The volunteer coordinator from the hosting organization finally got in touch with me today. She told me the homestudy agency they are working with will NOT do the "mini" homestudy (she called it a first visit report) that we were originally told would happen. Instead, they will do a complete homestudy. That means that if the first visit report would have cost $350, the full homestudy will cost $1000 instead. That adds $650 to the expense of hosting a child for five weeks. I can't imagine a family doing a host-only program, only families that intend to adopt their host child would pay that much money, in addition to the over $1000 hosting fees, in addition to the related expenses (i.e., camp, clothing and food and entertainment, possible physical exam for the host parent). I'm also pretty sure that Colombia requires a psychological evaluation for adoption, but I'm not sure if that would have to be done for a hosting homestudy (those are pretty expensive, but I've never done one so I don't know how much money to estimate).
To say I'm displeased is an understatement. The $650 difference is quite substantial. If I decide to do a new homestudy, it's more economical to just update my old homestudy from several years ago. That would still be about $300 more than what I already budgeted, but not the $650 I'm now presented with. I know that I shouldn't let $300 control my future, but remember that this is not my first attempt at adoption. I have, unfortunately, a lot of experience with agencies that don't tell the full story. What I'm starting to hear now sounds like half-stories, and that worries me A LOT.
I also read that the children coming this summer are considerably older than in past years. Not that the children are older, but there are less younger children. While I don't feel like the child I adopt will join my family as an infant, I also feel that my child will join my family way before the teen years. From what I hear, if I host this summer, Invisible Kid may already be a teen. I'm not interested in that. That's not how I see myself as a parent.
Lucky Boy is trying to process this information. We're going on a mini-vacation this weekend (and unlike the promise of a mini-homestudy, or mini-vacation is actually about 1/5 of what we originally budgeted, using his tax return and anticipated rebate). We're going to spend some time planning things out, as I'm no longer confident this is the right option for me. "I don't want to see you go through it a third time," that's LB's feelings, and I definitely DO NOT want to go through "it" again.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Quick update
I can't believe it's been ten days since I posted! Sorry.
We're trying to set priorities. NO, we don't really need to go to every concert and show that catches Lucky Boy's eye. We almost have the hosting fees covered, but we'll still have to pay for the homestudy AND for camp, and for any other expenses once she's here. Plus, after hosting, if we decide to adopt, we're going to need a lot more money. And if we decide to not adopt, we can still see most of the shows he wants to see anyway.
In the meantime, here's a list of things Invisible Kid doesn't need right now, so we didn't buy:
1. Season pass to a local water park - right now she gets in for free anyway since she's invisible.
2. New clothes, whether they are on sale or not - right now she can walk around naked and no one will notice, because she's invisible.
3. Games, using that "buy a bunch and get more for free" option at TRU - right now she has enough things to play with.
4. PlayStation. Sorry, Lucky Boy, but Invisible Kid does NOT need a $300 video game right now. And I doubt she'll need it for the summer, either.
5. Tickets to what looks to be a great concert at an outdoor venue. It may be too overwhelming for Invisible Kid when she gets here, and if she's still invisible on the day of the concert then we can get better seats for the same money.
I also want to publicly thank the blogger who got the quilling supplies I offered. She sent me a nice donation, which is so very much appreciated and totally unexpected. I really just wanted the supplies to go to a good home instead of the garbage (because I just never did get the hang of the gluing-it-all-togetber, but I always loved the look of quilled pieces). Thank you SO much!
I'm also adding to the thermometer our overtime pay and another book I sold on Amazon. I decided to sell the scarves I made and donate the money to another fundraiser at work instead.
We're trying to set priorities. NO, we don't really need to go to every concert and show that catches Lucky Boy's eye. We almost have the hosting fees covered, but we'll still have to pay for the homestudy AND for camp, and for any other expenses once she's here. Plus, after hosting, if we decide to adopt, we're going to need a lot more money. And if we decide to not adopt, we can still see most of the shows he wants to see anyway.
In the meantime, here's a list of things Invisible Kid doesn't need right now, so we didn't buy:
1. Season pass to a local water park - right now she gets in for free anyway since she's invisible.
2. New clothes, whether they are on sale or not - right now she can walk around naked and no one will notice, because she's invisible.
3. Games, using that "buy a bunch and get more for free" option at TRU - right now she has enough things to play with.
4. PlayStation. Sorry, Lucky Boy, but Invisible Kid does NOT need a $300 video game right now. And I doubt she'll need it for the summer, either.
5. Tickets to what looks to be a great concert at an outdoor venue. It may be too overwhelming for Invisible Kid when she gets here, and if she's still invisible on the day of the concert then we can get better seats for the same money.
I also want to publicly thank the blogger who got the quilling supplies I offered. She sent me a nice donation, which is so very much appreciated and totally unexpected. I really just wanted the supplies to go to a good home instead of the garbage (because I just never did get the hang of the gluing-it-all-togetber, but I always loved the look of quilled pieces). Thank you SO much!
I'm also adding to the thermometer our overtime pay and another book I sold on Amazon. I decided to sell the scarves I made and donate the money to another fundraiser at work instead.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Current events
I'm a little worried about the political situation in Colombia right now. Hugo Chavez (Venezuela) and Ecuador seem to be having some big controversy with the Colombian government, and things look pretty hostile. I saw one article referencing "dirty bombs," which is obviously quite disturbing.
I don't think any of that will affect our summer hosting plans, unless the Colombian government decides not to allow the children out of the country. Just because we are hosting does not mean we are adopting, regardless of our hope to adopt a child. We know full well that we may not choose to adopt the Invisible Kid, we may not choose to adopt any kid. This isn't about our hope to adopt, this is about our hope to help a child for the rest of her life. We would like to adopt, but there's a lot to figure out before we decide to pursue another adoption right now.
Please keep the children of Colombia (and all the citizens of all war-torn countries) in your thoughts and prayers.
I don't think any of that will affect our summer hosting plans, unless the Colombian government decides not to allow the children out of the country. Just because we are hosting does not mean we are adopting, regardless of our hope to adopt a child. We know full well that we may not choose to adopt the Invisible Kid, we may not choose to adopt any kid. This isn't about our hope to adopt, this is about our hope to help a child for the rest of her life. We would like to adopt, but there's a lot to figure out before we decide to pursue another adoption right now.
Please keep the children of Colombia (and all the citizens of all war-torn countries) in your thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Still moving along
I added $40 to the fundraising thermometer because... I sold 2 booka on Amazon! Pretty exciting, I think. It's only two books, but at least they went to good homes. I still have a lot more listed.
I forgot to bring the quilling materials to the post office to mail them. I'm hoping to do that this week, but I'm working late on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday so Tuesday is hopefully my day.
I decided not to sell the hat and scarves for the hosting fundraiser. A woman I work with was doing a fundraiser for a family friend who died after a long battle with cancer, leaving four children and lots of medical bills. I'm going to donate the money to that family, instead. People were so generous when I first put up that donate button and I feel like I should help this family. I've been getting some overtime hours at work, so that will help too. And Lucky Boy got some overtime, too. I'll probably update the thermometer with the first overtime payment this week. I'm also considering a different crafting project as a fundraiser, something more practical for the season.
I'm still waiting to hear about the mini-homestudy we have to do. I'm thinking the delay from the organization is related to the Hague accreditation announcement on Friday. Colombia has been a Hague country for many years, and some of the agencies that have been approved by Colombia are not on the US approved list. The agency I was hoping to use (geographically desirable, although it's said that geography isn't a good reason to pick an agency because it doesn't really matter where the agency is located) IS on the approved list. I picked that agency not only because they are geographically desirable, a less-than two hour drive from our house, but more because they have a very good reputation and I met some local families that used that agency to adopt from Colombia within the past five years. ALWAYS get references from families that have completed an adoption. DO NOT trust the references of families who are still in process. (Remember that this is not our first try at adoption.)
