Fundraising and Financial Breakdown

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page!  The cost of adopting this little one is almost $35,000, according to the current estimates from our experienced agency and our own experience for local aspects of the process.  That is some figure!  That is a serious figure when you really soak in the fact that a child waits on the other end of that amount.  Millions of times over.  Wow.  The only way I know to process that is by remembering that one is a really important number to God.  He knows that "one" isn't really a number at all- it represents a beloved child.  We are committed to stay the course and rejoice in God's provision.  If He tells us to go to the child that He is placing into our family, we believe He will equip us in all ways towards that end.  We fully expect to be open with you as you help us bring this sweet one into our home!  I include a breakdown of our expenses at the very bottom of this page, and I am happy to share more about our personal budget decisions and saving progress with you who are giving towards this adoption.  Please feel free to share this blog with anyone who might want to help.  Not everyone is in a position to give financially, but we sincerely desire prayers and encouragement!  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us on this journey!

Here We Go!

Please e-mail me at Elizabeth@NorrisFamilyIns.com to find out more about anything you see!  Be sure and check back often, as we update this page regularly!

Current Fundraisers

Come visit our Etsy shop!
Art prints of original pieces by Carol Lazar, "MaMere" to our children, whether here at home or across the world.  Each are part of a signed and numbered series.  We hope you love them! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveCrossingOceans

Please share this link freely, as much as you feel inclined- it helps tremendously! 

Also...

Norris Family Insurance Group 
Michael and I own Norris Family Insurance Group.  If you live in LA, TX, or MS, give us a call!  We have many brand name insurance companies we can quote for your auto, home, and life insurance needs.  Our carriers include Liberty Mutual, MetLife, Travelers, Mutual of Omaha, The Hartford, and more.  We are usually able to substantially lower our customers' insurance rates- And we simply listen and work with customers as individuals, without pressure.  Call us at (888) 244-1166 at or e-mail us at Elizabeth@NorrisFamilyIns.com.  Our daily endeavors are the primary way we are able to adopt, of course, and it would be our pleasure to work with you or your loved ones!  

Previous Fundraisers:

Here are our completed endeavors so far, in addition to leveraging our work and saving like crazy people!  We thought we'd keep a little mention of them here as part of keeping you up to date!
-Two printings of our Love Crosses Oceans t-shirts- June and September 2014
-Jamberry Party-June 2014
-Huge Yard Sale-April 2014

Breakdown of Adoption Costs

Agency Fees
Agency Fees $8,355
Orphanage Partnership Fee $600

Home Study Costs
Home Study $2,000
Post-placement visits (pre-pay required) $1,500
Required Training  $235
Background Checks FBI $100
Background Checks by State $52  
Medical Exams and Reports $300

Dossier Preparation
U.S. Immigration Application to Adopt from a Convention Country $890
Fed Ex $45
County Certification $65
State Certification $39
Chinese Consulate Authentication $325
Authentication Courier Fee $150
Dossier Log-in Fee $1,190

Travel Costs
Visas (2) $350
International Flights (2) $4,800
In-Country Flights (provincial city to U.S. consulate) $750
Official Fees $6,500
Guide, Transportation, Translator,Tips $2,165

Hotel $1,380

U.S. Consulate Fees $485
Visiting Orphanage $500
Meals/ Small expenses $2,000

Grand Total
$34,776