1. family and parenting
2. children

Children's Hope
International
New CHI Texas Branch
Heart Warming Family Stories
Vietnam Reopens
New Arrivals
F0A0L5L
2
HOMES,
H E A LT H
AND
HOPE
FOR
CHILDREN
IN
NEED.
Children's Hope International's Children's Choir
During the Reunion Picnic in July, the 40 children who make up the CHI Choir dedicated their performance to Dwyatt and Melody.
Family Stories
5
The First Day
-- by David Knights
9
Worth Waiting For
Contents
Children's Hope News
-- by Mary House
10
10 Forever Joined in Love
3
Dwyatt's Desk
-- by Nancy Baney
4
New Russian Adoption Regulations
6
Reunion Picnic Photos
8
Adoption M.D.
13 On Track
-- by Seth Gordon
-- by Dr. Christina Poulos
9
12
"Mama" Kazakhstan
14
Strings of Hope
16
Parenting: Adoption at School
-- by Brenda Barker
18
New Arrivals
On the Cover
On the day she arrived home from China, 18-mo-old Malia Berends of Rolla, Missouri, visits CHI.
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www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
DWYATT'S DESK
The
Pilot's
Precious
Cargo
Many children who have been adopted abroad think
that children come from airports. And they are right! They
come from there by the tens of thousands - from places of
poverty and pain into the laps and love of adoptive
parents who have waited a lifetime for them and who were
willing to go to the ends of the earth to get them.
That is the story of international adoption. Anyone who
has ever been in a meeting of adoptive parents with their
international children is witness to a rare phenomena of
earth. There is a magic, an electricity, a joy and
thankfulness that pervades the atmosphere. The dullness
of eye that was in that child when they sat barely noticed
in an institution on the other side of the earth has been
replaced with a shining brightness that comes from a soul
that is now loved and cherished by parents whose eyes
and spirits are now also alive with the fulfillment and joy
of the present and future. Wrapped in each other's love
they have found what at one time was only a distant and
undiscovered hope.
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
The greatest need for a child - is to have parents,
equally so, parents long for children. When they do come
together it is a celebration of the deepest meaning of life!
That is the story of adoption and the story of Children's
Hope. How we thank and appreciate all those of you who
make up 'adoptive families'. May God truly and
continuously enrich and bless you.
Dwyatt Gantt
Executive Director
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
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CHI NEWS
With their arms tightly wrapped around their new CHI welcome-homes bears, Nastya, Milena and Masha, three girls from Tver, Russia, participating
in Chicago's Operation Hope, spend their first night in America sharing a hotel bed. The next morning they were all introduced to their host families
for their three week stay in the Windy City. This summer there were 25 children divided between CHI's Operation Hope projects in Chicago, Kansas
City, Nashville and Orlando.
New Procedures in
Russia
The Ministry of Education proposed a new set of regulations regarding international adoptions from Russia. If approved by the Duma (legislature), all
adopting parents would be required to complete a psychological evaluation and complete mandatory parental training in order to finalize an adoption.
The psychological testing will be similar to what has been required for families adopting from Colombia. As of July 13, CHI has asked all families
in the process of adopting from Russia to complete the proposed psychological exam. This will help determine the emotional stability of the
child's new home. By requiring the testing even before the requirement becomes official, CHI families should avoid delays in finalizing adoptions
once the new adoption law is enforced.
Children's Hope is also requiring an eight hour parenting course that will accompany the home-study.
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www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
FAMILY STORY
The
First
Day
Ruthie Knights and
Mia holding her
for the first time
By David Knights
T
he big day finally arrived. We went to the
Orphanage in Fu Ling on Sunday afternoon. It was
as hard as I would have thought. There were a large
number of children there and I wanted to take all of
them home. The power was out while we were there so there was no
air-conditioning. It is very hot in this region of China. However, the
kids don't seem to mind and when the electricity is working they do not
use air-conditioning much.
We had to wait for about 15 minutes since they were giving the babies
baths when we arrived. They finally came out and.....ours wasn't there!
Turns out she had been in foster care and the family was on its way, so
we got Mia baby last. About 10 minutes after everyone else had their
baby, Mia finally arrived.
She was brought by an elderly lady and her several daughters. Little
Mia was in their care for about six months. This caused a little
problem as at 14-1/2-months-old, she had formed an attachment to
her foster mother. Mia was handed over. She is called Fen, or Fen
Fen by her foster family and the ladies at the orphanage. We will
slowly transition her to Mia.
After we got her, Mia began to cry. She cried for over an hour. I
started walking and singing to her and she just finally cried herself to
sleep.
She has a healthy appetite. She has already had a bottle and has
eaten rice ceral. She had another small crying bout in the evening but
that passed. She went to sleep at 8:30 p.m. and is still asleep now, at
4:45 a.m. She slept straight through. I however did not. I kept
waking-up every hour to check on her. She was fine, but I would wake
out of a sound sleep with a start and check on her. Of course, she
was fine.
First diaper has been changed. She is healthy and alert and seems
very smart. She is always looking around and trying to figure
everything out. She has a serious look on her face, unlike her smiling
picture. She is beautiful! Today we will go to the Civil Affairs Bureau
to sign the papers to formally adopt her. After today, she is officially
ours- forever.
