The next adoption luncheon will be Sunday, April 18 in the youth room at the top of the stairs after the 3rd service (around 12:45). Come for food and fellowship. All who have adopted, are in process or are interested in adoption are invited!
Please bring 2 dishes to share. Children are welcome, Pathway only asks that you keep children off the stage and drum set, as this is a costly piece of equipment.
This is a great time to get to know others in the True Vine group!! No RSVP necessary.
We exist to impact future generations by reaching out to orphaned children and loving them as God has loved us.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
True Vine Social Turn Out
We had a great time at the True Vine Social on Saturday. All the leadership team was there, as well as one family post-adoption, one family in-process, and 5 families who were interested in adoption. We had fun talking and answering questions in the break out session. God is touching people's hearts with a passion for adoption and it is exciting to watch it unfold!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
True Vine Library
Our True Vine library is officially open!!! I am excited to be able to have books available for anyone to borrow at PCC. These book are for the whole gamete of adoption, including contemplating adoption, during the process, after your child comes home and beyond. We also have some country specific books, single parenting and books from an adoptee's perspective. We have parenting books and books to help young children understand adoption. In addition, we have Adoptive Family magazines.
If the subject isn't clear from the title, I have put more specifics in parenthesis behind it (ie China). If it is a children's book, I have put (child) behind it. If it is on loan to someone else, it says...you guessed it!...**ON LOAN. If you interested in a book that is already on loan, I can hold it for you next. It's just like the public library...well, almost:)
If you are interested in a book or magazine, check out the list of titles on the right side of the blog towards the bottom. You can Google the title to find out more about the book. If you want to borrow a book, just email me at saramicheleallen@hotmail.com and tell me the title. I am storing the books at my house. We can make arrangements for you to get the book by me bringing it to church or you stopping by my house to get it. Some books we have multiple copies of. I will probably send reminders if you have had a book for a while or if someone else is wanting to borrow the same book.
I thank those who have donated their books and will be able to help others. It is an amazing way to give back! If you have adoptive books at home that you can donate, please contact me. You can also consider purchasing a book for the library, as a way to "pay it forward." We don't have any books on attachment, older child adoption, domestic adoption, transracial families, foster care, etc. These books help guide and educate you through a crazy process with an amazing ending!!
Let's fill up these shelves!!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
20 Questions - Dini Family
Every month or 2, I would like to highlight some of the PCC True Vine Families who have adopted. This will give us the chance to know each other more. Maybe there are some questions you'd like to ask or are curious about something, and this is the time. Feel free to click on "comments" under the post and list a question or you can email me and I will forward on the question saramicheleallen@hotmail.com
The first family to Q&A is the Dini family, who have become dear friends of mine through this group.
Tell us a little about your family
We are Tim and Amy Dini. We have 4 children: Taylor (15) Emily (12) Zachary (9) and Samuel (3) . Samuel was adopted through a special needs program in China. He came home September 2009.
How long have you attended PCC?
We have attended PCC for about 3 years now
What made you join True Vine?
I am totally passionate about adoption and helping others adopt. I feel that it is vital for adoptive parents to connect with one another as well as for adopted children to know others who have been adopted. The challenges of adoption for both the parents and the children are different than challenges with biological children and it is so important to have that support.
Tell us about your adoption story
God laid adoption on our hearts many years ago through our daughter Taylor. Taylor felt very strongly that we should adopt but we were in no position at that time. It was brought up every once in a while, but nothing serious. We felt our family was complete. Then, on Fathers day we ran into an old friend who had just returned home with their special needs daughter from China and we visited with them for a while. After that, God made it very apparent that this is where He wanted us to go. We couldn’t stop thinking about adoption and suddenly our family felt so very small. We went to an informational meeting and felt with complete certainty that this is what we needed to do. We prayed and talked and prayed some more, we were a family accustomed to special needs…we could do this. Our biggest obstacle was finances, but we, through much prayer, felt that if this is where God wanted us to bring home another child he would provide the way. He did in a Huge way!!
Why do feel so passionate about adoption?
My heart literally hurts to know that there are so many children in this world who don’t have a family to call their own and don’t know the love of Our Savior. I believe that so many more children would find their forever homes if more families would listen to God's call and step out in faith.
What has been the most rewarding part of adopting?
