After a Five Year Wait – The Best Christmas Ever



 Laura Richer gasped, as she viewed photos of her new daughter
in the adoption referral handed to her by
Nichole Deal, Children's Hope social worker. 



“She is soooo... cuuuuute…!”

Those were the emotional words flowing from Laura Richer when she first saw the photo of her new daughter.   Laura and her husband Steve, along with three other Children’s Hope couples, today received their referrals; the official documents from China matching the new parents to an orphan who will soon be their child. The Richers have been waiting for this day since August 2006, when their adoption paper work was approved by the Chinese.

Riley is now waiting for the Richers 

“It’s been so long, people have stopped asking about it,” Laura said when reflecting on the long wait to adopt from China.  But today was the start of a joyous ending, as Laura and Steve’s new daughter, 18-month-old “Riley”, from Guangdong province, took up residence in their hearts.

"Over five years is a long time…but I guess she was meant to be ours,” Steve said.

All four couples will be traveling to China in two to four months to finalize their individual adoptions and then bring their new children home. 

More on Adoption

international adoption, UNICEF, China adoption, adopting from China, orphans, orphanage, China special needs adoption

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International Adoption Discussion on NPR

Children’s Hope shares mic with investigative reporter covering adoption 

Actions by UNICEF and adoptions from Vietnam were two of the numerous international adoption topics explored Tuesday, during an hour long radio conversation on St. Louis National Public Radio. Cory Barron from Children’s Hope International and adoptive mom Trish Almond, joined NPR’s foreign affairs correspondent Alan Greenblatt, to talk about Greenblatt’s series of articles on international adoption.

Twice adopting from China, Trish Almond shares a heartfelt mother’s perspective while Barron gives an adoption agency view on the current state of international adoption. The live KWMU show, St. Louis on the Air, aired on the same day that the Congressional Quarterly Global Researcher published Greenblatt’s extensive 20 page article on his findings.

Why is the number of international adoptions declining?

Is the U.S. State Department working against international adoption?
Are the world’s orphans helped by international adoption?

Why do Americans choose to adopt internationally? 

Listen to the NPR program on International Adoption

UNICEF, US State Department, Vietnam, Russia, China. Ethiopia, Guatemala, International Adoption, Orphans, Orphanages, Hague

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Bringing in the New Year, 2004!

Happy New Year Ethiopia (Enkutatash)!

On Monday September 12th this year, Ethiopia will be bringing in the year 2004! The US Embassy and other offices will be closed in celebration. The majority of our in-country staff will also have enjoy the day off to celebrate.

Ethiopia still retains the Julian calendar, in which the year is divided into 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month of 5 days (6 days in the leap year). The Ethiopian calendar is 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar from January to September and 7 years behind between September 11 and January 8.

Enkutatash means the “gift of jewels”. When the famous Queen of Sheba returned from her expensive trip to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her back by replenishing her treasury with inku or jewels. The spring festival has been celebrated since this early time, and as the rains come to their abrupt end dancing and singing can be heard at every village in the green countryside, but Enkutatash is not exclusively a religious holiday. Today’s Enkutatash is also the season for exchanging formal New Year greetings and cards among the urban sophisticated - in lieu of traditional bouquets of flowers. It is a time to express hopes and dreams for the future. Meskerem (September) is seen as a month of transition from the old year to the new.

We’d like to hear from you on how you plan to celebrate the New Year with your Ethiopian child/ren. Share with us in the comments!

  

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Returning to China, Her Homeland, for the First Time

"For 13-year-old Leah Maxey, the trip was a lifetime in the making. She and her parents, Robert and Kathy Maxey, had been talking about a trip to China 'pretty much ever since I can remember,' Leah said.

Last month, they finally went."

Read the Maxey's full story on their Return to China trip (featured in the Columbia Daily Tribune), as they experienced Leah's birth country for the first time since their adoption trip in 1999.

Adopted children have been coming home from China since the country opened to international adoptions in 1992. Many of our sons and daughters are old enough now to visit their homeland and see with confident eyes the land where they were born. Is the time right for your family to Return to China?

Learn more about homeland tours. 

We are currently setting dates for SUMMER, 2012 RETURN TO CHINA travel.


