FAQ

Since we don't have much news on the home front regarding our own personal adoption adventure, Ryan suggested we start a "frequent asked question" blog. Maybe some of you are thinking adoption might be in your future or maybe you can support else. Here's one for you" WHY IS ADOPTION SO EXPENSIVE? It is true, adopting a child should be free. Unfortunately an international adoption is quite a complicated legal process. During your adoption process, you (and the agency you are adopting through) will be working with a myriad of entities. These include foreign governments, the USCIS department, county and state authorities, as well as the federal level state department (not to mention the numerous notaries you will need, police checks, medical reports and social services evaluations). There are many people who spend a lot of time working to adequately prepare the legal procedures for the adoption process, and it ultimately ends up costing quite a bit of money. When you receive our information packet, you are provided a complete breakdown of the costs involved. We include estimates for every cost you will encounter. Although most of the money you pay to other entities, not to us, we still include them in our estimate so that you can know realistically all the costs you will be responsible for during the adoption.- awaa.org Also, we have learned that international adoptions are oftentimes less expensive then domestic adoptions. If you are interested in an foster care, older children or a child with special needs, US adoptions are less expensive and quicker.

No News

No news on the adoption front. I guess last week Ryan Hanlon, our case worker, scanned me our copy from the Rwandan Office of Gender and Family Affairs. It stated that this office reccomends that Mr Ryan Higgins and Mrs Kara Higgins should receive two healthy children under the age of 3. Woo hoo! Just waiting for that day that we get the news....

Believe me, you'll know

Every day, someone will ask me "Any news on the adoption?" This is meant to be kind, supportive, encouraging. I also think it is funny, because at this point, when we have news on the adoption everyone will know!! I can't imagine how I wouldn't let the whole world when we receive our Referral. Yesterday was a difficult day. We told our beloved church friends at Trinity Lutheran that we are definately moving this summer. It was heartbreaking because our church family has been such a source of strength and we feel like our adopted children our their kids too. Ryan and I never would have started the adoption process last June if we even had an inkling that God would place the perfect career opportunity in Omaha. We also never knew it would go so smoothly or quickly. The serman yesterday was entitled "God's timing- shocking!" It was in reference to Abraham learning that his 90yr old wife would become pregnant. His reaction was to laugh. I love that! I have no concerns compared to her, but I still find the timing of adoption, careers and relocating to be a bit hysterical.