Both domestic and foreign adoptions are costly, averaging $20,000 per adoption. Two Falcon families are opening their homes to adopted children. They shared their story with the New Falcon Herald with the hope of bringing inspiration to others and to spread the word about their efforts to make their dreams come true.Rod and Michelle PfledererAlthough Rod and Michelle Pflederer have three boys of their own, they have always wanted to expand their family through adoption. The couple is in the process of adopting a girl from India and said they expect to bring her home within a year.Rod Pflederer said they chose India because of his wife’s love of the country. She grew up with many Indian friends and neighbors and also spent a month in India as a college student. Pflederer said his wife’s passion about the culture and people of India rubbed off on him and led them to choose to adopt from India.”We want to help our daughter understand her cultural heritage,” he said. With their love and appreciation of the country, Pflederer said they will be better able to do so.He said they are using an adoption agency based in Castle Rock, Colo., called Hope’s Promise. The agency makes all the legal arrangements and provides preparation and support to the adoptive family.”They gave us a list of books about the culture, attachment issues, medical problems. We’ve done an online training and once we have the child they’ll come and do a home study and provide more resources to aid in the transition,” Pflederer said.The Pflederer children, ages 5, 3, and 1, are looking forward to bringing their sister home, Pflederer said. They are preparing their children for life as a multi-cultural family through a video series featuring families from around the world.To help cover the cost of the adoption, the Pflederers are selling 2009 wall calendars that feature the landscape photography of John Graybill from Manitou Springs.”The calendar includes pictures taken in Colorado, Oregon, Bora Bora, Hawaii and the Arctic Circle,” Pflederer said. “Each page is beautiful and includes quotes and information about adoption and India.”He said they are pleased by the initial response. “We sent an e-mail to friends and family and asked them to pass it on to people they know. Because of that, we’ve gotten orders from people we’ve never met.”The calendars are $20, with all the proceeds going towards the adoption fees. Pflederer said anyone interested in ordering one can call him at (719) 886-4082 or e-mail rodpgled@hotmail.com.He also writes a blog, www.journeytoindia.typepad.com, which he said is a resource for anyone considering foreign adoptions.