To just see the wonder in Sammy's eyes every day. To hear him pray and say "Thank you Jesus" at the end. To have been able to witness in a real way to our biological children about God's love and provision.
What made you decide to adopt a toddler/preschooler vs a baby?
We decided on a toddler since our children were older. I honestly like my sleep and didn’t want to go back to the baby stage. I am amazed at the way he has adapted and how much he has learned just being home 5 months.
How did you pick China as the country to adopt from?
Tim and I always felt pulled toward China. We had talked about adopting for many years and when we finally made a decision to take our leap of faith, we just looked at each other and said "China right?"
What is it like in China?
China was an amazing country. Honestly I could have stayed there so much longer. It was such a contradiction in everything. People rode scooters and bikes or BMW's There were all these people in tiny run down apartments, but shopping malls galore. Such an interesting comparison of the "haves" and "have nots". We were amazed by the sheer number of people and lack of personal space, but they were all so friendly to us. I cannot wait to go back!
What is it like to have a transracial family?
It is interesting being a transracial family. We get lots of stares and questions. It can be disconcerting, but also allows for people to ask questions if they are interested in adopting. We celebrate our holidays but try to include the Chinese ones as well. We all have learned about other cultures and the unimportance of the color of one's skin.
How have your other children adjusted to Sammy?
The other kids have adjusted beautifully. Of course, they get jealous sometimes over the attention he demands/requires, they all love him SO much and are constantly catering to him (sometimes too much!)
What has been the most difficult part of the adoption process?
The most difficult part was the wait. The wait is HARD. Especially when you know that your child is sick or missing holidays, birthdays, ect. It was so very difficult, since we had pictures of our son since the beginning. Watching him grow up in pictures, without being able to hold him or love him was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life.
What has been the most difficult part of transitioning Sammy?
Going back to a busy busy toddler :-) Actually Sammy transitioned to our busy household well, he bonded to us quickly but needed (and still needs) a lot of reassurance from Tim that Tim still loved him no matter what. It is uncommon for them to see a lot of men at the orphanage so Tim was more of an unknown to him.
Is it different parenting an adopted child than parenting your biological children?
So far it isnt very different. We had some language issues, but other than that, he is only 3. I see us having more challenges as he gets older.
Did others influence you to adopt?
Yes, our friends who had adopted in the special needs program from China. It made us realize that normal middle class families can afford adoption and that it isn’t unrealistic.
How did you know adoption was the right choice for your family?
Through lots of prayer and family discussions. God had laid it on our hearts as well as Taylor's. Em and Zach were thrilled just to have another sibling…they didn’t really care if the sibling was adopted or not, from China or US or Russia or where ever, it didn’t matter in the slightest to them..which is such a beautiful thing to me
How did you fund your adoption?
Wow...adoption funding. I am still not sure how we did it. We were the family Sara mentioned that started with just 300 dollars. We prayed, saved, worked and God provided. We held raffles, sold things, slashed our budget. We wrote many many grant applications. God provided every step of the way. Our friends and family were SO supportive participating in fundraising, donating airline and hotel miles. At the end we were still very short and we recieved a large donation from someone we didnt even know other than via email, for the exact amount we needed to travel. God funded our adoption and it was amazing to be able to watch it all come together.
If you could influence others to adopt, what would you say?
I would say if you feel that God is leading you in that direction, find out all you can and open your heart. It isn’t as complicated as you think, nor is it out of reach for a “typical” family. It is such an amazing blessing to grow your family through adoption but it isn’t right for everyone. The only way to be sure is through knowledge and prayer.
How have you become more involved in the True Vine ministry?
I am still trying to find my “niche” in the True Vine ministry. I am on the leadership team and the garage sale team, as well as willing to help out with Smooth Transitions (helping families smoothly transition after bringing their child home). I was in the process of leaving for China when True Vine began and we needed time to adjust once we came home. I love helping in whatever way that I can for True Vine.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think that forming a family through adoption is one of the most incredible ways you can build a family. My encouragement for all those pre-adoptive parents is to research and ask questions. There is TONS of info on the internet. Find a group on yahoo pertaining to where your child is at, research attachment and bonding, especially with an older child. Don’t be afraid to ask your adoption agency questions and ask other adoptive parents. Dossiers are complicated and the process is as well. The knowledge you will gain will help you feel better and more in control. Know that you aren’t in control, God is. His timing is perfect…always.
