Mother's Day is celebrated on different days throughout the world because the day has a number of different origins. In the United States, China, Colombia and Vietnam, Mother's Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May -- which is May 13th this year. In Kazakhstan and Russia, Mother's Day coincides with the International Women's Day on March 8th. In Ethiopia, mothers are honored on May 17th.

Mother's Day is a day to stop, remember, and pray for that special person in your life, without whom we would not have been what we are today; a day to celebrate all her efforts towards making us a more mature person have been worthwhile. In the broader sense of the term, Mother's Day is a day to be grateful to God for blessing us with mothers.

NATIONAL BIRTH MOTHER'S DAY - MAY 12TH

The landmark day you became parents...it's pretty clear that the day of your adoption is not like any other day -- it's the day you became a mother. Your life is forever changed and no other event will ever encompass all you have gone through to get to this day.

There is someone else who is a very important person; someone who had deep feelings of loss and sadness on that day. That special person is your child's birth mother. She has gone through a great ordeal to bring you this day. Without her, none of you would have come together. We must never forget this very important woman who, by strength of character, or difficulty in circumstances, or both, opted to give the gift of a child to those who could not have one. You are your child's parents, no doubt. But a birth mother never forgets the birth of her child. Even if the child is out of her sight, they will never be truly gone from her memory. This woman was your child's first mother and because of this, your child will always remain in her memory and in her heart. On this day, you may wish to plant a flower or a tree and say a special prayer for the birth mother.

Children's Hope wishes all our Mothers-To-Be and Mothers a very blessed Mother's Day!

COUNTRY PROGRAM UPDATES

Please note that we are no longer sending country program updates to all families. Families currently in process will be updated more frequently (once a month or more) via email. Former families: If you would like to be included in these emails, please notify us at ChildrensHopeOhio@yahoo.com. Current families: If you have not been receiving these periodic updates, please contact us at ChildrensHopeOhio@yahoo.com so we can make sure you are added to our mailing list.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Blessings For Mothers: Stories, Verse & Insights to Celebrate the Joy of Motherhood

By: Regal Books

Few jobs are as demanding as that of being a mother and few are as satisfying. There's nothing quite like being a mother. It's a completely unique mix of ecstatic joy, fear, unspeakable love, feelings of inadequacy, contentment and gratitude. Motherhood stretches one's heart as we come to love our kids even more deeply than we ever thought possible. Readers and the mothers in their lives will bask in these lovely remembrances of the pleasures of motherhood. Filled with real-life reflections, recipes, stories, quotes and spiritual insights, this book is a treasury of delights for mothers, young and old. As you read through the stories and verse of Blessings For Mothers, realize anew how much God loves you and the wonderful ways He is at work in your life as a Mother.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

FAQ'S

What Is A Home Study?

A Home Study is an educational process in which a social worker affiliated with a licensed adoption agency conducts a study of the prospective adoptive family and their home, life experiences, health, lifestyle, extended family members, attitudes toward adoption, support system, values, beliefs, relationships, interaction with children, and other factors relating to the prospective adoption in a series of interviews and home visits. This information is summarized in the form of a report called the “Adoption Home Study Report.” It is basically a review of the prospective adoptive parents and anybody living in the home. The Home Study helps the agency and the country of adoption to determine whether a stable environment exists in the prospective adoptive home for the placement of a child. With an international Home Study, the requirements of the adoptive family’s state of residence, the requirements of the Immigration and Naturalization Services (“CIS”) and the requirements of the country need to be met. It is mandatory to have an approved Home Study in order to complete an adoption.

What Is an I-171H?

The I-171H or “Notice of Favorable Determination Concerning Application for Advance Processing of Orphanage Petition” is a one-page approval letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allowing prospective adoptive parents to immigrate a child to the United States. This is THE FORM our families anxiously await! Children’s Hope will receive the I-171H approximately four to six weeks after the Home Study has been submitted to the USCIS. The I-171H is a result of the filing of the I-600A or “Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition” which is filed with the USCIS at the very beginning of your adoption process. A copy of your I-171H will be forwarded to the American Embassy or Consulate of the Country from which you are adopting.

What Is A Dossier?