I forgot to bring the quilling materials to the post office to mail them. I'm hoping to do that this week, but I'm working late on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday so Tuesday is hopefully my day.
I decided not to sell the hat and scarves for the hosting fundraiser. A woman I work with was doing a fundraiser for a family friend who died after a long battle with cancer, leaving four children and lots of medical bills. I'm going to donate the money to that family, instead. People were so generous when I first put up that donate button and I feel like I should help this family. I've been getting some overtime hours at work, so that will help too. And Lucky Boy got some overtime, too. I'll probably update the thermometer with the first overtime payment this week. I'm also considering a different crafting project as a fundraiser, something more practical for the season.
I'm still waiting to hear about the mini-homestudy we have to do. I'm thinking the delay from the organization is related to the Hague accreditation announcement on Friday. Colombia has been a Hague country for many years, and some of the agencies that have been approved by Colombia are not on the US approved list. The agency I was hoping to use (geographically desirable, although it's said that geography isn't a good reason to pick an agency because it doesn't really matter where the agency is located) IS on the approved list. I picked that agency not only because they are geographically desirable, a less-than two hour drive from our house, but more because they have a very good reputation and I met some local families that used that agency to adopt from Colombia within the past five years. ALWAYS get references from families that have completed an adoption. DO NOT trust the references of families who are still in process. (Remember that this is not our first try at adoption.)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What does Invisible Kid eat?
Emerill did a show tonight about the international foods of Queens, New York. You know, that place where The Nanny, Archie Bunker, and The King of Queens were about? I think that last Bill Cosby show, too. (Hey, my old blogger buddies better stop laughing at me right about now!) Anyway, one of the recipes he featured was the national soup of Colombia. Who would have known that there are so many Colombians in Queens, New York? (Really, stop laughing at me.)
I'm not a good cook. I like to cook, but I don't like to clean up afterwards so I don't do much fancy cooking. My favorites lately are baked ziti, grilled chicken, shrimp in garlic and oil, and anything I can pop in the microwave. Lucky Boy is a very picky eater, and he won't eat ziti or shrimp so we're pretty restricted. At least over the summer we can barbecue. I mean, who doesn't like hamburgers and hot dogs! (Well, I eat the turkey hot dogs and usually don't tell Lucky Boy, he just thinks I buy a different brand. Hee hee, you won't spill my secret right?)
OK, let's gather some recipes and see if they will actually work for my family:
Bunuelos - they look like munchkins (donut holes) but the recipe says they have cheese in them.
Bogota barbecue. Does that corn look burnt? It just looks like some hot dogs, piece of meat, and some potatoes.
I'm not a good cook. I like to cook, but I don't like to clean up afterwards so I don't do much fancy cooking. My favorites lately are baked ziti, grilled chicken, shrimp in garlic and oil, and anything I can pop in the microwave. Lucky Boy is a very picky eater, and he won't eat ziti or shrimp so we're pretty restricted. At least over the summer we can barbecue. I mean, who doesn't like hamburgers and hot dogs! (Well, I eat the turkey hot dogs and usually don't tell Lucky Boy, he just thinks I buy a different brand. Hee hee, you won't spill my secret right?)
OK, let's gather some recipes and see if they will actually work for my family:
- Colombian Chicken Soup (as seen on Emeril) http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_35681,00.html
This will not work for Lucky Boy. He doesn't eat soup and he will not touch salsa. And does anyone know what "Bijol" is? - Wikipedia entry on Cuisine of Colombia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombian_cuisine A bunch of fruits I've never heard of and I'm fairly sure they don't sell in my local supermarket. Another soup called ajico that doesn't seem the same as Emeril's recipe. Barbecued meat (woo hoo!). Two more soups. Another "national" dish that includes ground beef, plantains, and avocado (tonight I had frozen beef patties and frozen plantains, I guess that's similar). Cornmeal pancakes (Lucky Boy loves his pancakes!) with cheese. Something called arequipe that apparently can be eaten by itself or as an ingredient in other desserts. Good thing there are more links to a bunch of these foods!
- Sancocho http://www.recipezaar.com/253801 Another soup, and this recipe has WAAAY too many ingredients for me. I did see a bag with frozen ingredients that said all you have to do is add cooked chicken or pork and it will be "sancocho," so I guess I can try that. I mean, I can boil water!
- Flank steak (or substitute skirt steak) http://www.recipezaar.com/229300 I know Lucky Boy eats steak, and I know he eats skirt steak. And this recipe has a lot of ingredients but they're mostly seasoning. (But I don't know if I really want to add beer to a recipe for Invisible Kid.)
- Ground Beef in Sauce http://www.recipezaar.com/229295 REALLY easy. I think I can actually make this one!
- Recipes from my mom http://maelisa.home.sprynet.com/recetas/ But it's all in Spanish. ALL of it. :-(
- Avocado and potato soup http://www.recipesource.com/ethnic/americas/colombian/00/rec0002.html Yeah, another soup. I think I'll be floating away if I make all these soups.
Of course there's always pizza, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, PBJ, chicken nuggets, all those classic kids foods. Those are international, right? I mean, I know that last year I watched the kids eat salad, pizza, and mac and cheese. Invisible Kid will eat those, right? (Lucky Boy will eat pizza and nuggets, too.)
Some pictures:
Bunuelos - they look like munchkins (donut holes) but the recipe says they have cheese in them.
Bogota barbecue. Does that corn look burnt? It just looks like some hot dogs, piece of meat, and some potatoes.
Ariquepe, which one of the recipes says is also called Dulce de Leche (like the Haagen Daaz ice cream flavor). It says this is a popular dish in Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala. Strange - Guatemala seems worlds away from Colombia in my mind. (Really, my old blogger buddies need to stop laughing at me, please.)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Increasing the effort
I have a bunch of knit and crochet scarfs that I'm going to try and sell. Not "sell," per se, but more like bring in to work and ask for a donation. I used bits and pieces of yarn from leftover projects, or abandoned projects. I also inherited a lot of yarn when Lucky Boy's mother passed away, so I started to use that, too. I'll bring the scarves to work on Monday and take pictures of the ones that don't go at work and post them to this blog. None are very fancy, but every bit helps, right?
I also listed a bunch of books on Amazon. They were mostly textbooks and trade books from when I was in grad school. Considering I purchased a bunch on Amazon, I'm hoping that by listing them LOW I'll get some offers. Again, I'm not looking to make BIG money on anything, but if I sell the books I'll have more space in my house AND a few more dollars in the account.
I didn't get through the scrapbooking stuff yet, but it's still in my plans. And a sinus infection grounded me for most of the week, which is why I didn't mail any of the other things (today is a blizzard and I'm terrified to drive in any snow). Everything is in a nice little pile waiting to go to the post office, hopefully tomorrow if I can dig out.
Lucky Boy wants to go to some concerts this summer so he's putting his budget together for that. I usually go with him to concerts so he's not alone, but in truth I can take them or leave them. I think for every concert we don't go to, I'm going to put that money "in" the fundraising total. Tickets for The Police go on sale tomorrow. We saw them last year, but Lucky Boy really wants to go again. Good news - the concert is during the hosting experience so I definitely can't go, so I'll be updating our fundraising total as soon as we find out how much he spends on his one ticket. And Celine's concert, missing that will be a sacrifice so I'll definitely be adding the price of two tickets to the fundraising total. (I've already seen her in Vegas, the show is amazing and I so much would love to see her again, but I'd also love to add $300 to the fundraising total...)
I also listed a bunch of books on Amazon. They were mostly textbooks and trade books from when I was in grad school. Considering I purchased a bunch on Amazon, I'm hoping that by listing them LOW I'll get some offers. Again, I'm not looking to make BIG money on anything, but if I sell the books I'll have more space in my house AND a few more dollars in the account.
