As you've probably read, we have just recently been caught in a whirlwind of adoption. Our two new little ones are a wonderful addition to our family, but we hadn't anticipated the costs of adopting two.

And I know I can't complain because we are using a very cheap (by comparison), subsidized, church agency. I've heard of grants or other ways people have paid for adoptions and wondered if anyone has ideas.

We only need to come up with about $4000 (Canadian) more to cover everything, which when I talk to alot of people is just a drop in the bucket compared to what they pay for one adoption. But when we weren't planning on it, it's still a chunk we don't have. We live very frugally and can afford to raise them fine, it's just the upfront money that's tough to find when we're living cheque to cheque. But cloth diapers, homemade bread, second-hand clothes and toys work great for us. I'm sure it's a familiar tale!

Kerri

Would your church be willing to do a couple fundraisers to earn the money to help you out. Say a rummage sale, bake sale, or carwash?

i am a Mary Kay consultant. i have an idea!! if you know a Mary Kay consultant, or Home Interriors displayer, or Partylite or Affordable Luxuries consultant, they all offer fund raising programs!! also, with selling Mary Kay, you earn 50% profit!! so, if you had a huge open house to let everyone know you were using your profit for adoption, you would most likely have no problem raising the $$$$ you need in a very short time!!! feel free to e mail me!!! i am adopted, and if it wanst for people like you, i hate to think where i would be! god bless! amiedsmith@yahoo.com

Hi Kerri (and everyone else),

Here's a tip to help with your day to day expenses ... check out this website and see if there are any freecycle groups in your area: Freecycle.org - Changing the world one gift at a time. If there is not a group in your area, one can always be started!

Aloha,
Christina