 

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Haodi - Burned by Scalding Noodle Water at 1 Year - Enroute to Boston Hospital

Flying into Boston today from Beijing, a child burned by scalding noodle water at 1-year will receive reconstructive surgery on her burn wounds at Shriner's Hospital in Boston. This is Haodi's third trip to Boston in 5 years. Welcome Haodi and a big thank you to Shriner's for their continued aid to this young girl!

Read more about Haodi's trip to Boston and view a "photo diary" sharing her journey of recovery thus far at Hope's Purpose, Children's Hope Humanitarian Blog.

 

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"Full Table" :: A Children's Hope Family Contribution

It's the little moments that count. Last night, we had a nice Sunday night family dinner. Our normal tradition is to all hold hands and say a small short prayer and then we all share what we are thankful for that particular day. In years past, this may have included such things as "chocolate milk." "Thank you God for my chocolate milk"... funny, it all counts right?

Anyways, my son Keegan made the nice comment that pretty soon our table will be full! Yep, he's right! We no longer will have that one empty chair, all seats will be full. I paused for a moment and looked around at my 3 beautiful children's faces as they laughed and poked fun at each other. How I cant wait to see the face of #4! What will she look like? Indeed not the blonde hair that my other 3 children have. (Yes, maybe I wont be the only NON- blonde in the family.) What will her name be? How old will she really be? Will she laugh and poke fun just the same? Indeed I cant wait. All chairs will be full and the Karki family will be COMPLETE! Its the little moments...

Please continue to pray for strength and faith for the journey we are all on.

- Carrie, "waiting" adoptive mom in the Ethiopia Program



 

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Russia Program Director Speaks About Recent US / Russia Adoption Agreement

On July 13th, the US and Russia signed a bilateral adoptions agreement to strengthen safeguards in inter-country adoption. Children’s Hope Russia Program Director Anna Rister breaks down what details are currently known, how the agreement affects families currently in process and what future families may expect in their adoption process as well. We are excited to have the agreement signed and look forward to sharing more details with you in this week’s CHI-TV segment.

Share with us, in the comments or join the conversation on Facebook: what are your reactions? Do you have any questions we can help answer?


Details of the US - Russia Adoption Agreement from Children's Hope International


 

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Russia / U.S. Agreement Signed: International Adoption Safeguards to be Implemented

Today July 13th the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security announced Secretary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov signed a bilateral adoptions agreement. This agreement is meant to strengthen procedural safeguards in adoptions between the US and Russia.

"Children's Hope International is happy to announce that today, Russia and the US signed the inter-country adoption agreement," says Anna Rister, Children's Hope International's Russia Program Director.

"This was a long awaited agreement between the two countries. The new agreement will clarify the requirements and the adoption process overall, but more importantly will ensure the well-being of the adopted children. We are very pleased that the agreement was finally signed and look forward to seeing positive changes in Russian adoption process."

This is great news for families of Russia international adoptions!

FAQ on the Agreement
Read the Department of State's frequently asked questions, which gives clear information concerning this agreement.

Russia - Notice: Secretary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Sign Adoption Agreement

Read the Deparment of State's adoption  news alert.

 

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Outside the Box: Cutting Costs and Fundraising Towards Your International Adoption!

Do you think outside the box when it comes to funding your international adoption? Join us for today's Adoption Conversation led by author Julie Gumm of Adopt Without Debt via CHI-TV.

Cutting cable has been a great way to bring savings for families for decades, but with new technology available dropping your cable bill does not necessarily mean cutting programming or media.Watch this CHI-TV episode to learn more as Julie explains several techniques to bring programming to your tv with just a small upfront investment (and no or little ongoing monthly bills).


Adopting without Debt- Part 3 from Children's Hope International on Vimeo.

Also this week, Julie Gumm talks about her favorite fundraiser. While researching for her book Adopt Without Debt, Julie interviewed many families about how they raised funds. Not only does fundraising bring extra money when, say, your travel is suddenly sooner than you thought or if your fingerprints expire; fundraising also brings friends and family into the adoption process and includes them on this major life change, before your baby or child has even come into your family. The fundraiser mentioned in this CHI-TV brought together an entire work force and created bonds among friends with a great motive.

How have you thought outside the box in your adoption finances? How have you challenged your family and how has it been positive or even fun? Share with us! Comment here or join the conversation on Facebook.

