Those closest to my family and I (and even a few select others) are aware that we are at the front-end of the process for adopting a child from Russia. A little girl between the ages of 18-42 months to be exact. Over the course of the next year, we will be making two trips and spending a total of about 4 weeks in Krasnoyarsk, Russia – the third largest city in Siberia. Frankly, it is all a little daunting – lots of time, money and travel…but we end up with a daughter in return for all of the work. Seems like more than an even trade.

Currently we are working with Bethany Christian Services in West Michigan to facilitate the work through an accredited agency in Russia…and there is a lot of work – about an inch an a half of paper-work that all requires notarization and apostille (who knew?).

So, as we have been making our way through the paperwork, we have also been trying to educate ourselves with Russia and the adoption process…as well as looking through countless catalogs and websites for little girl things. Oh yes, she’ll be spoiled. One of the most useful sites for me thus far has been this one: Three Sons and a Princess…not so much for the physical process of adoption, but in preparing for the personal experience (and yes, I cried my eyes out when I saw this video Jennefer cut together).

As we continue to read about orphanages in Russia, it has become apparent that there is a dire need for more resources. Too many children, too little clothes, food and proper medical care. As the date for our first trip gets closer, I will be organizing donations for the orphanage we will be assigned to using a service like Fundable. If anyone has used a service like this, knows of others or are simply interested in participating in some way, please contact me.

More to come.

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