I didn't get through the scrapbooking stuff yet, but it's still in my plans. And a sinus infection grounded me for most of the week, which is why I didn't mail any of the other things (today is a blizzard and I'm terrified to drive in any snow). Everything is in a nice little pile waiting to go to the post office, hopefully tomorrow if I can dig out.
Lucky Boy wants to go to some concerts this summer so he's putting his budget together for that. I usually go with him to concerts so he's not alone, but in truth I can take them or leave them. I think for every concert we don't go to, I'm going to put that money "in" the fundraising total. Tickets for The Police go on sale tomorrow. We saw them last year, but Lucky Boy really wants to go again. Good news - the concert is during the hosting experience so I definitely can't go, so I'll be updating our fundraising total as soon as we find out how much he spends on his one ticket. And Celine's concert, missing that will be a sacrifice so I'll definitely be adding the price of two tickets to the fundraising total. (I've already seen her in Vegas, the show is amazing and I so much would love to see her again, but I'd also love to add $300 to the fundraising total...)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Free to a good home
I'm just listing a few things tonight, and I'll add to it as the week goes on and I find more stuff that I really need to get rid of. It's not that anything is wrong with this stuff, it's just that I have WAY TOO MUCH of everything. I'm trying to simplify my life so that I can complicate it with more important things, like people.
1. Quilling supplies - I always had these great ambitions to make lots of quilled stuff. Cards, wall hangings in shadow boxes, embellishments for a scrapbook. It never really happened. If you've ever wanted to learn to quill (roll strips of paper), this is a great deal. I'd appreciate it if you could reimburse me the postage, but I'll even send it without that commitment just so that it goes to a loving home. The supplies include: LOTS of quilting strips, a book with some starter patterns, a circle template, and two quilling tools. Estimated cost of all these things is about $40, estimated shipping is about $8 because I can probably get it all into one of those Priority Mail bags. These supplies have found a good home.
2. Really cute outfit for a baby girl, size 6-9 months. It's a pink onesie and denim skort, with a pack of barrettes. Purchased at Walmart, probably cost around $15. Never worn, I just forgot to give it to my friend for her granddaughter and now she's outgrown it. Estimated shipping is about $5.
3. Blue dangle earrings. From the brand 1928. Dark blue square with a slightly lighter blue flower on top of it, both in some kind of crystal type thing. Very elegant, but I don't do dangle earrings. They were a gift from a friend (who doesn't read the blog). I've never worn them. They will fit in a regular envelope so no shipping!
4. Notepad with the the Eiffel Tower as a cover. Perfect for a French teacher. Never used. No idea what the shipping would be, probably less than $2.
Stay tuned for A LOT of scrapbooking stuff!!! If you're interested in any of these things, please leave a comment with a way to contact you. (Comments with e-mail addresses will not be posted on the blog, the blog is set for me to approve all comments so you don't have to worry about spammers, plus you can even leave a comment if you don't have a blog with just your e-mail address and I'll be in touch with you.)
1. Quilling supplies - I always had these great ambitions to make lots of quilled stuff. Cards, wall hangings in shadow boxes, embellishments for a scrapbook. It never really happened. If you've ever wanted to learn to quill (roll strips of paper), this is a great deal. I'd appreciate it if you could reimburse me the postage, but I'll even send it without that commitment just so that it goes to a loving home. The supplies include: LOTS of quilting strips, a book with some starter patterns, a circle template, and two quilling tools. Estimated cost of all these things is about $40, estimated shipping is about $8 because I can probably get it all into one of those Priority Mail bags. These supplies have found a good home.
2. Really cute outfit for a baby girl, size 6-9 months. It's a pink onesie and denim skort, with a pack of barrettes. Purchased at Walmart, probably cost around $15. Never worn, I just forgot to give it to my friend for her granddaughter and now she's outgrown it. Estimated shipping is about $5.
3. Blue dangle earrings. From the brand 1928. Dark blue square with a slightly lighter blue flower on top of it, both in some kind of crystal type thing. Very elegant, but I don't do dangle earrings. They were a gift from a friend (who doesn't read the blog). I've never worn them. They will fit in a regular envelope so no shipping!
4. Notepad with the the Eiffel Tower as a cover. Perfect for a French teacher. Never used. No idea what the shipping would be, probably less than $2.
Stay tuned for A LOT of scrapbooking stuff!!! If you're interested in any of these things, please leave a comment with a way to contact you. (Comments with e-mail addresses will not be posted on the blog, the blog is set for me to approve all comments so you don't have to worry about spammers, plus you can even leave a comment if you don't have a blog with just your e-mail address and I'll be in touch with you.)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Buscando un mejor futuro (Searching for a better future)
This video is completely in Spanish, but it tells the story of one of the kids I translated for last summer. I know this little girl. I've hugged her and played with her and she's told me her stories. She's such a sweetie and I'm glad she found her family. (She's not home yet, though.)
Childhood Regained: Urban orphans of Colombia
When you watch this video, you'll see kids who had been in the US with the same organization we're hosting through. Yes, I have actually met two of the kids in this video now that they are home with their families. (Kinda cool, huh? One of the younger kids in this video may actually be the Invisible Kid.)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Summer camp
I just realized that I need to look into summer camps in my area. I need to look into summer camps! Wow.
OK, it seems that my town has a free program, ages 6-12. Free. They have counselors, it's at a local park/playground. From what it reads on the town website, you sign up NOW and basically just drop the kids off. They don't have camp on bad weather days, since it's an outdoor program. But they also organize some trips to local fun places (that Lucky Boy and I wanted to take her to anyway), so it's not just all days at the park. Free is definitely a plus, but I'm a little curious what kind of supervision they have and what the other kids in the program will be like. I'm not too worried about the language issue, since there are many Spanish-speakers in my town. I guess I'm just taking for granted that there will always be a Spanish-speaker around when you need one.
My friends had mentioned another local program that has week-long camps. One son went to softball, and another friend's son went to soccer and his daughter went to swimming. There's a fee, but it's also run out of the local high school so it's not a HUGE fee, probably comparable to other weekly camp fees in the area. I can also ask for a scholarship, the hosting organization has a template letter for that. I'm just a little concerned with commiting to a full week (or a few weeks), without having met her or even knowing anything about her. Age? Interests? I mean, what if I sign her up for a week of swimming and it turns out she's terrified of the water and refuses to swim?
I'd really like to find a program that has 2 or 3 days a week, rather than all five days. There's another program that runs an afterschool program a friend's daughter goes to. I think my neighbor also went there, I'll have to ask her (she's now 13). I think the part-week program would be a better option for ME because it's structured, it's not ALL me, and it gives her a break rather than going all five days.
Whatever it is, we really need to get started on this NOW. We'll have a better chance of getting a scholarship if we start asking around now, and we'll probably have a better idea of what programs are available if we start visiting and asking around. It's kind of hard to plan on a summer camp when I have no idea about the child! (If we're really talking "ideal world," I'd ask my friend who has an 8-year old which camp his daughter is going to and we'd make the plans together, but then what happens if the Invisible Kid isn't close to 8?)
OK, it seems that my town has a free program, ages 6-12. Free. They have counselors, it's at a local park/playground. From what it reads on the town website, you sign up NOW and basically just drop the kids off. They don't have camp on bad weather days, since it's an outdoor program. But they also organize some trips to local fun places (that Lucky Boy and I wanted to take her to anyway), so it's not just all days at the park. Free is definitely a plus, but I'm a little curious what kind of supervision they have and what the other kids in the program will be like. I'm not too worried about the language issue, since there are many Spanish-speakers in my town. I guess I'm just taking for granted that there will always be a Spanish-speaker around when you need one.