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
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CHI REUNION PICNIC 2005
The Kids
Not the SUN
Melted our Hearts
Sun-block was an accessory necessity,
Along with wide brimmed hats and umbrellas.
With the shade of the trees the table of choice
For all the ladies and the fellas.
It was CHI's reunion picnic in July,
Under a blazing sun with torrid temps
The large turn-out in this sauna confirmed,
International adoption is not for wimps.
946 people from 25 states
traveled to St. Louis
to celebrate adoption
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www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
Mark your Calendar
Next Year's Reunion
Picnic will be in
a large air-conditioned
indoor-arena
July 15, 2006
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Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
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ADOPTION M. D.
Dear Dr. Poulos Should I take antibiotics when I pick-up my child? How will I
know when/how to use them?
That is a very good question and somewhat controversial. In general, as pediatricians, we are trying to get away from "overusing" antibiotics, so that
the bacterial resistance rates will decrease and our antibiotics will become more effective again. There has been such a rise in antibiotic resistance
due to overuse of antibiotics for viral infections. Many parents request antibiotics to bring with them in case their child needs the antibiotics for an
ear infection. That would really be the only thing you may need them for. If your child has a more serious bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, for
example, I would recommend contacting your physician before traveling home. Other more common infections, like viral upper respiratory infections,
"the common cold", do not require antibiotic use.
T
"I am always concerned about
drug allergies"
he hesitation I have with giving an antibiotic to your child is that I am concerned about the child having an allergic
reaction to the antibiotic while you are traveling with them on a 13 hour flight. We don't know much about the
child's past medical history, so I am always concerned about drug allergies. Make sure you bring oral Benadryl
liquid with you just in case there is an allergic reaction.
What I usually do for my adopting parents is give them an antibiotic prescription for amoxicillin with the approximate dose based on the child's
anticipated weight. I like to prescribe it as a powder, so if needed they can mix it with water because the antibiotics will last only two weeks and
should be refrigerated once mixed. I explain the pros and cons of antibiotic use to my parents and only use it if absolutely necessary. You may want
to contact your pediatrician before using it if you are unsure. Then, make an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as possible to have the
diagnosis confirmed and see how well the infection is clearing.
The advice in this article is for general information only. Any medical advice should be discussed with your physician on an individual basis.
Dr. Christine Poulos, is a Pediatrician in
Barrington and Schaumburg, Illinois. She has a
nephew who was adopted through CHI and she
has a growing caseload of internationally
adopted children.
Questions for the Dr.?
Your question to Dr. Poulos may become part of her quarterly article on
medical issues for families who have adopted internationally. Email:
AdoptionMD@childrenshopeint.org
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www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
WAITING CHILDREN
" There was
no doubt
that
this was
the baby
I heard
calling when
we were first
in China."
At nearly 3-years-old, Gianna Chimino, joyfully hugs her new sister,1-year-old Nichole
I knew there was another baby . . . .
WORTH WAITING FOR
By Mary House - CHI
Two years ago, Gianna Chimino was a CHI "waiting child." She was born
with Atrial Septal Defect and so was classified as a special needs baby.
Two years ago, Angela Chimino was a physician's assistant who knew
that ASD was easily addressed. Angela and her husband Tony worked
quickly to put their dossier together and traveled to China to adopt
Gianna. They met their first daughter on July 22, 2003.
"The day we met Gianna, I told Tony that there was another baby in
China waiting for us. I just knew it." says Angela. "Tony told me I was
just over-emotional. So we just concentrated on Gianna - for a while."
Who's
Waiting
for
You?
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
"In late 2004, we saw another baby on the waiting child list. She
was said to have Left Eye Leukoma. We contacted CHI to inquire
about her and discovered that her birth date was July 22, 2003.
There was no doubt that this was the baby I heard calling when we
were first in China. "
The Chiminos adopted Nicole Ann Shan Chimino in February of
2005. Her medical problem turned out to be only a scar on the
cornea of her left eye. These two bright-eyed sisters love each other
beyond words. They are happy and healthy and full of fun. They
were just waiting for Angela and Tony to discover them.
In every country Children's Hope serves; there are untold numbers of children waiting, often languishing for lack
of love. Some are older children or children with special needs.Their cries are heard only by God only if we listen with our hearts, will we hear them too.
Children's Hope publishes photos and information on www.CHIfamily.net which is accessible to CHI families.
Pam@ChildrensHopeInt.org
CHINA
Nicky@ChildrensHopeInt.org
VIETNAM
Julie@ChildrensHopeInt.org
COLOMBIA.
