Does it cost a lot of money?

We're military, and with our military insurance it is free to birth children.  So compared to free, yes, adoption is quite expensive.  For others who must pay 20% or more of their medical expenses, it isn't too much more than birthing a child, especially if there are complications. Most programs, domestic or intercountry, will average between $18,000-30,000.  That includes USCIS fees and travel.  If an agency is asking much more than $30,000, or requiring that you pay all fees upfront, run the other direction.  

There is a federal adoption tax credit of $11,000 per child that rolls over for five years.  You can only get back from the government what you put in, of course, but you will get back a significant portion of your adoption expenses the tax year after your adoption is final.  

I once heard adoption fees compared to a ransom.  If one of your children was kidnapped and taken to a dark place with no medical care, family or education, what wouldn't you pay to get him or her back?  I think we would all find $20,000 fairly quickly!  It is the same for these, our children who we have not yet met.  They are being held in darkness and need their ransom paid. Christ paid the ultimate ransom for me.  All we have is His.  The least we can do is find and use $20,000 of His money to bring another of His children to security.