Help bring baby Zahra home from India!

I know I chose this journey and it should not be for anyone else to have to contribute to. I want to say I am sorry and thank you at the same time. I am so grateful for the support, and the most amazing part is that all of you make me feel like I am not in it alone. Words can't quite express what it means to feel less alone through the encouragement and support.

I first started this adoption journey over five years ago.  After consciously moving to certain countries to make this affordable and possible as an international school teacher, there were many setbacks, law changes in various countries and huge expenses with no results.  

Long story short - I now find myself single, a teacher in America , and getting close to the finish line, but without the support of my biggest cheerleader, my mom. She passed away and I find myself in the saddest, and yet also, the most exciting place in life at the same time. I won't get to share this dream with mom, but the reality is, I also won't have the free childcare I envisioned when I first moved back to America 2 years ago. While I hate asking at all, I am starting to realize firsthand how it really does "take a village". 

I cannot imagine getting through the last year without the kind words and the encouragement people have given me as I tutored, saved, grieved, went through the process of collecting every paper that ever seemed to have my name on it, took adoption courses and tried to apply for grants. I have realized that sometimes asking for what you need is necessary.

I am now in the last stretch and created this page for any support to help me get Zahra home. 


OCT 9 UPDATE - Travel to India will most likely happen in December! (Fingers crossed and pending the outcome of the October 23rd court date and the likelihood of her next surgery.)  I had planned for the majority of the travel expense to be paid for by tutoring, but somehow,  I have no students this year.  


Travel and in-country adoption fees and expenses are going to be approximately $10,000.  Any money leftover will go towards lawyer fees for the readoption process in America and/or medical care once we come home. 

Miles or hotel points would also be so greatly appreciated in case you don't use yours.  (The agency requires staying at the Sheraton (and possibly the Hilton) to facilitate appointments) 

NOV 4 UPDATE - I did not pass court on Oct 23rd again for some unknown reason and my next court date will be November 27th. Let's hope this is it! Meanwhile, Zahra had a 2nd surgery 11 days ago, but no word yet on court issues or her recovery (This is unfortunately normal with this orphanage)

I have been advised to go to India to make this process move so I will now make two trips.  By school winter break, hopefully I will have passed court and then will meet the orphanage director  which often speeds up the process. I will get a chance to meet Zahra. It is highly unlikely that she would have a passport by the time school begins so I will have to leave her and go back again later.



Money from this crowdfund will pay for the following:

Flight ticket
Translator for orphanage
In-country adoption agency fees
In-country adoption guides from agency
Hotels in Delhi, India
Hotels in Indore, India
In-country flights
Mandatory physicals/medical tests and fees for various appointment with government offices
Uber rides to and from orphanage and various appointments