A Dossier is a collection of required documents that is sent to the officials of the country from which you desire to adopt in order to process the adoption of a child within their adoption system. Most countries are very precise about the Dossier documents and exact formats provided need to be followed. Dossier documents can also be found on Children’s Hope Family Network at www.CHIfamily.net.

What Is A "DTC?"

This applies to China families only and stands for “Dossier to Country.” This is the date the China Dossier is forwarded to our Beijing office for translation. Children’s Hope will inform you of this very important date!

What Is A "LID?"

Again, this applies to China families only. Your Log In Date (LID) is the date your Dossier has been Logged with the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) and this is when your wait time officially begins! Your LID happens after your Dossier has been translated at our Beijing office and is usually about 4 to 6 weeks after your DTC. Children’s Hope will closely monitor this process. We will inform you of this very important date as soon as we receive confirmation!

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A MESSAGE FROM KELLIE ZACCARDELLI

The Ohio Regional Office wishes you a Happy May! I know that the adoption process is full of ups and downs, as you struggle through the paperwork and anxiously await the arrival of your son or daughter (or, for some of you, as you simply decide about moving forward with adoption and choosing a country). I want you to know that we truly care about you and want to help you in any way we can. You are (and have been) in our prayers…and we believe so strongly in God’s word that He knows the plans He has for you… plans for good and not for evil…to give you a future and hope (see Jeremiah 29:11). We cannot make your adoption happen more quickly; we know that you want it to happen “yesterday”, and we know that the wait can be so difficult. But we also know that God uses that time and our struggles to strengthen us, prepare us, and, in our suffering, to draw us to Him. We pray that you will find your strength in the only One who can really give it, and we thank you for entrusting us to share in your journey. We pray your month is blessed, and we hope to see you (if you've already turned your application in) at the Children's Hope Ohio Regional Office FIRST ANNUAL SUMMER GATHERING, on June 30^th.

SUMMER GATHERING

It is official! Children's Hope Ohio has worked out most of the details and will be holding our first ever Summer Gathering for all approved Ohio Regional Office families, whether you have just turned in your application or already have your child(ren) home (i.e. families from Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the northern tip of Kentucky are welcome)!

Our Summer Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2007

from Noon until 4:00pm at:

Marmom Valley Farm

7754 State Route 292

Zanesfield, OH 43360 (NW of Columbus)

www.marmonvalley.com

There will be pony rides, a bunny barn/petting "zoo," fishing (bring your fishing poles if you wish to fish), a barn playground and lots of other activities. Lunch will be served at 1:00pm and refreshing drinks will be available throughout the day. Cost: $10 per parent and $7 per children (children 4 and under are free!). Please be sure to have payment to our office no later than Monday, June 25, 2007.

We look forward to seeing you at the Gathering! To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please contact us at 877.408.HOPE (4673) or Anna.Heinz@ChildrensHope.net.

YOUR STORIES

Journey For Joy!

By: Heidi Speers

A trial for God’s Glory. That is what I was facing in the winter of 2003. I had been diagnosed with a potentially life changing medical condition. I had watched my Dad and Aunt both be affected by the same condition. Initially I was filled with fears and anxieties about a potentially early death or handicap. All I could think of was my husband, Brandon, marrying another woman, and my kids loving a different Mom. I had to seek counsel from my Pastor, Mr. Will Lohnes. He very confidently reminded me that God could call us home any time. A percentage chance means nothing in the eyes of God. He also told me three life changing things. (1) God is in control; (2) It is for His glory; and (3) for my good.

What amazing and true counsel that was. I had secretly been praying for years that Brandon’s heart would be turned toward adoption. During that summer, my prayers were answered. Brandon and I were having a tearful discussion about the potential affects of having more biological children. Due to the physiological hardship my body could endure, my husband turned to me and said, "How about adoption!" If I wasn’t driving, I might have done a few cartwheels, but I humbly said, “Really? I would love to!”

That was the beginning. As we researched adoption, and realized we were being called to international adoption, we started to look into the different countries. We didn’t like Chinese food all to well, so we put that on the bottom of our lists. However God had a different idea. We continued to receive lots of information about China and their need for adoptive families. On one occasion, Brandon and I looked at each other and both said, "I feel like we are suppose to go to China."