My friends had mentioned another local program that has week-long camps. One son went to softball, and another friend's son went to soccer and his daughter went to swimming. There's a fee, but it's also run out of the local high school so it's not a HUGE fee, probably comparable to other weekly camp fees in the area. I can also ask for a scholarship, the hosting organization has a template letter for that. I'm just a little concerned with commiting to a full week (or a few weeks), without having met her or even knowing anything about her. Age? Interests? I mean, what if I sign her up for a week of swimming and it turns out she's terrified of the water and refuses to swim?
I'd really like to find a program that has 2 or 3 days a week, rather than all five days. There's another program that runs an afterschool program a friend's daughter goes to. I think my neighbor also went there, I'll have to ask her (she's now 13). I think the part-week program would be a better option for ME because it's structured, it's not ALL me, and it gives her a break rather than going all five days.
Whatever it is, we really need to get started on this NOW. We'll have a better chance of getting a scholarship if we start asking around now, and we'll probably have a better idea of what programs are available if we start visiting and asking around. It's kind of hard to plan on a summer camp when I have no idea about the child! (If we're really talking "ideal world," I'd ask my friend who has an 8-year old which camp his daughter is going to and we'd make the plans together, but then what happens if the Invisible Kid isn't close to 8?)
OWOH update
I'm really blown away by this blog event. I'm used to adoption blogs, people celebrating progress or worrying about changes in the process. I'm not used to so many comments of people saying, "Wow, that sounds neat." Since my blog is set to approve comments, I get all of the comments e-mailed to me before they are posted on the blog. At first it was cool seeing all the comments come in. I guess I didn't really expect SO MANY comments, because it seems that every time I open my e-mail I have a bunch more to approve. I shouldn't really complain, though, because all of those comments will stop today. Today is the last day to enter my giveaway raffle.
I offered first a knit hat, three shades of tan with different knit stitches so it's a little texturized. I think it's adorable, it's the second hat I made with this pattern (the first was all one color and the recipient loved it). I only expected a handful of comments, so when the comments really started to build I decided to add another giveaway. I then offered a grey hat, also a combination of stitches but this time all crochet. I actually like the grey one more (grey is one of my favorite colors). Last I checked I had over 60 comments, so let's see how many more I get today.
If you haven't checked out the One World One Heart blog (see the link below), you really need to. Click on any of the blogs in the blogroll and you'll be amazed at these things. I've made my way down about 1/4 of the entries, but I totally wish I had more time to sit and gawk at the offerings. Not only are the giveaways beautiful, but I'd really like to browse through more of the blogs to see the artists' other works, find out more about their lives, etc. There are a lot of altered artists, who combine papercrafts, decoupage, lucky finds, etc. and create beautiful showpieces with a vintage edge. I've seen a bunch of scrapbookers, which used to be one of my hobbies back when I had a lot more time. I even saw a quiller, something I've dabbled with recently but I just can't seem to get it right (I bookmarked her site so that I can copy some of her designs). I actually haven't seen any other fiber artists (knit, crochet, embroidery, etc.) yet, which seems strange to me because most of my crafter-friends do one of those hobbies also. I'm actually a member of three local knitting circles, although I don't get to the meetings as often as I used to.
I haven't entered every giveaway, although I DO love most of the pieces I've seen. I mean, really, they are wonderful and beautiful works of art and I would be delighted to display any of them in my home. But I have so much "stuff" as is, I need to find better places for all of the stuff I already have, and I'm trying not to buy NEW stuff. I did enter a few giveaways for things like journals or things I would gift away, but I'm really trying to restrain myself. I know it's "free" if I win, and for many of the raffles there are 100 comments for 1 giveaway, but I don't want to get into the purchasing-mentality. Please do not be insulted if I didn't enter your giveway, because for most blogs it was really hard to NOT comment and enter.
OK, I've relieved some of the guilt. Time to tackle the snow and ice mix...
I offered first a knit hat, three shades of tan with different knit stitches so it's a little texturized. I think it's adorable, it's the second hat I made with this pattern (the first was all one color and the recipient loved it). I only expected a handful of comments, so when the comments really started to build I decided to add another giveaway. I then offered a grey hat, also a combination of stitches but this time all crochet. I actually like the grey one more (grey is one of my favorite colors). Last I checked I had over 60 comments, so let's see how many more I get today.
If you haven't checked out the One World One Heart blog (see the link below), you really need to. Click on any of the blogs in the blogroll and you'll be amazed at these things. I've made my way down about 1/4 of the entries, but I totally wish I had more time to sit and gawk at the offerings. Not only are the giveaways beautiful, but I'd really like to browse through more of the blogs to see the artists' other works, find out more about their lives, etc. There are a lot of altered artists, who combine papercrafts, decoupage, lucky finds, etc. and create beautiful showpieces with a vintage edge. I've seen a bunch of scrapbookers, which used to be one of my hobbies back when I had a lot more time. I even saw a quiller, something I've dabbled with recently but I just can't seem to get it right (I bookmarked her site so that I can copy some of her designs). I actually haven't seen any other fiber artists (knit, crochet, embroidery, etc.) yet, which seems strange to me because most of my crafter-friends do one of those hobbies also. I'm actually a member of three local knitting circles, although I don't get to the meetings as often as I used to.
I haven't entered every giveaway, although I DO love most of the pieces I've seen. I mean, really, they are wonderful and beautiful works of art and I would be delighted to display any of them in my home. But I have so much "stuff" as is, I need to find better places for all of the stuff I already have, and I'm trying not to buy NEW stuff. I did enter a few giveaways for things like journals or things I would gift away, but I'm really trying to restrain myself. I know it's "free" if I win, and for many of the raffles there are 100 comments for 1 giveaway, but I don't want to get into the purchasing-mentality. Please do not be insulted if I didn't enter your giveway, because for most blogs it was really hard to NOT comment and enter.
OK, I've relieved some of the guilt. Time to tackle the snow and ice mix...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Info meeting - success!
We went to the meeting today and it was GREAT! First off, last year's coordinator WAS there, so it was nice to chat with him and his family. At least Lucky Boy felt comfortable because we knew people; most of the other families were at their first event so it felt like we were a step ahead. Plus, we already knew the details of things like fundraising for the organization, weekend family get-togethers, and some of the rules.
Second, LB was very attentive and interested. Not that I thought he wouldn't be, but you never totally know what someone else's threshold will be for sitting in a HS classroom listening to a lecture. He didn't ask any questions, but I think that was more because we already knew most of the information. He didn't realize that the escort would stay with us for a few days, apparently he missed that when I kept asking him if he knew anyone who had an air matress for the escort this summer.
Third, we DID give in the completed application. The check will go in the mail tomorrow morning on my way to work. We can update our old homestudy, so arranging that will be the next step. I actually just planned on doing a mini-homestudy with whatever summer social worker the organization will be using, which would cost around $200, but they are recommending that because I already have a homestudy I do an update which is $600 but that would be ALL I'd need if I decide to pursue an adoption. Kinda scary, I'm taking a $400 risk by doing the update instead of the mini-version. I guess in the long run, it isn't really that much more to just collect all of the paperwork as if we were host-to-adopt rather than host-possible-adopt. I don't think I'm going to send in the immigration paperwork until after The Invisible Kid is here.
And here's a bit of information that neither of us realized before. One of the things we've been looking forward to MOST if we eventually have a child is to take her to a vacation area about 3 hours north of us. We've gone there the past few summers and we keep imagining what it would be like to actually watch a child enjoy it, to enjoy the amusement parks and everything else through the eyes of a child. Well, depending on The Invisible Kid's needs (what we estimate them to be when she arrives), we CAN take that vacation THIS summer!!! We won't plan it until she's here for a few days, just to see how she adapts and if it's the kind of thing she'd actually like, but we're really hoping it will work out. And the best part is, a friend's family has a vacation home in that area, so we may be able to go and not have to pay for a hotel.