Next time with Julie, return to learn about adoption grants, earning additional income and more. For Julie's full cost-savings arsenal, purchase her book via her website Adopt Without Debt. This series is a part of CHI-TV - video by Children’s Hope adoption experts and professional guests, answering questions important to you and your adoption.


 

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Considering International Adoption Vs. Domestic Adoption :: What Really Are the Differences?

Some say domestic adoption is "too scary" while others say international adoption is "too uncertain"; what really are the differences between adopting internationally and adopting domestically? Social Worker Ashley Bennett lays out what draws adoptive parents to one or the other. By day, she is an Ethiopian adoption coordinator, by night Ashley helps clients with their domestic adoption process. She's well equipped to help you through this quandary - international or domestic; which is the right fit for my family?


Domestic or International Adoption- A Prospective Parent's Quandary from Children's Hope International on Vimeo.


Check out the CHI-TV archives to find more answers to your questions. Or ask your own question by emailing Communications@ChildrensHope.net. We'll have one of our experienced staff respond to you personally. Your question might even make the next segment of CHI-TV!


If you are reading this post via email, you may click here to jump to the blog to comment.

 

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How can I save money towards my adoption? :: CHI-TV with Julie Gumm

We've had a lot of fun talking to adoptive mom and author Julie Gumm this past week. Today, the author of Adopt Without Debt gives us a few specific ways to drive back your debt and save towards your adoption.

At the heart of this conversation, Julie combats the problem: 'You have been called by God to adopt. Now how do you afford it?' Today we discuss several tips from Adopt Without Debt -  from simple measures like planning ahead your family's dinner menu and packing your lunch, to using your talents to bring in extra income... and taking a good look at what sits in your driveway.

See the conversation here by video and continue it by commenting on this post. What have you cut back on to reach your goals?


Adoption without Debt: part 2- ideas to save you money from Children's Hope International on Vimeo.

Next time with Julie, return to discover her favorite fundraiser and more savings tips. For Julie's full cost-savings arsenal, purchase her book via her website Adopt Without Debt. This series is a part of CHI-TV - video by Children’s Hope adoption experts and professional guests, answering questions important to you and your adoption.

 

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Giveaway: Win a Copy of "Adopt Without Debt"!

We have our winner of "Adopt Without Debt" by Julie Gumm! Congratuations to Anne Marie, selected by our Random Number Generator. We hope this book helps make your adoption even more affordable!

***

It is a Giveaway Friday! "Adopt Without Debt" author Julie Gumm is coming alongside CHI-TV for several segments on the topics of fundraising, cost-savings, and the biblical call to care for the orphan and the widow. "Adopt Without Debt" collects many great budgeting and debt reduction techniques inspired in part by personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, and continues deeper bringing dozens of fresh ideas on how to raise and earn funds towards your adoption. Julie poses the challenge - "Adopting without debt IS possible."

We came away from the book inspired by Julie’s personal adoption story and encouraged by concrete advice and a full appendix of grant opportunities, resources and websites. An added bonus was an introduction to like-minded organizations with innovative ideas such as Both Hands, which gives adopting parents the tools to partner orphan care with work for the widow in an inspiring, hands-on way that truly speaks to the heart while removing the financial barrier of adoption.

Get your copy!

Get your own copy of the new book "Adopt Without Debt"! Julie has given us a copy to give to you. Keep the book to help you conquer the finances of adoption or give the book to a friend that is considering adoption but is afraid of the financial costs involved.

How do you win?

[Main entry required.]
Post a comment on this blog post or on Children's Hope Facebook, letting us know how this book may impact your adoption journey or your friend's (if this will be a gift!).

Add your email address in the comment. We will contact you by email if you are a winner.

Want extra entries?

Each item you do will get you ONE chance to win (for a total of 3 chances), if you already do any of these things, they DO count! So make sure to comment for each item; you must leave each entry as a separate comment or only one comment will count.
1. Join Children's Hope on Facebook.
2. Follow @childrenshope and @jgumm on Twitter and tweet the following statement then come back to this post and tell us you tweeted.

Adopting Without Debt IS possible! Enter to win the book Adopt Without Debt from @JGumm and @ChildrensHope! Enter here: http://bit.ly/kLUU65 

Important Details:

-This giveaway is open to USA residents only and will run until Monday, June 13th at 11:59 pm CST.
-Winner(s) will be generated via a random number generator software program. Winner will be notified via the contact email provided in the comment or by Facebook message.
-Winner(s) will have until 6/15/11 to claim their book or we will choose another winner.
-Winner will receive one copy of "Adopt Without Debt ". Product will be shipped by Julie herself.