It wasn’t long before we met some friends who told us we have to meet Kellie DiGeronimo, now Zaccardelli. We were told of her knowledge and love of the Lord. In the same week, Brandon met a woman during an orientation meeting for his new job, that spoke about this amazing woman, Kellie, who could help us with our adoption. So with clear signs from God we set up our appointment.

When we sat down with Kellie, we were open minded to the different programs, however we rather quickly knew God’s desire, and glanced at each other then at Kellie, and said, “It’s China!" Kellie was excited, but with hope in her voice, she said, “There is one thing you have to know. You have to make ten thousand dollars per person in your family including your newly adopted child.” We looked at each other in amazement, because I had just gone back to work part time, and was wondering why I had made that decision. With my income, we were making one to two thousand dollars more than what we needed to qualify.

With extreme faith in God’s plan, I began to do fund raising. We didn’t have any money to contribute, but I was not worried a bit. Hebrews 11:1 says that, “Faith is being sure of what you hope for, and confident of that which you do not see.” That is the kind of faith I had. When I wrote a very controversial fundraising letter, God blessed us through those who also had faith. We also received a lot of criticism. At one point, my heart was saddened by those who had always supported me, but drew the line with adoption from China. While reading my Bible that week God lead me to Matthew where Jesus asked Peter to walk on water. Peter did walk on water, but began to sink when he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the storm. I knew this is what God was telling me. He confirmed this when Kellie opened with a devotion just a few days later about the same passage.

I always thanked God for His provisions before they ever occurred. However, in August of 2004, I heard a message about David and Goliath with a whole new perspective. David was not afraid to go before Goliath because he knew that God had planned for him to be King. I knew we were like David, and the task of adoption was a Goliath sort of task. Keeping this in mind, I bowed once more before our Lord, and thanked him for his provisions, and asked him to reveal the rest of His plan concerning the fundraising. Several hours later we received a phone call from a couple getting married. They wanted to give us some of their gift money from their wedding. The next day, a woman called and asked if she could stop by. She gave me a significant check she said was a gift from the Lord. Her father had died, and she felt called to give some of the money to support Joy's adoption. The day after that a friend of ours called and said they had two houses on the market; that when one of them sells, they wanted to pay off the rest of what we needed for our adoption. God down poured His blessing on our faith that He would provide.

When we received Joy's referral, I couldn’t stop looking at her picture. It was liking studying a newborn's face for the very first time. There is nothing that can compare to the experience of seeing your baby, and not being able to hold her. My heart and body ached. I prayed for Joy when she was conceived. I prayed for her and her biological mother. I prayed for her abandonment to be safe. I prayed for God to give her dreams about us. I prayed that God would work through the caretakers. But, when I held that picture, the prayers were even more desperate as I knew she was completely in God’s hands and there was nothing I could do but pray.

When we traveled to China, I was hesitant to go early, however I am glad I did. With underlying exhaustion from traveling across the world, we all girded enough strength to enjoy the beauty of the magnificent country and culture of China.

On our third day we traveled to meet our daughter. I walked in and looked at every baby trying to find Joys face. I didn’t see her at first. Then I turned around. She was behind me. I told Brandon where she was, and we agreed to go sit beside her. Immediately, our Guide came over and called her "Fei Fei." I told the Guide that "Fei Fei" was my daughter. The caretaker then turned Joy to face me. I held her hand in tears. When they called our names, and we held her for the very first time, my tears flowed, and my heart leapt with Joy. Before we left the building, Joy leaned up and gave me an open mouth kiss.

Joy is truly a gift from God. April 3, 2007 was her first Gotcha Day, and we can’t even begin to tell you the joy she has brought to our family. As parents we have loved watching our three children Jed, Lily, and Joy blossom in their relationships with one another. If anything, we have to make a plan for car seat swapping and table sitting as Jed and Lily both desire to sit beside and help care for Joy.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” We are so thankful for His plans and how He lead us to adoption and more specifically to Kellie Zaccardelli and the rest of the Children's Hope team. We are so thankful for their devotion to serving us and leading us on our incredible Journey for Joy!