Sue@ChildrensHopeInt.org
RUSSIA
Lisa@ChildrensHopeInt.org
INDIA and NEPAL
Anna@ChildrensHopeInt.org
KAZAKHSTAN
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
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FAMILY STORY
FOREVER JOINED IN LOVE
BY NANCY BANEY
M
As difficult as saying good-bye was,
Artem, now, Nicholas, was leaving for
a secure, loving home; his forever family. The hearts of the caregivers
were broken, but hopeful for all the children in Baby House #2. I have
special memories of everyone, but I will never forget "Babushka"
(grandmother). She met us that special day at the gate to let us into
the baby house. Her bright smile and ready kiss welcomed us. As I
walked out of Baby House #2, with my son, tears of joy and sadness
rolled down our faces, as she hugged and kissed little Tyoma (baby
house nickname) for the last time.
y heart was pounding with anticipation; the long-awaited
opening of the door. There he was! I bent down, with outstretched
arms. His big, bright-blue eyes slowly, carefully looked up at me. I
saw the weight and pain of abandonment on his beautiful, innocent,
baby face.
Our eyes met . . . our hearts connected . . . the wonderful bond of
love began. After a moment of hesitation, he gingerly, stepped
forward, on one-year-old-toddler's unsteady legs, into my waiting
arms. As I wrapped my arms of love around him and pulled him
close, wonderful tears of joy worked their way past my composed
smile. Life stood completely still and this special once-in-a-lifetimemoment was frozen in time. After placing a mother's tender kiss on
his forehead, I gently whispered in his ear, "I'm your Mama. I love
you." The rest of the world ceased to exist and I was conscious of
only one thought, "For two years I carried this child in my heart, and
this moment of "birth" makes us a precious family."
A family is created in many different ways, however it happens, it is
a wonderful, spiritual experience. As with any birth, there truly are
no words to explain the rush of love when a child is placed in your
arms. Parenthood became a reality for me through the joy of
international adoption and what an incredible journey it has been.
The country Russia is the birthplace of my son, Artem Victorovich
Shestakov and the United States is where my son, Nicholas Ivan
Baney, will grow to adulthood. He is both Russian and American,
citizens of both countries for life.
After making the decision to adopt and researching international
adoption agencies for several months, my heart was drawn to the
orphans of Russia, a country where unemployment is high,
alcoholism is commonplace, and thousands of children are left
abandoned and institutionalized in baby houses and children's
orphanages. I wanted to make a difference in a waiting child's life.
It was the beginning of a wonderful journey of Love. When I began
compiling my adoption dossier, early 2003, it was an overwhelming
task of preparing documents: INS fingerprints, background reviews
and endless notarized signatures. But, by December, 2003, my
precious dossier was sent to the Russian Siberian Region of
Kemerovo. With a mother's faithful prayer and kiss on the front of
the sealed envelope, my priceless documents left my hands. The
hard part, however, was yet to come, the Wait .
On the other side of the world, Artem was struggling to survive his
first year of life. In February, 2004, at thirteen-months, he
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After two life-changing, schedule-driven weeks, we were finally ready
to leave Moscow to fly home to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Leaving Russia was
bittersweet. Excited as I was to have my son with me, I also knew I
was taking him from his birth country, not knowing when he would
return. Over the course of my two trips to Russia in two months, I had
grown to love this country that so graciously had given me my son. So,
with mixed emotions, we strolled through the narrow streets of
Moscow for the last time, memorized the sights and sounds; and
tucked them away in our memory. As with any toddler, not conscious of
the implications of the afternoon's flight, Nicky stopped to play in the
Russian dirt of a cathedral garden. So, symbolically, we scooped up
the precious dirt to take home. The flight back to New York City was an
unusual day of sunshine for us. As you travel back through time zones,
the sun literally never sets. It was a sign of our future together, full of
sunny days of love and laughter. We had a wonderful greeting party of
family and friends at the Tulsa airport, anxious to meet little Nicholas
for the first time. September 24, 2004, we were finally home.
"I'm your Mama. I love you."
was placed in a Baby Home in Novokuznetsk, Russia; one of the largest cities
in south Siberia. So began his life as a Waiting Child . . .
I received the "call" from Children's Hope in mid July. The Wait was finally
over. Mother and child were finally ready to meet each other. My life
immediately became a whirlwind of activity preparing for the trips to Russia.
August was my goal and the travel date marked on my calendar.
Stepping off the plane onto Russian soil was a surreal experience for this
Nebraskan farm-girl. Once the plane landed in Novokuznetsk, though
physically tired, excitement grew during the short, but incredibly long drive to
the baby house. Literally, all was forgotten when I met my child for the first
time. The joy of that moment superceded the enormous effort of literally
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Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
These days, Russia seems far away as our busy, daily schedule has
taken over. But, as I rock and tuck Nicky into bed each night, my mind
always revisits those two weeks, two months, and two years that
began our special adoption journey. Life has wonderfully changed, for
a little boy and a want-a-be mama. For both of us, our dreams came
true in a country so far, far away. We will forever think of Russia with
Love.
traveling around the world.
To adopt in Russia, two trips are required. The first is a one week stay
to meet the child and sign the "Petition to Court", which begins the legal
adoption process in Russia.The second trip comes about two months
later. Once the adoption decree is signed, the child can officially leave
the baby house with the adoptive parents. Up until that time, I could
only visit him for a couple of hours each day.
It was a Friday morning, when I walked into the baby house to say goodbye to the loving caregivers that took care of my little boy for almost
eight months. What a wonderful day to finally hold him forever. It was
also emotional with many tears shed both Russian and American.