The first family to Q&A is the Dini family, who have become dear friends of mine through this group.
Tell us a little about your family
We are Tim and Amy Dini. We have 4 children: Taylor (15) Emily (12) Zachary (9) and Samuel (3) . Samuel was adopted through a special needs program in China. He came home September 2009.
How long have you attended PCC?
We have attended PCC for about 3 years now
What made you join True Vine?
I am totally passionate about adoption and helping others adopt. I feel that it is vital for adoptive parents to connect with one another as well as for adopted children to know others who have been adopted. The challenges of adoption for both the parents and the children are different than challenges with biological children and it is so important to have that support.
Tell us about your adoption story
God laid adoption on our hearts many years ago through our daughter Taylor. Taylor felt very strongly that we should adopt but we were in no position at that time. It was brought up every once in a while, but nothing serious. We felt our family was complete. Then, on Fathers day we ran into an old friend who had just returned home with their special needs daughter from China and we visited with them for a while. After that, God made it very apparent that this is where He wanted us to go. We couldn’t stop thinking about adoption and suddenly our family felt so very small. We went to an informational meeting and felt with complete certainty that this is what we needed to do. We prayed and talked and prayed some more, we were a family accustomed to special needs…we could do this. Our biggest obstacle was finances, but we, through much prayer, felt that if this is where God wanted us to bring home another child he would provide the way. He did in a Huge way!!
Why do feel so passionate about adoption?
My heart literally hurts to know that there are so many children in this world who don’t have a family to call their own and don’t know the love of Our Savior. I believe that so many more children would find their forever homes if more families would listen to God's call and step out in faith.
What has been the most rewarding part of adopting?
To just see the wonder in Sammy's eyes every day. To hear him pray and say "Thank you Jesus" at the end. To have been able to witness in a real way to our biological children about God's love and provision.
What made you decide to adopt a toddler/preschooler vs a baby?
We decided on a toddler since our children were older. I honestly like my sleep and didn’t want to go back to the baby stage. I am amazed at the way he has adapted and how much he has learned just being home 5 months.
How did you pick China as the country to adopt from?
Tim and I always felt pulled toward China. We had talked about adopting for many years and when we finally made a decision to take our leap of faith, we just looked at each other and said "China right?"
What is it like in China?
China was an amazing country. Honestly I could have stayed there so much longer. It was such a contradiction in everything. People rode scooters and bikes or BMW's There were all these people in tiny run down apartments, but shopping malls galore. Such an interesting comparison of the "haves" and "have nots". We were amazed by the sheer number of people and lack of personal space, but they were all so friendly to us. I cannot wait to go back!
What is it like to have a transracial family?
It is interesting being a transracial family. We get lots of stares and questions. It can be disconcerting, but also allows for people to ask questions if they are interested in adopting. We celebrate our holidays but try to include the Chinese ones as well. We all have learned about other cultures and the unimportance of the color of one's skin.
How have your other children adjusted to Sammy?
The other kids have adjusted beautifully. Of course, they get jealous sometimes over the attention he demands/requires, they all love him SO much and are constantly catering to him (sometimes too much!)
What has been the most difficult part of the adoption process?
The most difficult part was the wait. The wait is HARD. Especially when you know that your child is sick or missing holidays, birthdays, ect. It was so very difficult, since we had pictures of our son since the beginning. Watching him grow up in pictures, without being able to hold him or love him was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life.
What has been the most difficult part of transitioning Sammy?
Going back to a busy busy toddler :-) Actually Sammy transitioned to our busy household well, he bonded to us quickly but needed (and still needs) a lot of reassurance from Tim that Tim still loved him no matter what. It is uncommon for them to see a lot of men at the orphanage so Tim was more of an unknown to him.
Is it different parenting an adopted child than parenting your biological children?
So far it isnt very different. We had some language issues, but other than that, he is only 3. I see us having more challenges as he gets older.
Did others influence you to adopt?
Yes, our friends who had adopted in the special needs program from China. It made us realize that normal middle class families can afford adoption and that it isn’t unrealistic.
How did you know adoption was the right choice for your family?
Through lots of prayer and family discussions. God had laid it on our hearts as well as Taylor's. Em and Zach were thrilled just to have another sibling…they didn’t really care if the sibling was adopted or not, from China or US or Russia or where ever, it didn’t matter in the slightest to them..which is such a beautiful thing to me
How did you fund your adoption?
