart's desire. This is where her life began at an estimated six days of age. It is the only piece of puzzle we have of her life before us. It would not be fair for me to take one child and leave the other home. I could not manage my girls plus our new daughter on my own at their ages. We will be in three to four airports, 13 hour flight, passing through immigration, etc. I have no one else to travel with me. It is not an option for my husband and me to go and leave the girls behind because we have no family supports and no one to care for them. We homeschool and my girls are extremely attached to me. We are together 24/7. They each have abandonment issues especially my oldest daughter. It would be traumatic for them to be left. We also feel it is extremely important for the girls to be there to view the process of adoption. This will help them to see first hand what our "life" journey was like when we adopted them. It will also assist with bonding by having them there from day one with Maya Grace. Hopefully her heart will grieve a less by having two familiar little faces that look like hers. And finally what an amazing FIELD TRIP! My girls can absorb their native culture by hearing, smelling, looking, touching, and tasting! No book could ever give them this experience. Our plan is to stay at the least expensive hotel option, The Victory, which will save us well over $100 a night. Those of you who know us personally know we are frugal on a good day. We will find ways to be frugal in China as well. Since we are asking others to help us I felt the need to defend our decision.
OK to the nitty gritty - We need help from our friends. We need $4800 to complete adoption costs plus an estimated additional unbudgeted $5000 in travel. We have two final fundraisers and we hope to be done.
1) We have an on-line auction on Facebook that will run through 11/28. I plan to add items throughout the course of the auction. If anyone has an item to donate we would be appreciative. We are gearing it toward items that are holiday related or that could be used as gifts. This is the link - FACEBOOK AUCTION . You are welcome to share.
2)We also are having a Stella & Dot On-line Fundraiser. This is the place ladies to do major Christmas Shopping! We will receive proceeds from each sale. You can view the catalog and details here - Stella & Dot Facebook Event Link
Not familiar with Stella & Dot? Well the press love us, celebs adore us and half our line is under $50. There is something for you and all the people on your gift list this season. Our items ship with in 2 days and come ribbon ready! You can place the order online or you can call me the stylist, Mary Jane Postiglione at 484-431-8684. All our items are guaranteed to be on time and fabulous. Should you not be fully happy Stella & Dot gladly takes returns. Let your Christmas shopping begin for such a wonderful cause! Please let me know if you have any questions on any of our products. From your grandmother to your toddler everyone will be delighted when they open up their Stella & Dot box!
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