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Children's Hope International
Both chosen from Heaven above . . .
Our Hearts forever joined in Love.
Nicholas and I would like to thank everyone at CHI for their
efforts on our behalf. Thank you, CHI Kansas City, St. Louis &
CHI Russia, for all that you have done. We will always remember
you.
Nancy & Nicky Baney
Fall 2005
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CHI NEWS
A Big Texas Welcome!
Kazakhstan
To our new Lone Star state branch director
Every Child Needs a "Mama"
During a recent trip to Kazakhstan, CHI's Dwyatt Gantt, and Yuriy
Kudinov had the opportunity to visit the Almaty City Orphanage.
While in the classroom where the older children are instructed in
sewing, Yuriy noticed the word "Mama" carved into every desk.
As a UTA graduate
with a MSSW, LMSW
living in the Dallas
Metoplex, Stella Maggs
has the credentials to
be CHI's Texas branch
director.
But it is her years in
adoption and her life
as a child who was
adopted that make her
special.
Unlike the words you would expect to see scaring the wood's finish,
"Mama" best translates the desire etched into every child's heartthe desire for a family's love.
"It gives me a perspective that is helpful to families"
Let Stella help your Texas family come together.
stella.maggs@childrenshopeint.org 972-625-6334
Vietnam Reopens
to Adoption
Thousands of children in Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Colombia and
Vietnam need a family. These children are given food, clothing, a
bed and an eduction but their greatest need goes unmet a loving
family.
After over two years of negotiating,
the United States and Vietnam signed an international adoption
agreement in June. The process will now include just one trip and a two
- week stay in Vietnam to finalize the adoption process.
"Lord You have heard the desire of the humble;…To do justice to the
fatherless and the oppressed." Psalm 10 17-18
CHI is now taking applications for Vietnam
Contact Nicky: nicky@childrenshopeint.org
During a trip to the U.S., CHI's Vietnam in-country coordinator Thuy Nguyen who
lives in Ho Chi Minh City, visited with families at the Reunion picnic in July.
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www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
OLDER CHILD ADOPTION
On Track
by Seth Gordon
My father had a lot of rules for me however, and I did not always want
to follow his rules. I realized that I wanted to have control of my future
and life and wanted to make my own decisions. My father and I had
many talks about all of this and some of our conversations were very
angry. But by these talks I realized what I had been through and what I
wanted to have here. I am very strong willed. And sometimes I am
very stubborn. I think I am strong because I know that things are not
going to be good just because I want them to be good. I know that
what I have isn't going to be there just because I want it. Goals take a
lot of work and some luck.
My dad and I are together
t was a normal day at the
because of luck or God or
orphanage. I woke up, went
whatever it was that
to school, attended classes
brought him to my
and played with friends.
hometown the year I was
Suddenly one of the staff
born. He said the day he
members told me that the
saw my picture in a
director needed to see me.
Children's Hope
This started the weird feeling
publication and decided
that I will never forget. As I
that it was meant for us to
walked to the director's office
be together was because
many thoughts went through
he had been to my
my mind. There were many
hometown 14 years
possibilities why I could have
before, the year I was
been called to see the director.
born. My dad said there
First I thought I was in trouble.
was something special
But after thinking about the
that he saw in my picture
past week I realized that
Seth's 4 x100m relay team set a new
state
record
while
winning
the
so he called Children's
nothing I had done was
championship.
Hope to say he wanted to
important enough to disturb
photo by John Clifford/Rome Daily Sentinel (New York)
adopt me. I know that my
the director. I was standing in
life could have taken many paths but it took this one. My dad says he
front of the director's office and all I could hear was my heart beating. I
cannot explain it. It just happened this way and we need to make every
walked in and the director told me to sit down. Her words, "Li Bao Min
day special because he says "no one knows about tomorrow."
do you want an American father?" were words that I never thought I
would hear.
just finished my senior year at Rome Free Academy and I am now
headed
to college. In high school I took the same courses as everyone
felt this way because I lived for almost 14 years without a hope of
else. It was hard but I always did the best I could. At the same time I
having a family. I always hoped someone would adopt me. I was just
participated in sports, hung-out with friends and went to football games.
about to give up because I was too old to be adopted and American
families always wanted babies. But here my dream of having a family
used to misbehave and talk back to my father because it was the
was coming true.
first time I had someone who cared about me and I realized that even if
I was disrespectful and stubborn he would still love me. I wanted him
I remember the first time I saw my future father. I was very excited and
to keep proving it to me. I made him angry but now I know deep down
at the same time very nervous. We did not know how to communicate
that he loves me. I know that no matter what I do he will always be my
with each other. I knew it was going to be hard for me. I was very
dad.
happy to have an American family and start my new life.
This is an essay about courage. It is about a young boy who embarks
on a journey to a new country halfway around the world with a man, a
father, whom he barely knew. I still wonder even to this day how it
must have felt for him. That at 14 years of age you are willing to give
up what you know, even if it's a life in an orphanage, to take a chance
for a new life that you know nothing about, all in the desire of finding
something better. My son Seth took that chance, wishing to discover a
life filled with optimism, brightness and the one emotion that defines the
human spirit, hope. Elliot Gordon, "Dad"
I
I
I
I
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
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CHI FOUNDATION
Strings of Hope
Alex Ross shows a girl at a CHI sponsored youth camp in Tomsk, Russia, how to properly hold a violin. Over half the 10-to-16-year-olds attending the week long
camp were from children's homes.
