Unexpected expenses

   The reality of adoption is that it is unpredictable. Every situation is different. Every agency handles expenses differently. So, this post may not ever be helpful to anyone, but here is what is going on with us right now.


    Remember a few weeks ago when I asked if you would please pray with us for Anne because she had developed a minor health concern that was causing her physical discomfort but wasn't really a risk to the pregnancy and wouldn't be dealt with until after she gave birth? Well, that changed. That "minor health concern" spiraled out of control. She developed a pretty serious infection as a result of the problem she was having, and immediate medical attention is needed. You know what goes along with serious infections and immediate medical attention? Price tags.
   I asked our agency if their quotes that they had given us had any wiggle room for these types of things-- an extra amount set aside for unexpected expenses. And, there is. But they are a bit finicky in how they handle that. If we use the unexpected expense part of our funds for this and another unexpected expense comes up due to complications during labor or something else closer to the time of birth, we would then be in a situation of trying to make up funds right at the end, which apparently can be very stressful for families. If, however, we go ahead and pay this expense now, leaving our unexpected expense fund intact, we still have those funds available should later complications arise. If that money is never needed, it will be refunded to us. Again, I'm sure every agency handles this differently, but this is the advice that we have received from ours.
   We are continuing to pray for her health, and of course the health of Baby Girl. We are specifically praying that this infection wasn't rampant in her body in a strong enough way for long enough that it had adverse effects on the baby's health. If you should think about it, we would be grateful if you would please pray with us in this.