There are an estimated 200 million orphans worldwide.
Whether orphaned because of abandonment, war, or death, many of these children will never have the chance to be adopted.
We believe no child should have to grow up in an orphanage or without a family.
Bureaucracy is involved, and the best interests of the children are not first and foremost, as they should be. And it is heart-wrenching.
I know it’s overwhelming. You may be thinking, what can I do anyway?
Some practical ways to help…
- Get in the know. Hope for Orphans is a good place to start if you’d just like to get informed on the plight of the orphan.
- Find a specific child to pray for and/or sponsor. You can support an organization that’s 100% dedicated to caring for the orphan, like *Harmony Outreach* or *The International Voice of the Orphan.*
- Support a family who’s in the process of adopting. If you don’t know anyone personally…
- Consider donating to a specific orphanage through organizations like Henan Kids International or CCAI, through which donations may be made for older orphans’ or nanny training programs, or specific needs such as blankets or formula.
If you feel your heart being stirred toward adopting yourself, pray for direction. We wouldn’t tell anyone they should adopt. We all have different purposes and are meant to do different things.
Now, a word on finances…
We do not believe in debt, nor do we believe in borrowing money to pay for adoption costs.
We list our expenses here for those who may be interested in adoption costs. Our agency, CCAI, was excellent about detailing expenses; there were no surprises or unknown fees and they have a serious policy on financial integrity.
Our China Adoption Expenses
| Expense | Amount | Paid? |
| Application Fee | $200 | Yes |
| First Program Fee | $3,350 | Yes |
| Passport Renewal | $115 | Yes |
| USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting | $890 | Yes |
| Dossier Preparation | $500 | Yes |
| Second Program Fee | $2,300 | Yes |
| CCAA Fee | $1,050 | Yes |
| Third Program Fee | $2,600 | Yes |
| Visa to Enter China | $140 per person | Yes |
| US Domestic & Int’l Airfare | $1,800 per person$350 per child | - |
| In-China Travel & Accommodations | $2,600-$3,200 | Yes |
| Adoption Registration & Notarization | $400-800 | Yes |
| Child’s Passport | $100-$150 | Yes |
| Orphanage Fee | $5,800 | Yes |
| Food | $600-$800 per couple | Yes |
| Child’s Physical & Photo | $80 | yes |
| Child’s US Entry Visa | $449 | Yes |
| Court Validation Fee | $600 | Yes |
| State Birth Certificate | $50 | Yes |
All of this is not about “doing good” or being a “good person”. We aren’t good. We are all broken people whom God may choose to use for good.
If you’re moved by it, move for it.
“The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans.” (Ps 10:14)
Thanks for reading. I’ll make every effort to answer your comments & emails. oldoakpress@yahoo.com.
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$200 |
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$3,350 |
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$720 plus $85/adult |
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Approx. $450 |
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$2,300 |
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$1,050 |
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$2,600 |
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$140 per person |
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$1,200 – $1,800 by coach/per adult plus $200 – $350 return lap ticket for child under 2 |
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Approx. $2,600- $3,200 for two adults |
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$400 – $800 |
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$100-$150 |
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Up to 35,000 RMB (Approx. $5,200) |
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$600 – $800 per couple |
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$80 |
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$404 |
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Varies by county |
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Varies by county |
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No additional cost unless only one parent travels |