A
s a professional musician, Alex Ross of Omaha, Nebraska, made sure his violin was part of his baggage when taking his multiple trips to
Russia to adopt his three children. He also found it perfectly natural to play his violin for the children and workers in the orphanages. They were
mesmerized by his talent. As he shared his love for music, he saw that he had made a deep connection with the children. Since then he has returned
to Russia several times with his students and fellow music teachers from Omaha, to perform in orphanages.
For this year's music trip to Tomsk, Alex and his wife Laura initiated a new program called, "Strings of Hope". This is a project sponsored by
CHI Foundation and West Hills Church of Omaha, that provides violin lessons for a year for six children from an orphanage in Tomsk. Donations also
allowed Alex to give all six children a new violin. He has hopes these lessons will go beyond music in the development of the children.
Date Change!!!
Coming to you this Christmas Season
October 1
Is now the day
to board the
CHIFoundation's 2006 Calendar
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Orphan
Train
of
Hope
www.chifoundation.org
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
CHI FOUNDATION
China
On this night- The Orphans were the Stars
At the Beijing Opera Art School, the audience attending Children's Hope Foundation's
Starry Light on the Road, charity party, was moved by 12 blind children from a foster home singing
a medley of songs. But the tears started to flow when a teenager who was blind
and nearly deaf performed on an electric keyboard.
Other Children with special needs assembled intricate crafts up on stage.
Once those attending were invited up to get a closer look, people were
hugging and crying as all joined hands and prayed for the children.
New Looks
- New Lives
For several families living in Henan Province, a professional
visit by Dr. William Hart of St. Louis brought a smile to their
faces as well as their children. An expert in reconstructive
surgery, Dr. Hart, volunteered his skills in Luoyang in June, to
perform surgery on nine kids. These were children identified by
CHI's Loving Heart's program that provides surgeries for
children of families living in poverty.
Working with local physicians, Dr. Hart was able to share new
surgery techniques as well as establish friendships within the
Hospital.
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
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PARENTING
School
Days
A
By Brenda Barker - CHI
s school begins every fall, our children, even those who are home
schooled, will face many adoption questions in the milieu of learning. Are
your 5-to-6-year-olds and even high-school age children ready to answer
the tough adoption questions? It's our job as parents to help prepare our
kids!
Usually in Kindergarten to 2nd grade there are units on how families are
formed, with the children sharing baby pictures and birth information. In 4th
grade it is the personal time line…in 5th and 6th grade usually the
assignment of the "Family Tree" can bring up adoption issues. In high
school biology the unit that can bring adopted kids concern is on heredity
and inherited traits. Not only can the curriculum bring up adoption, but often
children can ask insensitive questions of their peers as well. And of course,
any time a parent of a different race joins their child in class activities more
questions arise. When I spoke to my daughter's 4th grade class on career
day, she was thrilled to have me there, introduce me as her mother, but was
horrified I might mention she was adopted!! (She is Chinese, I am
Caucasian, but she didn't want adoption mentioned!) Not only will their
assignments bring up adoption issues, but for many children it will bring loss
over missing information. It may also require them to share private or
difficult information.
How can we help our children through a
potentially dangerous mine-field?
-- Keep communicating!! Talk positively and frequently about adoption!
-- Get to know and spend time with other adoptive families.
-- Talk to your child's teacher. I would often send notes to the teacher, just reminding him/her of the difficulty of this
assignment for my child, and suggesting an alternative where my child would not feel ashamed, embarrassed of different.
-- After getting your child's approval, offer to share in your child's classroom either about adoption or their country of origin.
-- Buy books and other resources for your school on adoption.
Let your child make decisions and lead through this mine-field. There may be times when they are happy to share their adoption story, and other
times when they need to "blend in" with the class. It is important that we respect them and encourage them as they explore all of these options.
Our children may not bring up the subject if we don't initiate the conversation. It will provide wonderful opportunities to delve into the deep heart of
your child. What could be a better gift?
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Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
A Taste of China
By Cory Barron - CHI
and raised in Maryland. The Chinese language and culture camp is a
project they developed as they both work toward their master's degree
in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.
"Can you say… Gwong-She?
In unison seven, 8-to-10-year old girls repeat…. "Gwong..She"
"It is very hot in the summer in Guangxi Zhuangu Province," their teacher, Yi Liu, explains.
All the children around the classroom table are girls who were adopted
from China. The words, sounds and sights that they are learning are
from the country in which they were born. They were all too young when
they left China to remember.
Children's Hope practicum students, Yi Liu and May Yeh, teamed-up to
help these girls get more exposure to the Chinese culture and language
during an eight week summer camp. Two separate classes, per week, for
a total of 24 girls, were held in CHI's new adoption library at the St. Louis
home office.
