Going to my adoption orientation today

How did it go?

Orientation was great... we were a little nervous when the said that we had to get the $1000 and the intake interview done by the 21st of September because we have no extra money right now. We decided that we would call and ask my dad to borrow the money. He said, "No... I will give it to you." We both started crying and I am so greatful for my dad, and I love him so much. Well, we get our CASE WORKER assigned to us today. I am so EXCITED!!!!! :woohoo: So, then we can set up the intake interview. YEAH! Have a good one everyone.

What a wonderful blessing and stress relief your Dad has provided, that is great! I am excited for you that the orientation went well. I had a thought about your yard sale, you could let all your family and friends know that you will be having it and ask if they have stuff they would like to donate. The more stuff you have to sell that might give you a bit more money at the end of the day. That might be an uncomfortable thing to ask but if they have stuff that would be going to DI etc. anyway it couldn't hurt. Let us know how things go. ~Rachel

I have posted an email to all my friends asking for donations and to my ward. They have come through ten fold. I can't believe how much stuff I am going to have. Thanks so much for the support and the IDEAS. ThanksAsh

When we were planning on international adoption (not through LDSFS) we had a couple of yard sales. Ward members and friends contributed TONS of stuff! We started a foundation to hold the money we raised so people could fell secure in what it was used for. (Anything left over would have been donated to either the orphanage our baby came from or other couple's adoptions.) We also planned another fundraiser. It was a carwash, but instead of charging per car we got pledges from friends and businesses in the area (such as $.10 or $1.00 per car). We called it "Wash Around the Clock" and had local radio stations annnounce it. Since we had the foundation that held and distributed funds, with a nonprofit registration number, we could do this without worrying about appearances, or the money being mishandled. Unfortuately, this was canceled by hurricain Ivan, and during recovery from the storm, it didn't feel right to raise money for something other than that. We ended up getting our triplets another way, anyway. The foundation was a cause I was really into, though. Our plan was to fund our own adoption first, then raise money to help other couples adopt, provide donations to orphanages, and scholarships for children who are never adopted. Unfortunately, being the mother of four children under the age of three, I have NO TIME for this. It is on the back burner, though. Someday...

We just cut our spending, and started to save like mad....$5k is the same as the maternity/delivery deductible here in Utah, so EVERYBODY who has a child and doesn't have way good insurance, has to come up with at least 5K upon adding a child to the family. at leats with Adoption, you get the tax credit back!

Ashley,Hi my name is Maranda Davis and my husband and I have adopted 2 children. Our youngest was just born on August 13th. It is exciting to hear that you are ready to adopt. I just wanted to give you some suggestions. You don't have to listen to any of them but I just thought I would tell you. We started the adoption process with LDS FS for our first child but after waiting for a year with only 1 look at our profile we decided to look into another agency but LDS would not release our homestudy to another agency. I don't know if you plan on looking at other agencies or if you are only going to use LDS but if you want other options I would use a private Social worker to get your homestudy plus mine only charged $450.00 and we had it done in a month. Are you in Utah. If you use a Social Worker they will give your homestudy to anyone you want which is good so your not tied to any one agency. Just a suggestion. If you are in Utah I know a great Social Worker. Well I hope it all works out for you. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Maranda