Funds Update... and ANOTHER Generous Donation

I'd like to give you all an update on our funds, fundraising thermometer, and necessary payments as they stand. As you can see, we have increased our thermometer by $4155. We had 2 large payments due this week (our second Lifeline agency payment came due as well as our post-adoption fees to our Louisiana home study agency). Seamus and I withdrew the necessary funds from our savings account, in order to make these payments. This increase on our thermometer reflects our withdrawal from our savings of $3155. Between the $3155 from savings and $945 that has been raised through your generosity (which was already reflected on the thermometer), we are able to make these payments now. I have also reflected this on my "Breakdown of Adoption Expenses" page by highlighting the 2 payments made.

Immediately after we adjusted, as described above, we received a generous donation from a very special friend for $1,000 (hence the extra $1,000 raise on our thermometer in addition to the $3155 we pulled from savings)! Yes, we were totally blown away by this donation. God is really providing, y'all! This will almost pay for the entire China fee for our dossier submission (which will be the next payment due)! The funds we raise from our t-shirt sales will definitely cover the rest of this fee. I'll reflect funds raised through t-shirt sales when we place our big order next week. Speaking of... PLEASE ORDER A T-SHIRT BY THIS WEEKEND IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

All future funds reflected on our thermometer will either be through fundraising efforts or money personally saved by us on a monthly basis. Any future payments due, where funds have not been raised, will be paid for with a loan. We are hoping that it doesn't come to this but will do whatever is needed. Fundraising would then be continued in order to pay back this debt. I'm loving the book, Adopt Without Debt by Julie Gumm, which has given us some great ideas on fundraising and how to cut back on our own expenses. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering adoption and may be reluctant because of the expense.

We plan to keep you updated on our financial standing and progress. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions regarding funds. We welcome suggestions, as well. We want to continue being transparent and open with you, as we ask for your help in bringing home Emily Hope!

By the way, we now have a facebook page! Please "like" us at www.facebook.com/LomanAdoption. We'd love for you to help us get the word out so we can sell some more shirts this weekend! Thanks y'all!