"When I was developing this camp, I
discovered these kids are not
bi-cultural. They look Chinese but they
have grown-up in American culture,"
Yi Liu said. "But the parents have
done a wonderful job of exposing
them to Chinese culture so that the
kids are excited and willing to learn."
Yi immigrated to the United States
when she was 12-years-old. May,
whose parents came over from Taiwan
for graduate school, was born
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
"I grew up ashamed of my culture because I was different; I want
them to be proud of where they came from," May said when recalling
the small number of Asian children in the schools she attended.
May adds that a major connector to culture is food. Since many of the
children have only eaten Americanized Chinese food, their reaction to
the real cuisine of China has been fun to watch.
"Many will at first say, 'this is disgusting!'… but then they're willing to
try. I think this is a huge step, their willingness to try things so they can
appreciate their culture," May said.
Yi Liu gives the students
directions on their map puzzle assignment
Annie Henning, 10, listens to fun facts
Children's Hope International
The eight week camp's final day was based in the Children's Hope
lunch-room kitchen. The girls were folding and then boiling their own
dumplings. A wonderful taste from the country in which, all the girls
were born.
Fall 2005
- 17 -
New Arrivals From
CHINA
Parents' Names
Child's Name
March 2005
Province State
Briggs, Robert and Daphne
Phoebe
Guangdong
CA
May 2005
Parents' Names
Child's Name
Province
State
Johnson, Robert & Jacqueline
Taylor, Robert & Cynthia
Po, Andrew & Donna
Bishop, Russell & Deborah
Boyd, William & Susette
McKay, Clyde & Michelle
Collins, Cynthia
Anderson, Harry & Robin
Conyers, Russell & Tina
Herdman, Robert & Jeanette
Imsho, James & Marybeth
Stadel, Steven & Katya
Thompson, James & Regina
Upp, Robert & Rachel
Dereberry, Mark & Christine
Fitzhugh, Christopher & Tracey
Hynes, Terrence & Jennifer
Kline, Patricia
Northrip, John & Julie
O'Neal, Patrick & Penny
Soldwish-Zoole, Trent & Elizabeth
Hailer, Ben & Erin
Borgstadt, Todd & Jan
Bishop, Rodney & Krista
Brown, Guy & Connie
Cornelius, David & Jean
Eason, Larry & Cynthia Futral
Lorey, Christopher & Brenda
Miller, Curt & Karen
Quarles, Chris & Leslie
VanKleek, Craig & Leslie
Walsh, Michael & Michelle
Pavey, Roger & Camie
Goss, Margaret
Callahan, Kevin & Anne
Caruso, Marc & Susan
Cozier, Christian & Patsy Schmidt
Muga, Joseph & Theresa Price
Zeile, Karl & Dian
Bowman, Shane & Beth
Durrett, Sterling & Juliana
Garris, Leland & Kathleen
Millman, Howard & Diana
Rahn
Rachel
Makenna
Lily
Connor
Leah
Rebecca
Lily
Lily
Phoenix
Jia
Kasey
Kyra
Mei Ling
Allie
Hannah
Kara
Leila
Lngamarie
Mia
Abigail
Chloe
Cori
Samantha
Joy
Olivia
Camille
Elizabeth
Kathryn
Presley
Isabell
Sophia
Malia
Nina
Mairead
Olivia
Rose
Lsabel
Erin
Sophia
Kira
Jillian
Abigail
Henan
Henan
Jiangxi
Hubei
Jiangsu
Shaanxi
Shaanxi
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
NE
KS
FL
VA
WA
AZ
VA
IN
MO
TN
NY
OR
MO
MO
MO
VA
MI
FL
AR
FL
MO
CA
AZ
MO
AZ
IL
FL
PA
MO
FL
OR
MA
IA
VA
CA
FL
FL
CA
CA
MO
AZ
KS
PA
Parents' Names
Child's Name
June 2005
Province State
Wimmler, Carla
Berends, George & Marla
Hayden, George & Hope
Ariano, Joseph & Michele
Becker, David & Linda
Karam, Francis & Lisa Tompkins
Knights, David & Ruth
Kovach, Fred & Crystal
Jerusha
Malia
Victoria
Julia
Eleanor
Sophia
Mia
Hope
Guangdong
Yunnan
Liaoning
ChongQing
ChongQing
ChongQing
ChongQing
ChongQing
- 18 -
MO
MO
MO
NY
MO
NY
KY
MO
Asia, Eastern Europe, South America
Parents' Names
Child's Name
June 2005
Province State
Mora, Michael & Vivian
Nielsen, Scott & Kimberli
Patrick, Walter & Lynda Ackerman
Wingert, Matthew & Lisa