 

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An Interview with Julie Gumm, Author of "Adopt Without Debt"

"Adopt Without Debt" author, Julie Gumm, is joining us for several segments of CHI-TV. Fighting down your debt, affording adoption, and caring for the orphan and the widow are Julie's favorite topics and brightest passions.

This week, Julie answers the question, "Is adopting without debt possible?" (Sneak peak: It is! Julie helps us see how.)



Adopt Without Debt- Interview with Julie Gumm from Children's Hope International on Vimeo.

If you are reading this post by email, jump to the blog to view this video. 

 

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50 Award Winning Toys, Games, Books, DVDs, Music & More

As you are preparing to outfit your home for a new baby or adopted child, you have likely been spending a lot of time online and at the local department store stocking up and registering for parenting items. New items are created every year making daily life for more convenient and efficient for moms and dads. With new technology available, what should you look for?

There are many resources that help, including the National Parenting Publications Awards. NAPPA's expert judges and family testers (parents and kids) evaluate products to find the most entertaining, appealing, safe, educational, age-appropriate and enduring products - and naming them NAPPA Gold and Honors winners.

Find the 2011 award-winning products for babies, toddlers, big kids, tweens and Mom & Dad, on the NAPPA website. The items become more impressive when you see them in action; check out the video below  to see featured products demoed live on Fox 25 Boston.

(blog with video)

 

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Why Boys?

Last week this was emailed to us and the message is so true, we had to share.

Please watch and ask yourself if you could be that family! If you do embark on this journey, we promise you that it will be the most rewarding experience of your life. Get a tissue handy…



Call us if you are interested in adopting a boy. We'd love to speak with you! 314-890-0086 or reach us by email at info@childrenshope.net.

 

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The Empowered to Connect Conference Returns to Nashville!

Early Bird Registration Ends June 1st

September 23-24

• “I went to the Empowered to Connect Conference last year and it was simply amazing. It is a makeover for your mind, a transformation of how you can parent. Dr. Purvis’ understanding of children from a “hard place” and her love for God is truly inspiring.” -Ashley, Children's Hope Social Worker
• “So good. So practical. I will be able to go home and start using these principles tonight.” -Jen, adoptive mom

Show Hope is partnering with Empowered to Connect to bring the Empowered to Connect Conference back to Nashville, TN. This fall's conference format will offer invaluable strategies for connecting with children from hard places.

The Empowered to Connect conference features Dr. Karyn Purvis, a leading expert in the field of research-based interventions for at-risk children. It will be an invaluable experience for parents who seek to find hope and healing for adopted or fostered children. This is also an essential opportunity for families considering an adoption or foster care placement.

Conference Dates and Location:

Nashville, Tennessee - September 23-24, 2011
(at Brentwood Baptist Church)

Register now to lock in the early-bird rate! Early-Bird Registration is $35/individual or $50/couple through June 1.

All registrations will be 50% off thanks to a generous donation from Focus on the Family.* Use discount code: FOCUS when registering online. Please pass these special savings on to your contacts and friends! *Limited availability

Register online today at showhope.org/connect so you don't miss this opportunity!

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A Life Lesson at The Bright Hope School

A 4-time work team has returned to Ethiopia to provide muscle in building The Bright Hope School garden's security wall. This school teaches to the 2100 children whose sick parents suffer from leprosy or AIDS, and seek treatment at the nearby hospital.

The school's sustainable garden is made possible by Children's Hope families and friends and adds fruit, vegetables and eggs to the kids' diet (otherwise, often made up of toast alone, prepared by the school for breakfast).

This weekend, a work team member posted a valuable life lesson to the team's blog:

"Oh, how I missed hauling rocks on my back in a potato sack. Seriously. Today, as far as manual labor goes, that's what we all we did… rocks. Back and forth. We would walk the trail from the pile where our Ethiopian friends would ask, “Sint? (or “How many?”) and we’d tell them "2, 3, 4, or 5" scoops from the shovel (as you can probably imagine by my physique, I routinely asked for 5).

One time on our way to fill up our sacks my friend (and team member), Trecie told me the life motto she had developed. She said she could either choose to look to the left and make her life about that, or she could look to the right and make her life (or day) about that.