Wow...adoption funding. I am still not sure how we did it. We were the family Sara mentioned that started with just 300 dollars. We prayed, saved, worked and God provided. We held raffles, sold things, slashed our budget. We wrote many many grant applications. God provided every step of the way. Our friends and family were SO supportive participating in fundraising, donating airline and hotel miles. At the end we were still very short and we recieved a large donation from someone we didnt even know other than via email, for the exact amount we needed to travel. God funded our adoption and it was amazing to be able to watch it all come together.
If you could influence others to adopt, what would you say?
I would say if you feel that God is leading you in that direction, find out all you can and open your heart. It isn’t as complicated as you think, nor is it out of reach for a “typical” family. It is such an amazing blessing to grow your family through adoption but it isn’t right for everyone. The only way to be sure is through knowledge and prayer.
How have you become more involved in the True Vine ministry?
I am still trying to find my “niche” in the True Vine ministry. I am on the leadership team and the garage sale team, as well as willing to help out with Smooth Transitions (helping families smoothly transition after bringing their child home). I was in the process of leaving for China when True Vine began and we needed time to adjust once we came home. I love helping in whatever way that I can for True Vine.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think that forming a family through adoption is one of the most incredible ways you can build a family. My encouragement for all those pre-adoptive parents is to research and ask questions. There is TONS of info on the internet. Find a group on yahoo pertaining to where your child is at, research attachment and bonding, especially with an older child. Don’t be afraid to ask your adoption agency questions and ask other adoptive parents. Dossiers are complicated and the process is as well. The knowledge you will gain will help you feel better and more in control. Know that you aren’t in control, God is. His timing is perfect…always.
see their blog @
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Lifesong Matching Grants and Interest Free Loans
There is the application for Lifesong matching grants and interest free loans on the right side of this blog. Pathway has entered into a "partnership" with Lifesong. Funds that are donated from others or raised (ie the garage sale) are put into our "account" with Lifesong.
This application can be filled out once you have your homestudy complete. When you fill out the application, you will be providing all details regarding cash flow, assets, debt, costs of your adoption, and relationship with God.
You then consent that you acknowledge this is NOT a guarantee that assistance will be granted. You also agree to release information from your adoption agency to them. Lifesong has the sole responsibility to accept or deny your application without cause.
On page 6 of the application, number 5 goes into the specifics of fundraising. By applying for the grants/interest free loans, you are agreeing "to formulate a mailing list of supporters and mail Support Kits to each one." Basically, your family and friends can make a donation to Lifesong (that is tax deductible) to go towards your adoption. The matching grant means that the money your family and friends donate to Lifesong (for your adoption) may be matched by Lifesong funds or interest free loan (from the PCC/Lifesong "account").
You also agree to send a picture, tax return, copy of homestudy, and letter from your pastor. You then submit all this information to Lifesong.
This application is very detailed, but easy to follow. Lifesong will gladly answer any questions you may have. Their phone number, address and email address are on the application.
Lifesong For Orphans
This application can be filled out once you have your homestudy complete. When you fill out the application, you will be providing all details regarding cash flow, assets, debt, costs of your adoption, and relationship with God.
You then consent that you acknowledge this is NOT a guarantee that assistance will be granted. You also agree to release information from your adoption agency to them. Lifesong has the sole responsibility to accept or deny your application without cause.
On page 6 of the application, number 5 goes into the specifics of fundraising. By applying for the grants/interest free loans, you are agreeing "to formulate a mailing list of supporters and mail Support Kits to each one." Basically, your family and friends can make a donation to Lifesong (that is tax deductible) to go towards your adoption. The matching grant means that the money your family and friends donate to Lifesong (for your adoption) may be matched by Lifesong funds or interest free loan (from the PCC/Lifesong "account").
You also agree to send a picture, tax return, copy of homestudy, and letter from your pastor. You then submit all this information to Lifesong.
This application is very detailed, but easy to follow. Lifesong will gladly answer any questions you may have. Their phone number, address and email address are on the application.
Lifesong For Orphans
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Adoption Agencies
There are thousands of adoption agencies....where in the world do I start? How do I know who is good?
The first thing is to listen to others and ask around. It is not a guarantee that because someone says an agency is good, that it really is. Are your expectations the same as another person's? How much times has lapsed between the referral's adoption and when you are starting (agencies performances can change).
