Baby steps!

I got my USCIS fingerprints done last week!! Yay! The process is definitely taking longer than I expected, and when I compare our progress with other families' timelines from one approval to the next- I fear Garrett won't get here until April. But, at least the process is moving forward.  I did have to request an extension to send in my paperwork to China due to the USCIS assigned appointment date, but now I just hope things keep moving along!  Think good (speedy) thoughts for us!  I still have not heard back from any of the many grants to which I have applied for adoption assistance, but my fingers and toes are still crossed that something will come through! good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughts!!!

waiting for mama, granny and big sister!

New photos!!!

I am thrilled to see new photos of Garrett taken by a family visiting the orphanage to adopt their child! New inspiration to get through the paperwork mire and to keep up the fundraising efforts so we can bring him home as soon as possible. I also received a donation today with a note from a family whose son was born with a bilateral cleft and now he is assistant principal at a school and a great public speaker!!!! How inspiring to envision Garrett's future! Thank you to all who are holding him in your thoughts.

Fundraising Update

I am pleased to announce that we have raised to date $13,202! Thank you to you all!

I thought that I was only about $2,000- $3,000 away from having just enough to go to China alone to complete the paperwork, and pick up Garrett- but after updating the expense sheet tonight- I still have to raise $8,534. I am so hoping to be able to have the support of family with me (Mom and daughter) during this trip, but that adds on another $7008 to raise. I am keeping my hopes up that one of the many grants I applied to will accept my application, let's wait and see. At this time, I am working on another fundraiser- this time a raffle, as well as a silent auction.
Stay tuned for photos of the silent auction items coming up soon! And as soon as I have the raffle organized- I will let you all know the details.

Here is an updated report of itemized expenses:

PAID $2,000- placing adoption agency fee (Bay Area Adoption Services)
PAID $500- initial China waiting child program coordinator fee
PAID $2,400-home study (Across the World Adoptions)
PAID $78- fingerprinting at local police dept.
PAID $1112- notary fees, certified documents, fundraiser printing costs, fundraiser venue rental, postage, Hague education requirement classes, medical clearance, passport renewal
PAID $805- USCIS
PAID $78- Sheriff’s letter of good conduct
Total Paid: $6922

Left to pay:
$2,300-balance of China waiting child program fee
$790- certification of documents by State Dept. and authentication by Chinese Consulate
$2100- post-placement fee
$710- fee to China Center of Adoption Affairs at time of dossier submission
$6,500- government fees in China
$12,064- family travel expenses for necessary 2 week stay in China
Estimated Grand Total of Expenses: $31,386
Total left to pay: $24,464
Current savings balance: $8922
Total left to raise: $15,542 [for family (me, Alma, Mom) to pick up Garrett]
OR $8534 to go alone to pick up Garrett

And the grand total is....

To date, we have raised a total of $12,854.69 !!!!!!

I am so grateful to all of you who helped bring us this far towards our goal of raising $25,000!

I was given an appt. from USCIS to have my fingerprints done 10/06- I am going to check to see if I can come in sooner- but even if I can't (I highly doubt I will be able to do them sooner) at least things are still moving forward.

Having Garrett here by Christmas may be wishful thinking, but in a situation like this-- what more is there besides keeping hope and wishful thinking alive and well?

Let's keep our fingers crossed (and toes)

Next fundraiser- a raffle??

:)

and a good time was had by all!

So, the dance party fundraiser was a success! A small success, but success none the less!! No one unknown came, despite the hundreds of beautiful fliers strewn about 2 towns and the radio and newspaper adds. But so many local businesses, friends and coworkers helped to make it not only a fundraiser, but a testament to what a wonderful community we live in! I am so grateful for the donations of wine, food, DJing and all the volunteer time put in. I made $1700 total, and after subtracting the cost for having the event, now have $1200 more towards Garrett's adoption fund!

Yesterday, I was so pleased to send of my corrected, finalized home study to immigration---one more step closer...
I also submitted 2 grant applications and am hoping hoping hoping they find it in their hearts to award a grant.
now, onto the next fundraiser....hhmmmmmm....bingo night?
I sent letters and photos to 29 different charity organizations, but havn't yet heard anything back.

keep your fingers crossed- I have $17,761 left to raise to bring Garrett home.

Electric Boogaloo Dance Party Fundraiser!

This weekend- Saturday 8/20/11
80's Dance Party at Crown Hall in Mendocino!
6-11pm
beer,wine for sale
bake sale
free snacks!
lots of great music with DJ Moody Eva!!
ping pong, air hockey, disco balls and lots of side ponytails!!
donations at the door