As we hiked the path back to the pile that was slowly (very, very slowly) depleting you could look to your left and find a 100 yard hedge of thorn bush lined with trash, dead roots and even a bone or two. Or you could look to your right and take in Bright Hope’s garden brimming with green vegetables shooting up through the dirt, neat rows and freshly watered soil. Trecie said it’s her goal to look right. I like that."

Learn more about the Bright Hope School. www.blog.helpanorphan.org/search/label/Ethiopia%20Bright%20Hope%20School

Read the Mission Team's blog: http://ethiopiablog.journeyweb.net.

 

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CHI-TV :: "Should we keep our child's given name?"

This week on CHI-TV: Families call frequently asking, "Should we change the name of our newly adopted child?" Sharon Turner, Ethiopia Program Director for Children's Hope International, discusses this sometimes "hot" topic, with both the benefits and drawbacks of both retaining birth names and also those of giving a child a new American name. Sharon's experience may help in your thought process of making the best decision for your family.

If you are a family that has considered this question, join the conversation by commenting and letting us know your thoughts and insights.

Watch the video "Should we keep our child's given name?" below.


Having problems viewing this video? Watch it on YouTube.


Check out the CHI-TV archives to find more answers to your questions. Or ask your own question by emailing Communications@ChildrensHope.net. We'll have one of our experienced staff respond to you personally. Your question might even make the next segment of CHI-TV!

If you are reading this post via email, you may click here to jump to the blog to comment.

 

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You Are About to Travel for Your Adoption; What Toys Do You Bring?

You've completed all of the paperwork. You've waited for immigration approval and your referral. Now you are about to embark on a trip to another country to meet your child for the first time. "Wow, there's another little person at the end of the adoption process!"

One of your next thoughts might be: "How do I bond with my child?" "What are some fun toys we should take on our adoption trip?"

Ashley Bennett, Adoption Social Worker and Consultant for Children's Hope International, is here to answer exactly that question, this week on CHI-TV. Watch her video below.

Completed families - what did you take with you? What did you discover was a great success? What did you bring that was a flop?


Fun Toys to take on your International Adoption Trip from Children's Hope International on Vimeo.

Check out the CHI-TV archives to find more answers to your questions. Or ask your own question by emailing Communications@ChildrensHope.net. We'll have one of our experienced staff respond to you personally. Your question might even make the next segment of CHI-TV!


If you are reading this post via email, you may click here to jump to the blog to comment.

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Have You Heard? Children's Hope Humanitarian Aid Work

Children's Hope has a calling that extends to other efforts as well in Ethiopia beyond the mission of finding homes for orphaned children; one of those efforts is the Bright Hope School Project.

Over the past 18 months, the 2100 students at Biruh Tesfa (Bright Hope) Elementary School have been watching the vegetables grow in their newly cultivated gardens; witnessing daily harvests of eggs from the new chicken hatchery with over 300 laying hens; and they are now drinking safe water from their new school well.

The lengthy stone security wall that will eventually protect the school’s entire 13 acres is about 2/3 complete. We would like to finish the wall this summer. Even though funding has slowed the work, we are still hopeful. This has been a very fulfilling project in bringing sustainable agriculture to kids from extreme poverty. You can find out more about the Bright Hope School Garden Project; see the histroy of hard work accomplished, by volunteers and the funding of Children's Hope friends and supporters.

- Sharon, Ethiopia Adoption Program

Keep the gardens growing at Bright Hope; give here!


 

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Adopting a Waiting Child: What does that look like? A Mom's Perspective (Part 2 of 2)

Thanks for joining the conversation this week! Last Wednesday on CHI-TV, Bunnie Wilson invited you into her home to meet her kids, four of whom were adopted internationally through the China Waiting Child Program.

So many of you may be wondering, "What would it look like to adopt a Waiting Child into our family? How are the adoptions of special needs children sometimes unique?" From a mother's perspective, Bunnie tells us how her family chose the Waiting Child Program and, for their fourth adoption, how they decided to adopt a younger child (which made some of their friends' jaws drop!).


Click on the photo above to be taken to Bunnie's video!

 If you missed Bunnie's conversation last week, catch her first installment here.