Check the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General for complaints filed. Use search engines to look up the agencies online, for feedback.
Use checklists to thoroughly look at agencies. A good website is:
Adoption Agency Checklist
Next check agency rating websites. Here are some good ones.
Adoption Agency Ratings
Adoption Agency Reviews
There are private groups that share their feelings regarding agencies as well:
yahoo adoption agency rating group
Ethica does a good job explaining what to look for too
Ethica
One thing to remember is that there will always be complaints. As the parent, it is hard to "sit in the passenger seat, while the agency and/or lawyer drives the car" (although we know God is in control) Look for red flags, repeated complaints across the board. Also keep in mind that people who are angry at an agency might use various names on the same website to post multiple complaints. On the flip side, sometimes agencies report good claims about themselves. Just educate yourself before making the decision, then trust God to carry you through!
The first thing is to listen to others and ask around. It is not a guarantee that because someone says an agency is good, that it really is. Are your expectations the same as another person's? How much times has lapsed between the referral's adoption and when you are starting (agencies performances can change).
Check the Better Business Bureau and Attorney General for complaints filed. Use search engines to look up the agencies online, for feedback.
Use checklists to thoroughly look at agencies. A good website is:
Adoption Agency Checklist
Next check agency rating websites. Here are some good ones.
Adoption Agency Ratings
Adoption Agency Reviews
There are private groups that share their feelings regarding agencies as well:
yahoo adoption agency rating group
Ethica does a good job explaining what to look for too
Ethica
One thing to remember is that there will always be complaints. As the parent, it is hard to "sit in the passenger seat, while the agency and/or lawyer drives the car" (although we know God is in control) Look for red flags, repeated complaints across the board. Also keep in mind that people who are angry at an agency might use various names on the same website to post multiple complaints. On the flip side, sometimes agencies report good claims about themselves. Just educate yourself before making the decision, then trust God to carry you through!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
True Vine Library
Don't forget to donate adoption books (educational ones for adults or children's books) to our True Vine library. This will be great resource for those adopting. It is a great way to give back to others!
I can meet you at church or we can make other arrangements for me to get the books. Email me or leave me a message on the blog
saramicheleallen@hotmail.com
Thanks!!
I can meet you at church or we can make other arrangements for me to get the books. Email me or leave me a message on the blog
saramicheleallen@hotmail.com
Thanks!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Adoption Books For Kids
While we were in process to adopt Kate, I began looking for books that would help my children at home understand what was going to happen, as well as have books for Kate to help her understand her adoption.
We never know how Kate will accept the fact she is adopted and that her family is transracial. God chose this path for us, but it affects not only us as parents, but also Kate, Bryce and Paige. It has made our family 'conspicuous' - more obvious (I took an online course on this). It made me realize that just because I don't see it, that doesn't mean others in the community won't or won't question it. It prepared me for questions or rude comments we might hear. We need to prepare ourselves, Kate and Bryce and Paige to be able to handle it. I feel we are ambassadors for adoption and plan to try very hard to be positive, no matter what the comment or question is.
I found most of these books through Tapestry catalogs and by Googling. I borrowed them from the library to test them out. The ones I really liked, I bought through Amazon when they had free shipping.
I thought I would make my own personal favorite list of books that have helped me with terminology and explanation of such a complex area. These books are great for cousins and friends too, who will need to understand adoption. The + sign means my extra special favorites.
What adoption books have you read to your kids that you would add to this list?
