Richie and Kirsten Straniere
are adopting a child from Bulgaria
We are adopting!!!
Our path to adoption has been incredibly encouraging and we are so thankful for our family, friends, church and medical community that have been with us along the way!
In our first year of marriage, we talked with an agency regarding international adoption. We researched, gathered information and placed this desire on the shelf as we continued to enjoy our first years of marriage (at the time we did not meet age eligibility requirements to adopt internationally).
Throughout our marriage we experienced several years of infertility and unsuccessful procedures and we decided to take a much needed break. During this time we felt complete peace and comfort. The plan for growing our family became abundantly clear and we could not be more excited to pursue one of the initial desires of our hearts- adoption!!
It may surprise you to hear that adoption costs can easily total up to $50,000-$60,000 (costs can include legal fees/paperwork, home study and social work fees, international travel, agency fees). We are looking to raise funds for a portion of our adoption to help bring our child home. Please know that we are so thankful for your consideration to help financially and we are grateful to share our journey and do life with you all by our side.
With Love, Richie and Kirsten
Adoption Status
Adoption Agency
Updates
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Update 1
Exciting Update : September 2025!
September 21, 2025Family and Friends!
We have exciting news :) Our dossier has moved to the next stage and has been registered in Bulgaria! This means after a two year process- we are finally in the waiting stage. We do not know how long the wait will be (we have heard months to years), but we are anxiously waiting to be matched with our little girl.Once we are matched we will have roughly 4 weeks before we will travel to an orphanage in Bulgaria to meet her. We will get to spend ~10 days with her before returning home. More paperwork will be completed at this stage and ideally it will be 3-4 months before we can go back to Bulgaria and bring her home!!
We wanted to thank you for your financial gifts as they have greatly contributed to uniting us with our daughter. Here is a breakdown of what has happened so far: we have received $3,500 in donation/fundraising (<3 !!!), $15,000 personal payment, and we will be applying for several grants after we receive and accept a match (hoping for ~$5,000). At this time we anticipate $34,000 remaining in fees (this includes fees such as travel expenses, translators, program fees, program coordination, international administration, placement fees, yearly renewals (USCIS, fingerprinting, clearances, medical exams, home study) and post adoption fees.
Thank you again for your thoughts and your financial gifts. We would not be here without you and we are so grateful for your help in growing our family!
Love,
Richie and Kirsten
Donations 15
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Schwalls gave $40Love you guys and are happy to support you in your journey ♥️
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Schwalls gave $40Love you guys and are happy to support you in your journey ♥️
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Schwalls gave $40Love you guys and are happy to support you in your journey ♥️
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Schwalls gave $40Love you guys and are happy to support you in your journey ♥️
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Anonymous gave an undisclosed amountExcited for you and your future family!
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Tim Rush gave $50
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Anonymous gave $5,000Praying for you and this journey while you build your family! I know the Lord will bless you and your faithfulness and patience. I’m so happy for you two.
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Schwalls gave $40Love you guys and are happy to support you in your journey ♥️
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Jane Leisy gave $1,000Love & miss you guys!
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Jane Leisy gave $1,000We love you both so much & have been so blessed by you! Know that we are with you every step of the way. They say it takes a village, and we’re blessed to be a part of yours :)