Second, LB was very attentive and interested. Not that I thought he wouldn't be, but you never totally know what someone else's threshold will be for sitting in a HS classroom listening to a lecture. He didn't ask any questions, but I think that was more because we already knew most of the information. He didn't realize that the escort would stay with us for a few days, apparently he missed that when I kept asking him if he knew anyone who had an air matress for the escort this summer.
Third, we DID give in the completed application. The check will go in the mail tomorrow morning on my way to work. We can update our old homestudy, so arranging that will be the next step. I actually just planned on doing a mini-homestudy with whatever summer social worker the organization will be using, which would cost around $200, but they are recommending that because I already have a homestudy I do an update which is $600 but that would be ALL I'd need if I decide to pursue an adoption. Kinda scary, I'm taking a $400 risk by doing the update instead of the mini-version. I guess in the long run, it isn't really that much more to just collect all of the paperwork as if we were host-to-adopt rather than host-possible-adopt. I don't think I'm going to send in the immigration paperwork until after The Invisible Kid is here.
And here's a bit of information that neither of us realized before. One of the things we've been looking forward to MOST if we eventually have a child is to take her to a vacation area about 3 hours north of us. We've gone there the past few summers and we keep imagining what it would be like to actually watch a child enjoy it, to enjoy the amusement parks and everything else through the eyes of a child. Well, depending on The Invisible Kid's needs (what we estimate them to be when she arrives), we CAN take that vacation THIS summer!!! We won't plan it until she's here for a few days, just to see how she adapts and if it's the kind of thing she'd actually like, but we're really hoping it will work out. And the best part is, a friend's family has a vacation home in that area, so we may be able to go and not have to pay for a hotel.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
One World One Heart
UPDATE: There were 84 comments as of 7:00 AM EST when I drew the winners. The winning comments are numbers ONE and SIXTY (taken by the Random Number Generator). I'll count out the comments later and contact the winners of both hats. This was SOOOO MUCH FUN and I can't wait to go back and read over the other blogs!
Thanks for visiting!
This looks like fun. It was started to help introduce bloggers from around the world. What you do is, offer something preferably handmade as a raffle, and then you visit the other blogs who did it and you enter their raffles. That way you get to "meet" a lot of people by visiting their blogs. I've looked through some of the blogs and I saw a lot of great, creative people.
I'm not that creative, but I'm pretty artsy. I can follow a pattern with the best of them. I don't have a picture to offer (and please, let me know if you find the cord for my digital camera because it's been missing for a while now, and I'd like to have it before the summer), but I'm going to offer a handmade knit hat. It's a pretty unique pattern (which I didn't create), different stitches so there's a nice texture to the finished hat. The hat is a combination of three different tan shades. I'd wear it myself, if I didn't decide to put it in the raffle.
There's how you enter the raffle for this unique hat.
1. Leave me a comment on this post, saying you want to enter the raffle. Please be sure to leave either your blog address (if you have a blog) or your e-mail, so I know how to contact you if you win.
2. Please enter the raffle before midnight, February 13. I will announce the winner around 8AM on Thursday, February 14.
3. Please enter so that I don't feel bad. I'm hoping to get at least 10 entries. :-) (Low expectation based on the fact that I don't have a picture, plus I'm joining pretty late in the game.)
COME ON, it's FREE to enter. And check out the other raffles linked to that site, there's some really great stuff out there!
UPDATE because I'm so excited that I already have ten entries. And those are really talented craftspeople, too! (I'm used to adoption bloggers, I don't think I was expecting NEW strangerfriends.) This is so much fun, visiting all these blogs with such beautiful things. Inspiration galore! Too bad I don't want to spend more money, because I'd LOVE to buy a bunch of things from so many of these blogs. I'm having such a good time surfing!
Another update because I've seen on so many blogs how people include their time zone. This makes sense, considering it's an international thing. So, to reinforce the idea that people in New York think the center of the universe IS New York, I realized that I should also include my time zone. All times, of course, are New York time. :-) (And I'm so excited that I have 24 comments already. If I get 50 comments, I'll add another hat, also multi-stitch with texture but this one is crochet, all grey.)
Another update because I have more than 50 comments! So there will be TWO hats in this giveaway.
Thanks for visiting!
This looks like fun. It was started to help introduce bloggers from around the world. What you do is, offer something preferably handmade as a raffle, and then you visit the other blogs who did it and you enter their raffles. That way you get to "meet" a lot of people by visiting their blogs. I've looked through some of the blogs and I saw a lot of great, creative people.
I'm not that creative, but I'm pretty artsy. I can follow a pattern with the best of them. I don't have a picture to offer (and please, let me know if you find the cord for my digital camera because it's been missing for a while now, and I'd like to have it before the summer), but I'm going to offer a handmade knit hat. It's a pretty unique pattern (which I didn't create), different stitches so there's a nice texture to the finished hat. The hat is a combination of three different tan shades. I'd wear it myself, if I didn't decide to put it in the raffle.
There's how you enter the raffle for this unique hat.
1. Leave me a comment on this post, saying you want to enter the raffle. Please be sure to leave either your blog address (if you have a blog) or your e-mail, so I know how to contact you if you win.
2. Please enter the raffle before midnight, February 13. I will announce the winner around 8AM on Thursday, February 14.
3. Please enter so that I don't feel bad. I'm hoping to get at least 10 entries. :-) (Low expectation based on the fact that I don't have a picture, plus I'm joining pretty late in the game.)
COME ON, it's FREE to enter. And check out the other raffles linked to that site, there's some really great stuff out there!
UPDATE because I'm so excited that I already have ten entries. And those are really talented craftspeople, too! (I'm used to adoption bloggers, I don't think I was expecting NEW strangerfriends.) This is so much fun, visiting all these blogs with such beautiful things. Inspiration galore! Too bad I don't want to spend more money, because I'd LOVE to buy a bunch of things from so many of these blogs. I'm having such a good time surfing!
Another update because I've seen on so many blogs how people include their time zone. This makes sense, considering it's an international thing. So, to reinforce the idea that people in New York think the center of the universe IS New York, I realized that I should also include my time zone. All times, of course, are New York time. :-) (And I'm so excited that I have 24 comments already. If I get 50 comments, I'll add another hat, also multi-stitch with texture but this one is crochet, all grey.)
Another update because I have more than 50 comments! So there will be TWO hats in this giveaway.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
What now?
I sent in my application on Friday, and got an e-mail that someone would contact me within 72 hours. I don't know if that's business hours or regular hours.... I'll try to call tomorrow, but I can't always guarantee I'll have access to a phone during work.
We're going to an information meeting on Sunday. Since we already know many of the people in the local chapter of the organization from our fundraising efforts last year (as volunteers), it's really just a formality that we're attending. We want to meet the other families who will be hosting, and of course we want to see the families that hosted last year that we already met several times. I don't know if any of last year's host children are home yet, so I'm also hoping to see some of them!
I guess the information meeting will give us more of a timeline to follow. I know that we have to get started on our homestudy and fingerprinting requirements, since that will be about a 2-month process. We will not be matched with a child until the homestudy is at least started, no matches are official until the homestudy is complete. Last year, the first few families were matched at the end of May and some were still waiting to be matched mid-June. The children arrived the last few days of June last year, which means it's possible that we'll have a month (or less) to prepare for the exact child. Since we're going for the minimalist approach, a month should be enough time to find a few outfits (maybe 4 daytime outfits, 2 bathing suits, a pair of jeans, and maybe a skirt) and a few books. I have plenty of kids books in Spanish already in my collection, but they might not be age-appropriate. Luckily, I have many friends who have books for different age-levels in Spanish. I'm also asking a friend if I can borrow his PlayStation for the summer (he's 29, no kids). And I've been collecting dolls for many years, so they are just laying around my house waiting for a little girl to play with them.
