It's happening!
We're so excited to share our family news.
We don't really have a big story to explain, like most adoption journeys. It's just how I've always pictured building a family. It's always made sense to me. And, luckily, 12 years ago, I found the most amazing man on the planet who agreed with me! We decided the time was finally right, so here we are.
Like most things we do in our life together, we have some added complications. Living abroad from both of our home countries, while trying to adopt from a different country makes things… well, let's say, complex. We're fairly used to it… government paperwork is like a second language to us at this point. But, still, it's a BIG job, and that's before the child is even here!
As of now, we have our Home Study completed (meaning… we've been interviewed, our home has been inspected, and we've been approved for adoption!). And we've applied to a Placement Agency, who works with agencies in Vietnam to match us with a child.
Our dream match would be a little girl, 3-5 years old. We chose Vietnam because they're open to expat adoptions, and because it's a potential next stop for us with international teaching. How great would it be to experience our child's culture so extensively and help build connections to their home??
The whole adoption process can take years. We're already 9 months into it, and know there's a very long and expensive process ahead. All in, it's about $50,000 to finalize an adoption. A bulk of the fees go toward the orphanages and foster parents who are currently taking care of the children… so it's hard to be mad at that.
In lieu of a baby shower (since we don't yet know the age, gender, or needs of the child), any support or gifts you'd like to give would be greatly appreciated to help us complete the adoption process.
Thank you for being a part of our lives, and a part of our growing family's life!
Love,
Kim & Gary
