Now, we haven't actually had anyone ask us this question, but I know that adoptive families do sometimes get some questions about fundraising, so I thought I'd share our reasons and thoughts on the matter.
One, there is a need for children to be adopted. I don't think there is too much doubt about that. Estimates for how many orphans are in the world are generally in upwards of 100 million. While many countries have programs in place for orphans (orphanages, foster care), most do not come close to the benefits and protections provided by a permanent family.
In Tolia's country, when kids age out of the orphanage system at age 16, they are considered adults at that point. They have two options. They can strike out on their own, looking for work in their country or other European countries, or they can go onto a technical school. Orphans in his country, even ones with great grades and bright minds like Tolia, do not have the option to go to college. If they do choose technical school (which is outdated, bleak and provides little opportunity for future vocational success), they are still considered adults, and have almost no guidance, still very little food, and still lack the love and protection of parents and family.
What's worse, in addition to the poor likelihood of GOOD things in their future, there are many BAD things that happen to these vulnerable teens when they age out of the orphanage system.
- In Eastern Europe, less than 50% of the orphan population will live to see their 20th birthdays
- Of the orphans that survive their 20th birthdays, 50% will end up in organized crime, drugs, or prostitution
- One in six will commit suicide by their mid-20s.
Others are tricked or kidnapped and sold into other types of slavery.
In our family (and as you can imagine, in most adoptive families), we will turn ourselves inside out to make sure that he has every opportunity for good health, excellent education, love and safety.
We absolutely can afford to parent Tolia, and even if we have no help financially, we will somehow find a way to adopt him, even if it means going into debt. However, we would like to avoid that, of course. He will have college in just a few short years, and we would like to be in a position to really help him as much as possible with that! We have cut our expenses in every area we can think of, and I have taken a work-from-home job to help pay for the adoption, as well. Dave has accepted almost every overtime offer sent his way (and I know that we're extraordinarily lucky to have that; we know that most incomes are pretty static). We are doing everything we can to tackle the financial "mountain" that is international adoption, and pay for as much of it ourselves as possible! We are so thankful for what God has already done to help us pay for our expenses so far.
Also, we know that many of our friends, family and members at our church just love him, and believe so much in the cause of adoption, but for various reasons can't adopt, or don't feel it's the plan for their family right now. That's totally fine! Many in our circle have expressed their desire to care for the orphan, and this is one way to do that.
You are not compelled to participate in any fundraiser we have (I promise we love you either way!), but if you feel led, we are thankful. And I cannot emphasize enough how much we appreciate the moral support of our friends and family. It is so moving to hear the words of support and get encouraging emails and messages on Facebook. We can feel your love for Tolia and for our family. :')
Just a quick "rundown" of what we plan for fundraisers. We just want to let you know in advance, so you can see if there's one that is especially appealing to you, and know if you'd like to save your support for that one.
- Our 31 fundraiser, going now through Nov. 15. All online. Click on the link, go to "My Events", and select Joy's Adoption Fundraiser. Thank you, Becky G!
- Soon, we will have an ongoing puzzle fundraiser. We are having a 300-piece puzzle made of our family picture. You will be able to "buy" a piece of the puzzle for $10. We will write your name (or your child's name, husband's name, favorite pet's name, etc.!) on the back of the piece. When the puzzle is complete, we will double-frame it in glass, so Tolia can see all of the names on the pieces, and see everyone that helped bring him home. (Donations for this one will be tax-deductible, received by our Reece's Rainbow account.)
- We will have two blog giveaways. One on this blog, and one on Dave's, The Flatpick Apprentice. Each will have great prizes for those who donate or "share" the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or their blog. Seriously, super-pumped about these; the prizes are going to rock! These giveaways will likely take place in December and/or January. (Donations for this will also be tax-deductible, through our RR account.)
Thanks so much, guys, for even taking the time to read this. It shows that you're interested in Tolia, our family, and I'd guess, have concern about vulnerable children, in general. Please, stay in touch, keep following our story, and pretty please KEEP PRAYING for our sweet Tolia while he waits, and pray that we can bring him home SOON.