We started to make playdates for the summer, too. We have friends with girls around the same as as The Invisible Kid (TIK), so we're trying to see what things we can do that are low cost but high fun. There are some local farms with lots of animals, a small waterpark, and two of those arcade places that have rides and stuff. Lucky Boy is most excited to try the bumper boats with TIK, because there's no way I'm getting into one of those things!
The popcorn arrived today. I'm hoping to get around to ebay listing this weekend, but I said that last weekend, too.
We're going to an information meeting on Sunday. Since we already know many of the people in the local chapter of the organization from our fundraising efforts last year (as volunteers), it's really just a formality that we're attending. We want to meet the other families who will be hosting, and of course we want to see the families that hosted last year that we already met several times. I don't know if any of last year's host children are home yet, so I'm also hoping to see some of them!
I guess the information meeting will give us more of a timeline to follow. I know that we have to get started on our homestudy and fingerprinting requirements, since that will be about a 2-month process. We will not be matched with a child until the homestudy is at least started, no matches are official until the homestudy is complete. Last year, the first few families were matched at the end of May and some were still waiting to be matched mid-June. The children arrived the last few days of June last year, which means it's possible that we'll have a month (or less) to prepare for the exact child. Since we're going for the minimalist approach, a month should be enough time to find a few outfits (maybe 4 daytime outfits, 2 bathing suits, a pair of jeans, and maybe a skirt) and a few books. I have plenty of kids books in Spanish already in my collection, but they might not be age-appropriate. Luckily, I have many friends who have books for different age-levels in Spanish. I'm also asking a friend if I can borrow his PlayStation for the summer (he's 29, no kids). And I've been collecting dolls for many years, so they are just laying around my house waiting for a little girl to play with them.
We started to make playdates for the summer, too. We have friends with girls around the same as as The Invisible Kid (TIK), so we're trying to see what things we can do that are low cost but high fun. There are some local farms with lots of animals, a small waterpark, and two of those arcade places that have rides and stuff. Lucky Boy is most excited to try the bumper boats with TIK, because there's no way I'm getting into one of those things!
The popcorn arrived today. I'm hoping to get around to ebay listing this weekend, but I said that last weekend, too.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Threw my hat in
I just filled out the application!!! It's a petition to host, which I guess isn't really the full application yet(?). But whatever the "official" status is, I'm no longer waiting to start and I've started. Right on schedule. (Three years later, but right on schedule?)
I guess the next step is the homestudy and the accompanying paperchase? Very exciting.
I'm going to spend a little bit today making a scarf, maybe two. I'm hoping to sell some at work as part of the fundraiser. I can't believe we're already half-way there! Thank you all SOOOO much!
I guess the next step is the homestudy and the accompanying paperchase? Very exciting.
I'm going to spend a little bit today making a scarf, maybe two. I'm hoping to sell some at work as part of the fundraiser. I can't believe we're already half-way there! Thank you all SOOOO much!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Application and meeting
This weekend I'm going to fill out our application to host and MAIL it on Monday morning. If I can possibly fill out the entire application tomorrow, I'll mail it on Saturday. Our local group already has four applications in, and they are only planning on bringing 8-10 kids to our area this summer.
We're also going to a hosting meeting next Sunday. I've gone before, when we were just volunteering (Lucky Boy used to work nights).
(OK, this is the deal on the rubber stamps. I've got a bunch of Stampin' Up stuff that I've never even used, or just used once or twice. Mostly they are general "feel good" stuff, friendship sayings, alphabets. I'm hoping to figure out how to post things this weekend, but the hosting application is a bigger priority right now. If I have a snow day tomorrow, I'll work on my fundraiser a bit. I just finished a HUGE work-related project so I feel like my weekend is all about getting ready financially and emotionally to host.)
We're also going to a hosting meeting next Sunday. I've gone before, when we were just volunteering (Lucky Boy used to work nights).
(OK, this is the deal on the rubber stamps. I've got a bunch of Stampin' Up stuff that I've never even used, or just used once or twice. Mostly they are general "feel good" stuff, friendship sayings, alphabets. I'm hoping to figure out how to post things this weekend, but the hosting application is a bigger priority right now. If I have a snow day tomorrow, I'll work on my fundraiser a bit. I just finished a HUGE work-related project so I feel like my weekend is all about getting ready financially and emotionally to host.)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Proceeding with the plans
We printed out the application form and are working our way through it. It's 18 pages and includes information about the hosting program, homestudy process, and general application stuff. We're hoping to get it in the mail by mid-February.
The popcorn fundraiser actually earned $150 in profit, which is $50 more than we hoped for so we're pretty happy! I'm also still trying to figure out how that whole PayPal thing works.
I'm going to list some of the books I have laying around my house on Amazon.com. I read on another group that people have sold stuff there, so I figure I may as well try it. I'm going to list the books as I find them during my cleaning frenzy, and I'll check the listing again in like April. If they don't sell, I'll probably just donate them to the local library.
I'm also going to see about listing some craft supplies I never use on Ebay. I have a bunch of things that maybe someone will get use out of, like rubber stamps (some brand new), scrapbook paper and stickers, quilling supplies, and knitting/crochet patterns. Anyone know about setting up and advertising a "lot" of stuff? Oh, and I have some old baseball cards, too, that I can offer in a "lot." Cleaning my house for fun AND profit...
Finally, I'm going to start a magazine fundraiser over the next few days. The company says that if you sell 50 subscriptions, your average profit is $400. Worth a try, right? I want to go through the magazines they have listed and make up some "suggestions" for friends and family. Hee hee.
$470 is almost HALF-WAY there!
The popcorn fundraiser actually earned $150 in profit, which is $50 more than we hoped for so we're pretty happy! I'm also still trying to figure out how that whole PayPal thing works.
I'm going to list some of the books I have laying around my house on Amazon.com. I read on another group that people have sold stuff there, so I figure I may as well try it. I'm going to list the books as I find them during my cleaning frenzy, and I'll check the listing again in like April. If they don't sell, I'll probably just donate them to the local library.
I'm also going to see about listing some craft supplies I never use on Ebay. I have a bunch of things that maybe someone will get use out of, like rubber stamps (some brand new), scrapbook paper and stickers, quilling supplies, and knitting/crochet patterns. Anyone know about setting up and advertising a "lot" of stuff? Oh, and I have some old baseball cards, too, that I can offer in a "lot." Cleaning my house for fun AND profit...
Finally, I'm going to start a magazine fundraiser over the next few days. The company says that if you sell 50 subscriptions, your average profit is $400. Worth a try, right? I want to go through the magazines they have listed and make up some "suggestions" for friends and family. Hee hee.
$470 is almost HALF-WAY there!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
40% raised already
Wow! Our hope for the popcorn fundraiser was $100, and that's just about what we raised (including the 4 bags we purchased ourselves). Thanks to some donations from blogger-buddies, we already have almost half of what we need for the hosting fees.
At the request of a good friend, I added a "donate" button to this blog in the hopes that someone might consider helping out some more. Even after we raise enough money for our hosting fees, we are still responsible for fundraising for the hosting organization. I've seen reports that it costs anywhere from $5000 to $8000 to bring a single child here for a month through a hosting program, and the agency pays that mostly through big-business donations. Last year, we did some fundraising for the same agency we're hosting through. I think our fundraising responsibility is $1000, but we know there are some friends who would be more comfortable donating to a nonprofit than directly to us so we're hoping they will help at that time. In the unlikely event that we raise more on our hosting fees fundraiser than we'll need, the rest of that money will go towards the agency fundraiser (how nice would it be to give them beyond the minimum expected donation?).
