Dear Family and Friends, As many of you know, our family is in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia. Adopting a childfrom Ethiopia is a long and difficult journey and we are certain that we will need the support of our familyand friends to bring this new child into our family. International adoption comes with a unique set ofchallenges. From the financial responsibilities to learning how to become a multi-ethnic family, thisprocess has convinced us that we will need the help of those who have been essential in our lives andwill continue to stay beside our family as we deal with the challenging realities of a world that hasdifficulty understanding the beauty of a racially diverse family.It may sound cliché, but we can’t help but think while in the midst of this journey that it takes a village tosuccessfully navigate the travails of international adoption. We hope this letter clearly expresses ourdesire to have others accompany us on this journey. Sarah, Emma, and I want to ask each of you to helpsupport us as we move forward; moreover, in humility we acknowledge that there is no way we cancomplete this process in our own strength – we need all of you.Specifically, we need your encouragement. As we continue to prepare for the realities of being adoptiveparents and a multi-ethnic family, we are acutely aware of the difficulties we will encounter. Moreimportantly, we are aware of the difficulties our child will face trying to negotiate the challenges of aculture too often unfamiliar with difference. In the face of these challenges we realize that all of you,through your encouragement and acceptance, can make the world a little bit more welcoming for ourfuture son or daughter.The final hurdle is, of course, the cost of adoption. In total, adopting a child from Ethiopia will costsomewhere between 24,000 and 26,000 dollars. So far, Sarah and I have invested 10,000 dollars in fees,home-study cost, and document acquisitions. Accounting for the final 16,000 will be a challenge. Thanksto Sarah’s management of this process, we have located a number of grants specifically designed foradoption, and are also looking into other programs that provide loans for adoptive families. However, inthe course of this journey, we have depleted our savings, and another round of fees are due at the end ofMarch. Therefore, it is with great humility and sincerity that we ask for financial assistance to completethe final stages of this process. We are aware that this is a difficult time economically, but the kindnessand support of many can bring a child out of poverty and into a world filled with possibility.In humility and hope,Sarah, Emma, and John Pell
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