Have a question for Bunnie or one of our staff? Leave a comment or email us at Communications@ChildrensHope.net. We love hearing from you!

If you are reading this post via email, jump to the blog to comment.

 

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When You Can Give Love to a Child, Do You Do It?

Click the photo to be directed to CHI-TV's homepage with video!

"Nothing stops her. Nothing," Bunnie says about her daughter, who is missing a part of her left arm.

Bunnie Wilson has adopted four times; each time she adopted a Waiting Child - a child who may be older or may have "special" medical needs. If you have ever wondered what this kind of adoption might look like, Bunnie invites you now to her home. Come visit, and meet her kiddos and see adoption through her persepctive.

Part 1 of 2.

There are children, right now, waiting for a home. See their faces and take a moment today to see into their hearts. View 26 Waiting Children from China. There are others waiting in Ethiopia, Russia and Colombia. Contact us; we are seeking homes for each child.

Email: Communications@ChildrenHope.net
Phone: 1-888-899-2349

*Children's Hope highly suggests you do your own research with your pediatrician and/or specialist concerning the child you are considering before you commit to adopting a Waiting Child.

**Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments or Facebook! (Are you reading this via RSS? Jump to the blog to leave a comment and join the conversation.)

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What are some of the challenges of adopting an older child?

Click the photo to be directed to CHI-TV's homepage with video!

It is Children's Hope's mission to find "Homes, Health, and Hope for Children in Need". Many of these children are older. Most families open to adoption know the joy that a child can bring to their lives; but what are some of the challenges you may face? Parent education and preparedness lays a groundwork for a healthy family.

Social Work Director Nichole Deal starts off today's conversation CHI-TV with some general challenges. She'd talk to you for at least a half hour if she could! If you are interested in older child adoption, please give us a call at 1-888-899-2349.

Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments or Facebook! (Are you reading this via RSS? Jump to the blog to leave a comment and join the conversation.)

 

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It is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. And, boy, do we have great volunteers!

Been There, Done That. Children's Hope Adoptive Parents (CHAPs) are families who have adopted orphaned children from across the globe and now seek to give back to other prospective adopting families. To those just beginning their adoptions, the knowledge and experience of parents before them is one of the greatest gifts they can receive!

To all our cherished CHAPs Volunteers ~

Helping out,
Lending a hand,
Someone who will understand,
A person who will always be there,
Without a doubt, someone who cares ~ that's you, our volunteers!

Next month, CHAPs will mark 6 years of making a difference in our communities. Our CHAPs families are over 300 families strong throughout the US and we want to recognize each of them for their meaningful volunteer efforts.

Thank you, CHAPs, for volunteering your precious time to answer emails and telephone calls about your adoption experience. Thank you for the selfless giving of your time to host CHAPs information meetings. In all of these things, thank you for remembering the children who are still waiting for their forever families. As you volunteer, you are keeping these children close to your heart and reminding others that they are precious.

May God bless you richly!

Have you been touched by a CHAPs family? Let them know in the comments!

To learn more about CHAPs or to become a volunteer yourself, contact Ginny Burkhart at 618-622-3522 or Ginny.Burkhart@ChildrensHope.net.

 

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What should you consider when adopting a child with special needs? Tell us your thoughts.

Click the photo to be directed to CHI-TV's homepage with video!

Adopting a child who is older or has medical needs? These children, known as special needs children, are amazing kiddos deserving of loving forever homes. But what does it take to parent a child with special needs? What should you consider if this is the road forward for your family?

China Program Director Tina Qualls helps start this conversation with you this week, via CHI-TV. And, if you have adopted a special needs child, you can help finish it. Let us know what was on your heart during your adoption process. Post your comments!

If you are considering adopting through the Waiting Child (Special Needs) Program, tell us your thoughts and ask your questions. 

Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments or Facebook! (Are you reading this via RSS? Jump to the blog to leave a comment and join the conversation.)

 

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To Learn From... Again

From featured blogger Stacie, adoptive mom of 2 Ethiopian kids

Being a mom the second time around is definitely different. I'm way more relaxed with Lia than I was with Micah.  I don't stress about the small things as much as I did with my first baby. Ah, but I do still have those moments of utter confusion, stress, and basket-dropping, so don't think Number Two has made it magically easy or anything like that. One thing that does strike me is how much I've forgotten already. I was watching family YouTube videos with the kids recently (thank you, Apple TV) and I couldn't believe how little Micah was. How his tiny feet fit into his little sandals. How he waddled when he walked.