Even after our hosting fees, we still have other fees associated with the homestudy. I heard that medical insurance won't cover the kind of physical examination you need for that, so I'm thinking it will be over $100 for a physical. Fingerprinting, $75 each for me and Lucky Boy to prove we aren't criminals (which is the best money because it makes me feel that not just anyone can get a child through this route). And of course, the homestudy. I've seen online that homestudies can be in the thousands of dollars, but lucky for me that my state only has a mini-homestudy requirement for hosting so it's like $250.
Once the child is here, there are expenses other than the obvious food and entertainment. The expectation is the child attends summer camp. I don't know about the different camps in my area, but I'd obviously prefer one where there are Spanish speakers. Lucky for me, I live in an area where there are plenty of Spanish-speakers from different countries so chances are good that the camps will have other kids who speak Spanish and maybe even a Spanish-speaking counselor. The regional coordinator for the hosting organization said he knows of some camps that will donate the tuition, but they are like a 30 minute drive away. With the cost of gas, it might be more economical to pay for a local camp, if I can't find one that will give me a discount for a hosted child (the hosting organization can help set that up).
We also have to sponsor (or co-sponsor) one of the weekly get-togethers when the kids are here. Last year they had picnics, pool parties, that kind of thing. There's a local small farm with a petting zoo, we're going to see if we can arrange for something there. (The point of the get-together is so that the kids see each other and play, the host parents see each other and talk, and people who are considering adoption meet the kids to see if there's any connection.) That's only one day a week, which means we'd have to figure out other fun-but-not-overwhelming things to do the rest of the week. Our development has a pool, which is always fun for the summer and there are plenty of kids around (some Spanish-speakers, too). We're trying to come up with some free and low-cost activities in the area and asking our friends who have kids the similar age we'll host.
And clothing. The hosting organization warned us not to get too many things for the child ahead of time. Not a whole closet of clothes, just a few outfits and that's probably more than the children are used to. The kids can only return to Colombia with a carry-on suitcase (they arrive with just a backpack), so it's not like if we get her all of this clothes thinking she can bring it back with her. There are a few Goodwill stores in our area (one by home and one by each of our jobs), and you can often find brand new clothes there. Once we find out more about the child we'll host (age, height, weight), we'll see what's available. I'm sure Lucky Boy is going to feel real comfortable in the little girl's section of Goodwill! Maybe we'll just send him looking for toys instead (which we're also told to limit).
At the request of a good friend, I added a "donate" button to this blog in the hopes that someone might consider helping out some more. Even after we raise enough money for our hosting fees, we are still responsible for fundraising for the hosting organization. I've seen reports that it costs anywhere from $5000 to $8000 to bring a single child here for a month through a hosting program, and the agency pays that mostly through big-business donations. Last year, we did some fundraising for the same agency we're hosting through. I think our fundraising responsibility is $1000, but we know there are some friends who would be more comfortable donating to a nonprofit than directly to us so we're hoping they will help at that time. In the unlikely event that we raise more on our hosting fees fundraiser than we'll need, the rest of that money will go towards the agency fundraiser (how nice would it be to give them beyond the minimum expected donation?).
Even after our hosting fees, we still have other fees associated with the homestudy. I heard that medical insurance won't cover the kind of physical examination you need for that, so I'm thinking it will be over $100 for a physical. Fingerprinting, $75 each for me and Lucky Boy to prove we aren't criminals (which is the best money because it makes me feel that not just anyone can get a child through this route). And of course, the homestudy. I've seen online that homestudies can be in the thousands of dollars, but lucky for me that my state only has a mini-homestudy requirement for hosting so it's like $250.
Once the child is here, there are expenses other than the obvious food and entertainment. The expectation is the child attends summer camp. I don't know about the different camps in my area, but I'd obviously prefer one where there are Spanish speakers. Lucky for me, I live in an area where there are plenty of Spanish-speakers from different countries so chances are good that the camps will have other kids who speak Spanish and maybe even a Spanish-speaking counselor. The regional coordinator for the hosting organization said he knows of some camps that will donate the tuition, but they are like a 30 minute drive away. With the cost of gas, it might be more economical to pay for a local camp, if I can't find one that will give me a discount for a hosted child (the hosting organization can help set that up).
We also have to sponsor (or co-sponsor) one of the weekly get-togethers when the kids are here. Last year they had picnics, pool parties, that kind of thing. There's a local small farm with a petting zoo, we're going to see if we can arrange for something there. (The point of the get-together is so that the kids see each other and play, the host parents see each other and talk, and people who are considering adoption meet the kids to see if there's any connection.) That's only one day a week, which means we'd have to figure out other fun-but-not-overwhelming things to do the rest of the week. Our development has a pool, which is always fun for the summer and there are plenty of kids around (some Spanish-speakers, too). We're trying to come up with some free and low-cost activities in the area and asking our friends who have kids the similar age we'll host.
And clothing. The hosting organization warned us not to get too many things for the child ahead of time. Not a whole closet of clothes, just a few outfits and that's probably more than the children are used to. The kids can only return to Colombia with a carry-on suitcase (they arrive with just a backpack), so it's not like if we get her all of this clothes thinking she can bring it back with her. There are a few Goodwill stores in our area (one by home and one by each of our jobs), and you can often find brand new clothes there. Once we find out more about the child we'll host (age, height, weight), we'll see what's available. I'm sure Lucky Boy is going to feel real comfortable in the little girl's section of Goodwill! Maybe we'll just send him looking for toys instead (which we're also told to limit).
Friday, January 18, 2008
Update on the plans
I did hear back from the organization this week. I had the e-mail address of someone who no longer works there. I went back to their website and saw a different name, and she responded not even one day after I sent the e-mail. I feel much better about the organization now, because I didn't want to face another instance where I was begging and no one was responding. Not only did I get a quick response, but the response gave all the information I needed and none of the "anything we can do to help" speech that sounds a little too overeager to me.
This weekend we're going to total the popcorn fundraiser and see how much we have. The first fees should be just about covered by now, which is a very good thought. I'm not sure when the second round of fees are due, but that's a big chunk of money so I've got to get started on the next fundraiser. We have one thing that we're going to list on ebay, but that's through one of the ebay retailers so our profit won't be quite as high as if we listed it ourselves. We're not ebay people by nature, so at least this experience will give us an idea of what it's about. If it's a little profitable, we may dig into some of our "collections" and see if there's more money there.
This weekend we're going to total the popcorn fundraiser and see how much we have. The first fees should be just about covered by now, which is a very good thought. I'm not sure when the second round of fees are due, but that's a big chunk of money so I've got to get started on the next fundraiser. We have one thing that we're going to list on ebay, but that's through one of the ebay retailers so our profit won't be quite as high as if we listed it ourselves. We're not ebay people by nature, so at least this experience will give us an idea of what it's about. If it's a little profitable, we may dig into some of our "collections" and see if there's more money there.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Popcorn update
I did pretty well at work with the popcorn. I haven't figured out how much we raised, though. I was hoping for $100 in profit, so I'm going to give it one more day of running around begging more people. I think another 10 people will be the difference.
Lucky Boy wasn't so lucky at his work. Apparently no one at his job eats popcorn??? Really? NO ONE? He was pretty shy about asking, so maybe that did it.
Hopefully this week I'll have a little bit of time to get started on my next big idea. It's an online thing, so I'll be sure to post here when it's ready. And by then I'll probably have the total from the popcorn to add.
I'm also waiting to hear back from the hosting organization. I sent them what I thought would be a regular, normal question that could easily be answered, but it's been almost a week and no one has gotten back to me yet. If I don't hear from them tomorrow, I'll call.
Lucky Boy wasn't so lucky at his work. Apparently no one at his job eats popcorn??? Really? NO ONE? He was pretty shy about asking, so maybe that did it.
Hopefully this week I'll have a little bit of time to get started on my next big idea. It's an online thing, so I'll be sure to post here when it's ready. And by then I'll probably have the total from the popcorn to add.
