From the moment I (Amanda) learned about international adoption when I was a teenager, I knew it was my purpose in life. I have always felt a profound responsibility to provide a loving home for children in need rather than bringing more into the world myself. Everything I have ever done in my life has been with the goal of adoption in mind, including moving to China in 2010.
When I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008, it felt like confirmation that I was on the right path. My calling was to adopt, and in 2016, my dream came true when my husband (Seth) and I adopted our daughter Zofia from China. However, I always knew Zofia would be the first child we adopted, not the last.
We started our second China adoption in 2019. Like with our first adoption, we planned to pay for it ourselves. We saved as much as possible, and even borrowed money from my parents. Our goal was to bring her home within a year, and by early 2020, we were just two months away from completing the adoption when COVID-19 struck. China’s temporary suspension of adoptions quickly turned into a five-year nightmare.
At that time, we were living in China. Navigating the challenges of lockdowns, police inspections, and visa issues was overwhelming, but nothing was as devastating as being unable to bring our second daughter home.
Despite our efforts, our financial situation deteriorated. I was running my own publishing business, but when I couldn’t renew my business visa, I had to take on a full-time teaching job. This left me unable to maintain my business, which eventually collapsed. We moved three times, struggled to find schooling for Zofia, who has significant special needs, and ultimately, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to return to the United States in July 2022.
Starting over has not been easy. We returned broke and moved in with my husband’s parents, who generously supported us through the transition. Today, I work as an advisor at a university, and Zofia is thriving in a wonderful school. Seth is a stay-at-home parent to support Zofia. Despite these positive changes, our family still feels incomplete.
In September 2024, China officially announced the permanent closure of international adoptions, meaning we will never be able to bring home the daughter we waited so long for. It was a heartbreaking loss, but our resolve remains. We are committed to expanding our family, and Zofia longs for a sibling. After much consideration, we have decided to pursue an adoption from Vietnam. Although we are recovering financially, our savings are not yet sufficient to cover the costs of this adoption.
Our adoption will cost us $45,000, including travel. We have a recent home study on file, which will save additional costs. We have already spent $350. Fortunately, we expect a refund of approximately $4,000 from our China adoption agency, which will help us cover the first fee. We hope to receive support for the second large fee of $10,000, allowing us time to keep saving for future costs and travel expenses.
Along with my full-time role at a university, I also adjunct teach at two community colleges and work as an editor for a publishing company. Every spare penny goes toward our adoption fund. Any assistance you can provide will make a significant difference in helping us complete our family and would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