This knowledge makes me desperate to notice and remember each little moment of Lia's babyhood. I know I'll forget again, but this time I'm oh-so aware of how fleeting these moments are. How it's my last time (and I'm 99.9% sure of this) with a baby to care for. To carry on my hip. To snuggle with in the wee early morning hours. To rock to sleep. To hear first words like 'cheese', 'cookie', and 'yummy'. To teach. To learn from. 

It also makes me take notice of my Big Boy even more. Soon he'll be off to kindergarten (okay, I still have 1.5 years), and then he'll be a surly boy, and then in college. I just know it. So, I remember to take the time to have a light saber duel. To scoop him up as he runs towards me after school. To grab his hand and tell him how proud I am of him. To watch him try new things, and try again. To encourage. To teach. To learn from. 

Some days, being a mom is exhausting and I'm quite sure that I suck at it. Other days, I feel like I'm doing okay and remember how truly lucky I am to have two wonderful children to fill my life with amazement. 

Lia and Micah, lucky mom Stacie's two children, adopted from Ethiopia.

To read more from Stacie's blog, follow her on Real. Family.

 

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Have you started your taxes? CPA David Smith gives pointers on the Federal Adoption Tax Credit; share yours, too!

Click the photo to be directed to CHI-TV's homepage with video!

Have you completed your taxes? Are you unsure what the Federal Adoption Credit means for you or how to file for it? What will your credit look like? What is a credit? What if you completed your adoption in 2009; does the new Adoption Tax Credit affect you?

These are all great questions and adoptive dad and CPA David Smith answers them for you this week, via CHI-TV. (Well, he can't answer "Have you completed your taxes?", but we're guessing that he has completed his.) If you have a question that you would like to ask David, let us know in the comments and we'll get an answer for you.

Some families and Children's Hope staff (who are also adoptive parents) have been asked to submit further information to the IRS to obtain their credit. Has this happened to you?

Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments or Facebook! (Are you reading this via RSS? Jump to the blog to leave a comment and join the conversation.)

 

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What is the current status of adoptions from Russia? :: CHI - TV

This week on CHI-TV, Anna Rister, Children's Hope Russia Program Director, talks about why she is hopeful as we close-in on signing day of the US-Russia adoption agreement.

Click the photo to be directed to CHI-TV's homepage with video!

Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments or Facebook!

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Do you think Vietnam will open again for adoptions? :: CHI - TV

For Program Director Nicky Losse Vietnam international adoptions are near and dear to her heart. This week, she answers an often asked question, "Do you think Vietnam will open again for international adoptions?" This question is timely today, as there is updated information to share from yesterday's international affairs! 

Click the photo to be directed to CHI-TV's homepage with video!

Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments or Facebook!

Resources:
(Jump to the blog if you are receiving this update by RSS feed.)

Read about Vietnam Adoptions in the news.

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Remain Encouraged! Ethiopia Adoptions Update

Recently the Ministry of Women’s Children and Youth Affairs in Ethiopia gave notice that effective March 10^th they would begin to approve 5 adoption cases a day, resulting in a decrease from the current amount. Following this notice, advocacy and meetings were held at all levels to discuss these changes and advocate for the children of Ethiopia. Children's Hope's Ethiopia staff has been a part of these meetings and will continue to be so in the near future. The conversations being held have been positive and your Children's Hope Ethiopia Team is encouraged.

At this time, Children's Hope has not had any cases affected by these changes but acknowledge that this can change. We will continue to remain positive in light of these conversations and will continue to update our families with the latest information as we receive confirmation. Stay encouraged!

For updated current news on Ethiopia's Ministry of Women's Children and Youth Affairs, please also see:

Joint Council - Ethiopia News

U.S. State Department Ethiopia Adoption Alert

 

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Great News out of China for Singles!

Today, when China Program Director Tina Qualls opened her email, she was greeted with great news! China has reopened to singles for the adoption of Special Focus children. Tina shares details with you personally on CHI-TV. Click her photo below to be directed.

Every week, our Children’s Hope adoption experts will answer questions important to you and your adoption via CHI-TV. They will also tackle the most talked about international adoption topics of the day. Be sure to watch and participate via the comments on our blog or Facebook!

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