Children's Hope International FALL 2005
Transcription
Children's Hope International FALL 2005
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. -2- 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 -3- 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. -4- 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 -5- 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 -6- 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 www.ChildrensHopeInt.org Children's Hope International Fall 2005 -7- 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: [email protected] -8- 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. [email protected] CHINA [email protected] VIETNAM [email protected] COLOMBIA. [email protected] RUSSIA [email protected] INDIA and NEPAL [email protected] KAZAKHSTAN Children's Hope International Fall 2005 -9- 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 - 10 - 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 www.ChildrensHopeInt.org 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. www.ChildrensHopeInt.org 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 - 11 - 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. [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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. - 12- 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 - 13 - 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 - 14 - 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 - 15 - 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? - 16 - www.ChildrensHopeInt.org 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 & 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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: [email protected] 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