I'm also waiting to hear back from the hosting organization. I sent them what I thought would be a regular, normal question that could easily be answered, but it's been almost a week and no one has gotten back to me yet. If I don't hear from them tomorrow, I'll call.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
More on fundraising
The immediate goal is $1000 for the summer hosting fees. Putting the unexpected $180 refund towards that, we're left with having to raise $820. We've decided that any overtime we get or any tax return we get (hopefully a decent one) will go towards adoption fees, should the hosting program work out.
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/Fundraising/cookbook_fundraising.htm
This site (not necessarily the cookbook) seems to have a lot of good ideas. We're already doing the popcorn fundraiser, and we sent out for more information about the magazine fundraisers. They also have a "spinner" fundraiser, which seems like fun because we both like to gamble (small stuff like slots and $1 scratch-off lottery tickets, remember that our names are Lucky Girl and Lucky Boy).
I'm just concerned with the spinner because it's so obviously fundraising. At least with the popcorn and magazines, the person supporting the fundraiser actually gets something from their donation. The spinner program seems to go like this: The fundraiser group (that's us) buys a spinner and 50 coupon sheets for $25. Then, you ask people to take their chances with spinning the wheel two times, and they pay whatever the spinner lands on (average $4 per person), and they get a coupon sheet. The coupons include national groups like TCBY yogurt, Pizza Hut, JC Penny Portraits, and FTD floral delivery. A coupon is only valuable if someone likes and is going to USE it, so I don't know how many of those 50 coupons I would sell. And remember, if the average is $4 per person, it's possible that someone can spin to give us $8 while someone else would spin to give us $2 ($4 average is based on the knowledge that there are more possible combinations that will result in $4 than in any other figure, after 2 spins), so people might not be so willing to actually take the chance at spinning just for the coupon. I'd probably do better just begging for money without shelling out the initial $25 for the spinner gimmick.
Once I get a little bit of time, I have some other ideas that would require more work. I'm hoping some blogger buddies can help with those fundraisers. Someone did ask about a Paypal button, but I'm not totally sure how that would work. And frankly, I'm concerned about a Paypal situation right now because we haven't even been matched (or approved) by the hosting organization. Let me see how the other, more traditional fundraisers work out before I resort to "send me money." It's funny, I don't mind the "send me money" buttons on blogger buddies' sites and I'm actually thankful when buddies give me the chance to help them form their families, but I'm not ready to open myself up for that just yet. Maybe because I know this is just a hosting situation, not necessarily an adoption, and I don't want to jinx things? I will let you know how to help, though, because I'd definitely appreciate your help!
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/Fundraising/cookbook_fundraising.htm
This site (not necessarily the cookbook) seems to have a lot of good ideas. We're already doing the popcorn fundraiser, and we sent out for more information about the magazine fundraisers. They also have a "spinner" fundraiser, which seems like fun because we both like to gamble (small stuff like slots and $1 scratch-off lottery tickets, remember that our names are Lucky Girl and Lucky Boy).
I'm just concerned with the spinner because it's so obviously fundraising. At least with the popcorn and magazines, the person supporting the fundraiser actually gets something from their donation. The spinner program seems to go like this: The fundraiser group (that's us) buys a spinner and 50 coupon sheets for $25. Then, you ask people to take their chances with spinning the wheel two times, and they pay whatever the spinner lands on (average $4 per person), and they get a coupon sheet. The coupons include national groups like TCBY yogurt, Pizza Hut, JC Penny Portraits, and FTD floral delivery. A coupon is only valuable if someone likes and is going to USE it, so I don't know how many of those 50 coupons I would sell. And remember, if the average is $4 per person, it's possible that someone can spin to give us $8 while someone else would spin to give us $2 ($4 average is based on the knowledge that there are more possible combinations that will result in $4 than in any other figure, after 2 spins), so people might not be so willing to actually take the chance at spinning just for the coupon. I'd probably do better just begging for money without shelling out the initial $25 for the spinner gimmick.
Once I get a little bit of time, I have some other ideas that would require more work. I'm hoping some blogger buddies can help with those fundraisers. Someone did ask about a Paypal button, but I'm not totally sure how that would work. And frankly, I'm concerned about a Paypal situation right now because we haven't even been matched (or approved) by the hosting organization. Let me see how the other, more traditional fundraisers work out before I resort to "send me money." It's funny, I don't mind the "send me money" buttons on blogger buddies' sites and I'm actually thankful when buddies give me the chance to help them form their families, but I'm not ready to open myself up for that just yet. Maybe because I know this is just a hosting situation, not necessarily an adoption, and I don't want to jinx things? I will let you know how to help, though, because I'd definitely appreciate your help!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Fundraising
Soon I'm going to get one of those thermometers for the side of my blog that show how much money we've raised towards this hosting experience. The fees are over $1000 just to host, so we'd like to raise $1000. (There are still more expenses, like the homestudy and medical exam, possibly paying for summer camp, preparing a bedroom for the host child and ensuring she has necessities like clothes and shoes and food.)
Our first fundraiser started yesterday. We're selling flavored popcorn to people we work with. Our goal is to raise $100 through popcorn, but of course it would be nice if we made more.
I also got an unexpected refund from a work expense (something I forgot about) for $180. That went right into the hosting fund, which means we're already at $180. We're hoping to get some overtime and add that to the fund, too. And I have a few other projects up my sleeve...
Anyone know of other good (and relatively easy) ideas? The popcorn seems to be a really good start because it's food, it's small, even people who wouldn't normally support a fundraiser have bought it. I've only gotten negative feedback from one person at work when I said I was doing a fundraiser for a program that helps older orphans find adoptive homes.
Our first fundraiser started yesterday. We're selling flavored popcorn to people we work with. Our goal is to raise $100 through popcorn, but of course it would be nice if we made more.
I also got an unexpected refund from a work expense (something I forgot about) for $180. That went right into the hosting fund, which means we're already at $180. We're hoping to get some overtime and add that to the fund, too. And I have a few other projects up my sleeve...
Anyone know of other good (and relatively easy) ideas? The popcorn seems to be a really good start because it's food, it's small, even people who wouldn't normally support a fundraiser have bought it. I've only gotten negative feedback from one person at work when I said I was doing a fundraiser for a program that helps older orphans find adoptive homes.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2008 will be our year
Welcome to my Leap of Faith blog. I've been trying to adopt for over three years now. I've already had two "failed placements" (which we won't mention on this blog again, please), so now I'm trying to believe in this leap of faith thing.
I'm trusting that whatever His plans are for my family, there will be a clear direction for me to follow. I'm leaping and I'm trusting He will let me land in the right place.
The people in this adoption process will be known as:
I'm trusting that whatever His plans are for my family, there will be a clear direction for me to follow. I'm leaping and I'm trusting He will let me land in the right place.
The people in this adoption process will be known as:
- Lucky Girl - That's me. Because I'm so lucky.
- Lucky Boy - Because he's so lucky to have me. And he knows how lucky he is, because I tell him every chance I get.
- Invisible Kid - Hopefully there will be a real name by the end of the year, even if it's just a blog name to preserve anonymity.
- Grandma Cooey - That's my mom. For some reason, my sister decided to call her Cooey when she was younger, and that's the name that stuck for Grandma.
- Aunt (my sister), Uncle #1 (Lucky Boy's older brother), and Uncle #2 (Lucky Boy's younger brother).
- and of course - ALL THE CATS (we have three of them).
The adoption plan: hosting a child for the summer and hopefully pursuing her adoption, if things should work out right.
The timeline:
- January through March - fundraising (hosting fees are over $1000)
- April - hosting paperwork (including medical exams, fingerprinting, and homestudy)
- May and June - more fundraising for the hosting agency
- July - hosting (!!!!), which will hopefully lead to...
- ...August - adoption paperchase (homestudy, dossier preparations)
- ...September through December - the wait
WISH US LUCK!
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