Bruner, Richard & Edye
Carter, Robert & Amy
Garrison, John & Connie
Hanson, Mark & Melanie
Koptke, Michael & Amy
McCool, Victor & Marie
McGhee, James & Angela
Rivera, Manuel & Jennifer
Roberts, Kyle & Suzanne
Sander, James & Tari
Schwemmin, Mary
Steiger, Therese
Thierauf, David & Diane
Carr, John & Darcie
Kopf, Walter & Judy Summerfield
McGinnis, Brian & Donna
Nolie, Kelly & Joan
Spradlin, Doug & Natalie
Staley, Tim & Kathleen
Ramsey, David & Julie
Beach, Kevin & Kristin
Butler, Alan & Michelle
Denham, Aaron & Stacy
Esters, Dennis & Margaret
Ferren, William & Tracy
Frazier, Steven & Shawna
Gray, Pauline Elizabeth
Merkel, Patrick & Elizabeth
Ryherd, Eric & Cynthia
Shellhaas, Jerry & Gwen
Stafford, George & Clare
Urice, Andrea
Wenzel, Andrew & Irene
Allen, Gregory & Caprice
Carroll, Adam & Cristi
Deppen, Stephen & Vonda
Edwards, Dan & Sherri
Filby, Jim & Debby
Froeberg, Carla
Gresham, Eugene & Teresa
Neubauer, Greg & Katherin
Richardson, Scott & Shannon
Roberts, Terry & Barbara
Russell, Eric & Lea
Williams, Doke & Shelley
Wyand, Robert & Kimberly
LeAnne
Emilia
Jadyn
Emery
Kimber
Mia
Marin
Jadyn
Liliana
Andie
Elizabeth
Hope
Maggie
Skye
Elizabeth
Anna
Natalie
Kinzie
Amelia
Catherine
Maci
Martha
Mia
James
Camille
Taylor
Myia
Anna
Jamisen
Jade
Grace
Ella
Amy
Eliana
Helena
Lydia
Myka
Emma
Alexis
Jin
Brielle
Emelia
Della
Isabella
Evan
Anna
Remi
Kessa
Caity
Meijoy
ChongQing
ChongQing
ChongQing
ChongQing
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdon
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Henan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
CA
WA
NJ
MO
KS
MS
MA
WA
CA
MO
GA
AZ
MO
MO
MI
MO
TN
IA
WA
MO
MO
MO
KS
MI
KS
WV
MO
TX
KS
MO
AZ
TN
NH
OH
KS
MO
FL
TN
MO
TN
MO
KS
MA
TN
MO
AR
AR
WA
TX
MO
FL
MO
NY
IL
AZ
MO
Parents' Names
Child's Name
July 2005
Province State
Abrahamson, Lisa
Allman, Michael & Susan
Carew, William & Nancy
Carmona, Godfrey & Tina Sullins
Crozier, Rory & Stella
Johnson, Thomas & Andrea
Julie
Mina
Emma
Kael
Kami
Anna
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Children's Hope International
Fall 2005
CHINA
Parents' Names
Child's Name
July 2005
Province State
McAvoy, Michael & Kari
Moore, Beverly
Robinson, Carla
Sadowsky, Jeffrey & Donna
Shea, Richard & Andrea Gilman
Walker, Gregory & Cameron
Witte, Lawrence & Amanda Flores-Witte
Woodruff, Jason & Cherie
Ferguson, Virgil & Lisa
Gowder, Constance
Lewis, Ronald & Brenda
Curcuru, Rosario & Pamela Wadsworth
Ketterer, Kevin & Sarah
Mahar, James & Linda Williams
Pittman, Joe & Angela
Schooley, Johanna & Julie Vitalo
Zekich, Mary
Epstein, Kenneth & Mayra Hernandez-Epstein
Hitt, Dennis & Terri
Hodgson, Douglas & Ann
Huff, Carey & Barbara
Kaneshige, Peter & Pauline
Kolker, Christopher & Kristine
Lin, Walter & Mae
McAdam, Edward & Mary
Shoe, Rebecca
Steffens, Craig & Christine
Szot, Michael & Laura
Tutton, Dave & Tamara
Weiner, Susan
Barnett, Jimna
Burgener, Joseph & Jennifer
Colwell, Ira & Sheri
Goodman, Roger & Cindy
Haggadone, Cash & Christe
Hutchings, Joseph & Susan
Karolak, Douglas & Donna
Karr, Kurtis & Patricia
Klenotich, Michael & Denise Sinnott-Klenotich
Martin, Sherry
Parisella, Mark & Barbara
Brozio, Gregory & Lois
Hastings, Dwayne & Marla
Herberholt, Jay & Michele
McKay, Daniel & Carolyn
Patton, Tamela
Twogood, Daniel & Gretchen
Cooney, Sean & Lin
Wahlstrom, Kirk & Martha
Teed, Paul & Melissa
Candice
Glenys
Lucy
Darah
Adeline
Mena
Maylee
Suki
Virgil
Brooke
Caralea
Wen Lucia
Grace
Anna
Karly
Louisa
WenLi
Hannah
Marissa
Lily
Olivia
Christy
Kylie
Rachael
Emily
Isabel
Teresa
Mikayla
Abigail
Eva
Brentlei
Sarah
Layla
Mira
London
Elizabeth
Amelia
Katherine
Jasmine
Margot
Hannah
Honorah
Grace
Grace
Abigail
Gili
Ruth
Sloan
Augustine
Lucy
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi
Hubei
Hubei
Hubei
