The high cost of adoption
It’s expensive to adopt a child. In fact, it’s ridiculously expensive. That point was made more than once in the comments on my recent post on adoption and infertility. My pastor’s wife responded with a word of encouragement for those who might be discouraged by the high cost of adoption:
It has been AMAZING to watch the Lord provide EVERY cent… I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked with who write off adoption because it’s expensive. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!! I was definitely one of those people who would have never in a million years thought we’d be able to adopt because of finances. Never. And yet….the money has been there every step of the way.
Not coincidentally I ran across a post on this same topic at Adoptive Dads, published the very same day that Glenna made her comment. Jason Kovacs, father of three adopted children, wrote:
For many families the dream of adoption ends when they see how much it costs. What was once a great desire is squashed by the reality of $20,000 – $40,000 in fees. For many, this seems impossible at first. What do you do if you find yourself in this position? Please don’t give up hope! Though the costs seem high, there is great encouragment from God’s Word about God’s ability to provide. There are also a growing number of resources available to help families with the cost of adoption.
The article includes links to an extensive list of financial resources for those who wish to adopt. Read it here.
Questions
Before I close, I have a couple of questions. The first is this–why is adoption so expensive? Anyone who has adopted, or considered adopting, or even simply known someone else who has adopted has probably asked that question. It’s pretty easy to find a few answers and explanations online. This post, for example, the first in a 3-part series, gives a basic explanation of the cost. This article does a little better job, in my mind, of actually justifying the cost and putting it in perspective. Still, I can’t help but wonder if the costs aren’t higher than they should be.
Nevertheless, God provides. As Glenna also noted in her comment, “God is bigger than my bank account!”
My second question is this–how has God provided for your adoption, or the adoption of someone you know? Maybe you had to make tremendous sacrifices in order to adopt, but have found that the joys of adoption far outweighed the sacrifices. Whatever your story, and however God provided, I’d like to hear about it. The comment section is all yours.
Barry Wallace
theoparadox
pijohnson
Paul and I have considered adoption (he has no children, and at age 45 I’m highly unlikely to conceive), but abandoned the idea. We can barely make ends meet as it is, and now he’s unemployed. What agency in their right mind would let a couple like us adopt a child? If our financial situation improves in the future, we may revisit the idea, and will be grateful for the resources you’ve provided here; but for now we’ve decided to be content as we are.
Shari and I will pray for you and Paul, Laurie. I pray that God will guide you and provide for you in ways you haven’t even imagined. There’s no limit to what God can do for us, and I think He especially delights to work for us when we extend ourselves to the needy.
Thank you, Barry!
When we began the process of adopting our daughter back in 2004 we went in with faith. Your pastor’s wife’s comments above summarized, quite accurately, our financial experiences over the 18 month process. As to the why it carries such a high cost…i couldn’t tell you…we just chalked it to a lot bureaucratic “junk” as it was an international adoption. Yet, this was exactly how God provided. When it was time to send out one of the many checks as various stages the money was there. We are by no means well off and this was done just on my teacher’s salary. This is one instance in my life where I have felt, and followed, God’s guidance in very special way. Thanks for the post….
That’s a wonderful testimony to God’s faithfulness and provision, Eric. Thanks so much for sharing it.
As one who wants to adopt someday, I’ve never worried about the financial aspects (though I imagine it’s tempting, especially when you’re starting the process!). I guess the biggest obstacle in my life to adoption is getting married! (Though other singles may adopt, I will not until/unless I’m married.)
Ronnica, I pray that the Lord grants all of those desires of your heart, for His glory.
Hey Barry, Thanks for the encouragement. The hardest thing for me as ahusband and father (we have 1 bio daughter) is giving up that control when I know I am the one who is to protect and provide for my family. It is a huge test of faith. A test I hope I am passing as we start our adoption process. We know God has led us to adopt siblings from Russia. It is funny that after we applied with and were accepted by our agency they told us that we didn’t meet their or someones financial requirements. They of course recomended another program. We are determined to allow God’s plans to work it course! We are currently talking with another agency who has a Russia siblings program with reduced fees. We are currently checking their references. We are ready to get a move on and get the paperwork done so we can wait some more. We can’t wait to see how God will provide and give Him all the glory for it.
Thanks!
Matt, thank you for your encouragement, and for your willingness to trust the Lord and accept the financial risk that accompanies adoption. When you’re farther along in the process, I’d love for you to come back here and share some more encouragement! Grace and peace to you.