We wanted to share an update regarding our adoption journey. We have decided to adopt from Colombia, South America! Our home study is in the final review stage, which means our placing agency, Children’s House International (CHI), needs to review the home study created by Creative Adoptions in Ellicott City, MD. Once CHI reviews the home study, Creative Adoptions will finalize the home study.
Then, we will begin preparing the dossier. “Dossier” is a fancy word for the collection of documents needed for international adoption to show both the sending and receiving country that the we are in good standing financially, emotionally, physically, and mentally and will provide a good forever home for the adoptive child.
Once our home study has been finalized, we can begin applying for grants! Please pray for God’s wisdom and financial blessing as we choose which grants to apply for. Grants vary greatly in amount, qualifications, and cycles for acceptance of applications and awarding of funds.
Financial Updates
Grants:
- Applied for 2 so far, the only two we know of that you can apply for without a completed home study… no word yet. (No word typically means you didn’t get a grant.)
Puzzle Fundraiser:
- As of August 2, 2019, 85 pieces have been purchased. That means $1,700 has been raised. The puzzle is 17% complete. Yeah! Thank you! (Click here for more information about the Puzzle Fundraiser)
Adoption-related costs thus far:
- To date, we have spent $10,695
Upcoming Costs from CHI:
- Approval of Homestudy $ 4,000
- Upload of Documents to CARA (Dossier) $ 2,500
- Acceptance of Referral $ 2,000
How much more in adoption-related expenses:
- $32,480 (includes upcoming costs, program country fees, and travel)
If you would like to financially support our adoption:
You can purchase puzzle pieces through PayPal to paypal.me/ryanlaurelnalepa. If you wish to make an additional donation above the $20 price of a puzzle piece (first of all, that is awesome!), simply put the desired donation amount in the box and proceed to process your payment.
Alternatively, you can send a check directly to us! Contact Laurel and she’ll get you the address! (laurelnalepa@gmail.com)
You can also make a tax-deductible donation on our AdoptTogether account in order to receive a tax deduction for any donations you make. Go to adopttogether.org and enter “Nalepa Family Adoption” in the search box labeled “Search For An Adopting Family.” (Please note: There is a 5% processing fee and you will have to set-up an account with AdoptTogether.)
The other amazing thing that you could do to help would be to share this with your families and friends. We appreciate your prayers for us as we navigate international adoption; trust the Lord’s leading in matching us to a child; depend on God for His provision to cover the costs of this adoption; and for our family as we grow, bond, and learn together once our new family member comes to live with us.
*Please let us know if you would like to receive paper copies of our adoption updates!*
Thank you! We so appreciate your support and prayers!
Ryan and Laurel Nalepa
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Psalm 82:3
Irons in the Fire 