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Jiangxi
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Hunan
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Anhui
Jiangsu
Jiangsu
Shaanxi
KAZAKHSTAN
MI
TN
AR
NY
NY
KS
CA
OR
MO
TN
MO
AZ
MO
TN
AK
NY
IL
FL
KS
NJ
FL
CA
OH
AZ
NJ
CO
IL
IL
WA
AZ
AR
MO
TN
TN
KS
FL
AZ
TX
FL
TN
RI
MO
TN
MO
ND
TN
AZ
AZ
WI
MI
Parents' Names
Child's Name
May 2005
Region
State
Longton, Rob & Kathy
Jesse Roma
Karakastek
Hoffman, Trista
Buuck, Amy
www.ChildrensHopeInt.org
Konstantin Benjamin
Alexander Jacob
Almaty
Almaty
MO
July 2005
Children's Hope International
MT
LA
RUSSIA
May 2005
Region
State
Parents' Names
Child's Name
Bligh, Robert and Marcella
Krigel, Philip and Belinda
Astrakhan
Vladivostok
CA
TN
Smolensk
Tver
Tomsk
KS
OH
CT
Frein, Scott and Debra
Kallas, Erik and Andrea
Elleana Oksana
Alex Brandon
Spencer Anatoli
John "Jack" David
Nikita Donald
Pavel
Victor
Kacey Valentina
Alexander Skeggs
Vladivostok
Tver
CA
TN
Biery, Ken and Theresa
Albertson, Brian and Melissa
Mitchell, Kathy
DeLaMater, John & Marcie Brooks
Jones, Elizabeth
McDonough, Michael and Julie
Stoltz, Joseph & Rita
Amacher, Christopher and Ginny
Carroll, Joanne
Clark, David and Lisa
Kuhn, Keith and Julia
Nichole Vera
Lucas Otto
Victoria Grace
Roman Maishev
Caden Dmitri
Faith Anna
Viktoria Krasulya
Christian Beck
Kristina Seryodkina
Allyson Nicol
Anya Marie
Vladivostok
Kaliningrad
Kemerovo
Tver
Kemerovo
Kemerovo
Tver
Kaliningrad
Tomsk
Kemerovo
Kemerovo
WA
MO
TN
NM
OK
MO
CT
TN
NY
KY
MO
Hutchinson, Robin
Raach, Charles and Jeanne
McLeod, Alan and Julie
Nadia Ruth
Megan Ashley
Anna Natalia
Chelyabinsk
Tver
Kemerovo
Henson, Gregory and Holly
Rees, Ronald & Donna
Conway, David and JoAnn
June 2005
July 2005
COLOMBIA
FL
KS
TN
May 2005
State
Parents' Names
Child's Name
Region
Keith & Joy Trout
Lynn & Claudia Klamt
Leidy & Herman
Elizabeth
Nariño
Córdoba
IL
TX
Greg Jarrett & Megan Hughes
Steve & Kim James
Joe & Rebecca Graham
Tonda Gann
Andres & Catalina
Angie & Oscar
Oscar
Luz Mery
Antioquia
Nariño
Antioquia
Bogota
KS
CO
KS
MO
June 2005
July 2005
Roger & Sandra Howells
Jerrold & Tabitha McCormick
Ben & Leigha Singleton
Brian & Kimberly Hibbs
Jeff & Kristina O'Connell
Andrea, Diana & Steven
Marta
Abraham Daniel
Juan Pablo, Alisson & Frank
Mirelia, Jhon, Luz & Luis Daniel
INDIA
Tolima
Cundinamarca
Antioquia
Tolima
Caldas
HI
PA
IN
SC
KS
Parents' Names
Child's Name
May 2005
Region
State
Griffith, Scott & Indira
Patel, Krupal & Allisen
Wood, Ryan & Teresa
Church, Michael & Elaine
Miller, Jonathan & Kristin
Priyanka Brynhild
Kevin Deepak
Christa Radhika-Faith
Arti
Moriah Kate
Pune
Pune
Delhi
Delhi
Pune
California
California
Alabama
Missouri
Tennesse
June 2005
Allen, Kelly & Angela
Loadman, Eric & Betty
Irwin, Derek & Julia
Zaman, Moneeka
Fall 2005
Jasmine Babbu
Delhi
Sydney Sunita
Delhi
Aurora Gabrielle Karina Pune
Anushree
Pune
Texas
July 2005
Georgia
Oklahoma
New York
- 19 -
Melody Zhang, Editor-in Chief
Cory Barron, Editor: cory@childrenshopeint.org
Jeff Gao, Graphic Design
11780 Borman Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 890-0086 (voice)
(314) 427-4288 (fax)
www.ChildrensHopeint.org
© 2004 No replication without consent of CHI
Theresa and Bruce Campbell of St. Louis got
a surprise referral packet from China; one
week after this official invitation to adopt did
not arrive with the June 24th referral group.
After some work by CHI's China team, but
with no advanced warning, the referral came
in a shipment from China. The Campbells
raced to the office to see for the first
time a photo of their new daughter,
8-month-old, Fang Man Yun.
Children's Hope International
11780 Borman Drive,
St. Louis, MO 63146
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
St. Louis, MO
Permit No. 4127