+Over The Moon - Karen Katz
*good for younger kids too
*adopting hispanic child
We Adopted You Benjamin Koo - Linda Walvoord Girad
*more geared towards elementary
*realistic view of international adoption and probs they may face
Let's Talk About It: Adoption - Fred Rogers
*very basic
+My Adopted Child, There's No One Like You - Keven Leman II
*great book for all ages
*help see things from their perspective
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes - Rose Lewis
*simple, bringing a child home internationally
I Don't Have Your Eyes - Carrie A Kitze
*how we are different, yet alike
+Guatemala ABCs - Marcie Aboff
*nothing to do with adoption, but great info about Guatemala
+Talking About Adoption - Jillian Powell
*basic terms to explain the concept
Our Twitchy - Kes Gray and Mary McQuillan
*cute story about a bunny who is adopted by a cow and horse
Children of Guatemala - Jules Hermes
*nothing to do with adoption, but good information and pictures about Guatemala
+Flora's Family - Annette Aubrey
*great book in which parents explain adoption to their daughter (hispanic)
It's Okay To Be Different - Todd Parr
*shows how we are all different
We Wanted You - Liz Rosenberg
*cute story about how you knew your child was out there somewhere
All About Adoption - Marc Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata
*great way to explain adoption process
Families Are Forever - Craig Shemin
*a child's version of her lifebook
Why Am I Different - Norma Simon
*does not single out your child that is adopted, but talks about the various ways people are different
+We're The Same, We're Different - Bobbi Jane Kates
*Sesame Street book showing that all people look different
Families Are Different - Nina Pellegrini
*shows that no two families are the same
added by Brent R:
Happy Adoption Day - John McCutcheon
*commemorates the day when a child joins an adoptive family, interactive
We never know how Kate will accept the fact she is adopted and that her family is transracial. God chose this path for us, but it affects not only us as parents, but also Kate, Bryce and Paige. It has made our family 'conspicuous' - more obvious (I took an online course on this). It made me realize that just because I don't see it, that doesn't mean others in the community won't or won't question it. It prepared me for questions or rude comments we might hear. We need to prepare ourselves, Kate and Bryce and Paige to be able to handle it. I feel we are ambassadors for adoption and plan to try very hard to be positive, no matter what the comment or question is.
I found most of these books through Tapestry catalogs and by Googling. I borrowed them from the library to test them out. The ones I really liked, I bought through Amazon when they had free shipping.
I thought I would make my own personal favorite list of books that have helped me with terminology and explanation of such a complex area. These books are great for cousins and friends too, who will need to understand adoption. The + sign means my extra special favorites.
What adoption books have you read to your kids that you would add to this list?
+Over The Moon - Karen Katz
*good for younger kids too
*adopting hispanic child
We Adopted You Benjamin Koo - Linda Walvoord Girad
*more geared towards elementary
*realistic view of international adoption and probs they may face
Let's Talk About It: Adoption - Fred Rogers
*very basic
+My Adopted Child, There's No One Like You - Keven Leman II
*great book for all ages
*help see things from their perspective
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes - Rose Lewis
*simple, bringing a child home internationally
I Don't Have Your Eyes - Carrie A Kitze
*how we are different, yet alike
+Guatemala ABCs - Marcie Aboff
*nothing to do with adoption, but great info about Guatemala
+Talking About Adoption - Jillian Powell
*basic terms to explain the concept
Our Twitchy - Kes Gray and Mary McQuillan
*cute story about a bunny who is adopted by a cow and horse
Children of Guatemala - Jules Hermes
*nothing to do with adoption, but good information and pictures about Guatemala
+Flora's Family - Annette Aubrey
*great book in which parents explain adoption to their daughter (hispanic)
It's Okay To Be Different - Todd Parr
*shows how we are all different
We Wanted You - Liz Rosenberg
*cute story about how you knew your child was out there somewhere
All About Adoption - Marc Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata
*great way to explain adoption process
Families Are Forever - Craig Shemin
*a child's version of her lifebook
Why Am I Different - Norma Simon
*does not single out your child that is adopted, but talks about the various ways people are different
+We're The Same, We're Different - Bobbi Jane Kates
*Sesame Street book showing that all people look different
Families Are Different - Nina Pellegrini
*shows that no two families are the same
added by Brent R:
Happy Adoption Day - John McCutcheon
*commemorates the day when a child joins an adoptive family, interactive
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Foster Care, Foster to Adopt and Domestic Adoption
I am going to provide some resources for those of you interested in foster care and foster to adopt.
There is a link for each state's child welfare system
Child Welfare Information
There is also a link that allows you to set parameters on the type of child you are looking for, based on the sex of the child, age, siblings, etc.
Child Search
Indiana has pictures and information on older children and sibling sets that are "legally free" for adoption (meaning paperwork wise, there parent's right have been terminated). New pictures are added frequently.
Indiana Department of Child Services
Within this website, there is a Heart Gallery, which focuses on trying to find families for older children and sibling sets, providing more information, professional pictures and sometimes videos. They change this every couple of months. You can find this by going to the above website, click on bottom left "Heart Gallery", then "Visit the Gallery". Here is the direct link:
Heart Gallery
We will be hosting the Heart Gallery (a display with 8x10 pictures of these kids and information) for 2 weeks in April, so stay tuned. I have added these links to the right side of the blog.
