[Sandymomof3]

Hello, my name is Sandy and I am a 41 year old biological mom of 3 girls ages 18, 15 and 8. I always knew that one day my heart's desire was to adopt a child and now that my children are older my husband and I are ready to start the journey. My main concern is money, that is money to pay agence fee etc. I have a daughter who will start college next year and savings are definitely needed to go toward her future. She possibly could receive some kind of scholarship, but that is not known at this time. My husband will be 47 so we feel like we need to not delay any longer.
My questions are what steps do I take? I contacted the local DHR here in my small town in Alabama and requested info on being foster parents. And they are discouraging me to do that if my sole intentions are to adopt. Agencies I pull up on internet are extremely expensive as well as international adoptions. Like, I said we cannot let go of that kind of money right now. SO, does that mean I should rule out what I want to bad? I pray so hard for what I should do and I strongly feel God is leading me in this direction so I am not giving up hope. I love children deeply and work at a Moms Day Out at my church where I am so blessed to be around little ones.
I am also worried that mine and my husband's age would be a negative factor as far as consideration goes from a possible birth mother and the fact we have children.
Everyone that knows me in any way knows that we want to adopt. So, as far as "spreading the word", that has been done. What can I do other than going through an agency? I would love to adopt newborn or young child. I read one post about finding adoption attorneys. I live between Huntsville and Birmingham and would love talk with someone who has been where I am now.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. Sandy