Affording Adoption
Creative fundraising while adopting internationally
While awaiting their adoption from China, Shannon and Kevin were presented with something unexpected; the opportunity to bring a young boy from Nepal into their loving family. When expenses rose, the couple got creative and began to arrange small fundraisers, garnering a total of $13,000. Today, the young family has been inspired by a new country and the love of family and friends.
Lending a Hand
Having originally met on a mission trip to Calcutta, India, Shannon and Kevin knew from the start that they wanted a multicultural family. And after seeing a few of the Mother Teresa orphanages, the couple said the decision to help was an easy one. Their only obstacle was the impending cost of adoption—until friends, family and neighbors helped out in a big way.
A Snapshot of Heaven
Shannon traces her desire to adopt back to childhood, a time when she began to dream of sons or daughters of other cultures. “I thought it would be a snapshot of Heaven,” she says. “It would be neat having other cultures so close.” When Shannon met her husband, Kevin, while volunteering in a third-world country, she says what they saw solidified the decision even more. “It was one of those things that once you see it, you can’t not do something,” she says. A few years later, when two biological children became the beginning of their family, Shannon and Kevin knew it was time to fulfill their goals and adopt.
A New Program
As a former associate of AAI, the process of adoption was no surprise to Shannon. She attended the information meetings, and says her family “diligently prayed” for a child. When the process in China slowed down, an email arrived in the family’s inbox, alerting them of a new program in Nepal—and they decided to take advantage of it. “There were five referrals of boys, and we were looking for a boy, since we already had two girls,” she says. “We received pictures and medical information before we even completed our dossier! As soon as the dossier was done, we took our first trip there.”
Small Fundraisers Add Up
While the fees for their international adoptions added up quickly, Shannon and Kevin knew they had to start brainstorming. “We started as soon as we decided to adopt two at once!” says Shannon. The young family got busy hosting enormous garage sales—with many items donated by family and friends—and raised $2,000. They arranged a group outing to a Tigers game, gaining $2,200 in ticket sales and an additional $1,000 in donations. Besides accumulating sizeable donations from family and friends, the couple passed out empty baby bottles as loose change collectors, garnering $3,500 in the process. “It was fun for families to do, and our girls really enjoyed it,” says Shannon. The couple also worked with the Cadman Foundation, Kevin added, to declare donations as tax-deductible for their nonprofit cause. Besides feeling the love and support of others, Kevin and Shannon were able to raise approximately $13,000.
Inspiration in Poverty
The initial trip to Nepal was taken a mere few months after receiving a referral. In a country sprinkled with the Himalayas and even Mount Everest, Shannon says her concept of beauty changed. “I didn’t know what breathtaking was [until I visited Nepal],” she says. “And the people are so kind and giving. I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to adopt from there.”
When their prospective adoptive son, Levi, required hospitalization as a result of malnutrition, Shannon says the generous spirit of the Nepalese people shined brighter than ever. “We spent a full day at the hospital, with Levi and another boy from the orphanage,” explains Shannon. “In Nepal, the hospital doesn’t supply food—we were supposed to bring our own food, which we didn’t know. When the people next to us brought out food [for their child], Levi went crazy; he wanted it so badly. The woman in the bed next to us, who was obviously quite poor with a baby who was very ill, shared with us. We were amazed that out of her poverty, she gave to us.”
The wait between trips was long, but with patience, Shannon and Kevin were able to return to bring Levi home. “There are so many wonderful children there who need moms and dads,” says Shannon. “We want everyone we know to adopt from Nepal!”
Setting An Example
Levi, now 29 months old, is lively and passionate and adjusting to his new life amazingly well, say his parents. He loves trucks and airplanes, and gets excited easily. Since their return from Nepal, Kevin and Shannon have experimented with Nepali cooking, and plan to instill a sense of volunteerism in all of their children. They also intend to celebrate a few of Nepal’s many holidays each year. The family is happy about their decision to adopt from Nepal, and they were one of a few families visited by the Nepali Delegation in May. AAI was one of the host agencies in America, and Shannon says the experience was great. “It was such an honor to have these officials in our home,” she says.
Incorporating Family Traditions
With the multicultural family Shannon and Kevin had long dreamed of, big family dinners take priority over daily distractions. The expanded family will continue rituals, such as exchanging handmade gifts at Christmastime, as well as “family night,” a ritual whose activity is chosen by a different family member each month. Before bed each evening, the family gathers for a prayer and Bible story.
A Growing Family
Although Shannon and Kevin are still waiting to adopt from China, they are enjoying each day with Levi and with their young family. Shannon says she already misses Nepal, and can hardly wait to return. But in the meantime, she is encouraging couples to consider adopting from the country. “I would so love to talk with anyone interested in Nepal,” she says. “It’s a great place, and the kids are fabulous.”
For More Information
For additional resources for affording adoption, visit our Adoption Funding page. To learn more about adopting from Nepal, please visit AAI’s Nepal Adoption page or call 616.667.0921.