There is a link for each state's child welfare system
Child Welfare Information
There is also a link that allows you to set parameters on the type of child you are looking for, based on the sex of the child, age, siblings, etc.
Child Search
Indiana has pictures and information on older children and sibling sets that are "legally free" for adoption (meaning paperwork wise, there parent's right have been terminated). New pictures are added frequently.
Indiana Department of Child Services
Within this website, there is a Heart Gallery, which focuses on trying to find families for older children and sibling sets, providing more information, professional pictures and sometimes videos. They change this every couple of months. You can find this by going to the above website, click on bottom left "Heart Gallery", then "Visit the Gallery". Here is the direct link:
Heart Gallery
We will be hosting the Heart Gallery (a display with 8x10 pictures of these kids and information) for 2 weeks in April, so stay tuned. I have added these links to the right side of the blog.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Excuse
This is from my friend Amy, who is a mom to 4 biological children and 4 adopted children (domestic and international adoptions). Her writings are so inspiring and here is her latest post:
I've had my share of excuses in the past....
Too busy
Not enough money
Not enough time
Too young
Too old
Can't afford it
Already have 4 children
Not sure if it's God's will
Not sure
Can't afford it
What will others say?
What will others think?
People will think we are crazy
What if they are right?
Can't afford it.
What if it's hard on our other kids?
It's not the right time
Not sure if I would be good at it.
House is too small.
Can't afford it.
Not sure if I want to start all over again.
What would we drive?
What if it's to much work?
What if it's too hard?
Can't afford it.
Yet for every excuse God has the answer-
Him.
It's all about Him- period.
He must increase,
but I must decrease.
John 3:30
We limit God with our excuses.
We limit God with our fears.
We limit God by putting Him inside a box-
A box we have designed on our own.
But by doing this we are actually robbing ourselves-
robbing ourselves of the blessings.
Robbing ourselves of true joy
Robbing ourselves of truly living.
Because you see when we take 'us' out of the picture
Our worries,
Our fears,
Our excuses,
And we put God in the center of our lives
The possibilities are endless.
He has the way...
He IS the way...
And all you have to do is
stop making excuses and take that first step.
Stop listening to the world.
Stop being afraid of the what ifs-
And listen to the one who knows.
The one who has the answers.
The one who really matters.
The truth is
we don't have to be perfect
because He is.
We don't have to have all of the answers
because He already does.
We don't have to know how
because He will show us.
Each day you wait
is a day that they wait too...
The cost of your excuse is a lot higher than the cost of an adoption
because look at what it's costing them.
Stop making excuses.
They are waiting
And so is He...
To show you the way
I've had my share of excuses in the past....
Too busy
Not enough money
Not enough time
Too young
Too old
Can't afford it
Already have 4 children
Not sure if it's God's will
Not sure
Can't afford it
What will others say?
What will others think?
People will think we are crazy
What if they are right?
Can't afford it.
What if it's hard on our other kids?
It's not the right time
Not sure if I would be good at it.
House is too small.
Can't afford it.
Not sure if I want to start all over again.
What would we drive?
What if it's to much work?
What if it's too hard?
Can't afford it.
Yet for every excuse God has the answer-
Him.
It's all about Him- period.
He must increase,
but I must decrease.
John 3:30
We limit God with our excuses.
We limit God with our fears.
We limit God by putting Him inside a box-
A box we have designed on our own.
But by doing this we are actually robbing ourselves-
robbing ourselves of the blessings.
Robbing ourselves of true joy
Robbing ourselves of truly living.
Because you see when we take 'us' out of the picture
Our worries,
Our fears,
Our excuses,
And we put God in the center of our lives
The possibilities are endless.
He has the way...
He IS the way...
And all you have to do is
stop making excuses and take that first step.
Stop listening to the world.
Stop being afraid of the what ifs-
And listen to the one who knows.
The one who has the answers.
The one who really matters.
The truth is
we don't have to be perfect
because He is.
We don't have to have all of the answers
because He already does.
We don't have to know how
because He will show us.
Each day you wait
is a day that they wait too...
The cost of your excuse is a lot higher than the cost of an adoption
because look at what it's costing them.
Stop making excuses.
They are waiting
And so is He...
To show you the way
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