STAY CONNECTED
Stay connected with Children's Hope families at www.CHIfamily.net and by joining a Children's Hope Yahoo Group. If you are interested in joining a Children's Hope Yahoo group, please email Ann.Tollefson@ChildrensHope.net and provide your name, country of adoption and where you are in the process (just applied, working on Dossier, etc.). Ann will then send an invitation to join the Yahoo group(s) that is best for you. Please note that you will need to be registered with Yahoo before accessing the Children’s Hope Yahoo Groups.

ADOPTION TRAINING

The below-listed classes are not associated with Children's Hope; we are simply making you aware of opportunities in your area.

Keep in mind that all adoptive families must have completed 10 hours of adoption training. Please see DVD/Book Training below. For families who applied after January 1, 2007, the DVD training as well as the quiz related to that DVD course are required prior to submission of your dossier. Please let us know if you have any questions about this.

DVD/Book TrainingChildren's Hope is pleased to offer this Adoption Parent Education opportunity to ourfamilies - "Heart of the Matter Seminars - Because They Waited" DVD set (10 hours of Hague Compliant Adoption Training) (online testing required to obtain proof of completion of 10 hours of training) as well as the brand new book "Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections."

We think that these resources will provide you with informative pre and post adoption education that you can view and reference any time throughout your adoption journey. The cost of this set for Children's Hope families is $100, which includes shipping and handling. The set will be mailed book rate, so please allow 2 to 3 weeks mailing time. (PLEASE NOTE, if you have already been approved as of January 1, 2007 this is included as part of your Children's Hope adoption packet and will be mailed to you once you return the Adoption Agreement with applicable fees.)

To order the DVD/book set, go directly to the form at

http://www.ChildrensHopeInt.org/Parent%20Education.pdf

(Please submit with your $100 payment to Children's Hope Ohio.) For more information about Heart of the Matter Seminars, please visit http://www.heartofthematterseminars.com/ For more information about EMK Press and the Adoption Parenting book, please visit http://www.emkpress.com/

AKRON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Oak Adoptive Center at Akron Children's Hospital

The Oak Adoptive Health Center at Akron Children’s Hospital is sponsoring a one day class aimed at educating parents about the fundamentals of caring for their newly adopted son or daughter. The Class, Baby Basics for Adoptive Parents, is taught by experienced Akron Children's Hospital staff, the one-day session will provide you with information to care for your adopted child, while also addressing the challenges of adopting domestically or internationally. In addition to basic baby and toddler care, the class will teach you about nutritional and dietary concerns, immunizations, growth and development, and infant/toddler safety including CPR and child proofing your home.

Baby Basics for Adoptive Parents

(9:00am - 3:30pm at Akron Children's Hospital)

$40 per person or $60 per couple
Classes are held on July 14, 2007 and November 17, 2007

To register call 330-543-2000 or 1-800-358-KIDS (5437)

The Adoption Academy at Akron Children’s Hospital

The Adoption Academy at Akron Children's Hospital is offering prospective adoptive parents educational programs to help them become informed about adoption related choices and issues.

The Adoption Academy has three tracks:
       1. Core track which examines issues all prospective parents need to address;
       2.  Domestic track for those interested in adopting children in the United States; and
       3. International track for those interested in adopting abroad.

Adoption Academy

(7:00pm - 9:00pm -- Wednesday Evenings)

$20 per track per person and $15 for each additional person

Classes Begin May 2, 2007 through May 23, 2007

To register call 330/543-3193

CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

International Adoption Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

The International Adoption Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce the following upcoming seminar series regarding "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About International Adoption ...Now You Can Ask!" and "Health Concerns And International Adoption: What You Should Know."

Please see the attached link for more information and to register

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/i/int-adopt/default.htm

COLUMBUS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The Adoption Academy at Columbus Children's Hospital

The Adoption Academy at Columbus Children's Hospital is offering prospective adoptive parents educational programs to help them become informed about adoption related choices and issues.

The Adoption Academy has three tracks:
     1. Core track which examines issues all prospective parents need to address;
     2. Domestic track for those interested in adopting children in the United States; and
     3. International track for those interested in adopting abroad.

Adoption Academy

(7:00pm - 9:00pm -- Wednesday Evenings)

$20 per track per person and $15 for each additional person

Classes Begin May 2, 2007 through May 23, 2007

To register call 614/722-4949

If you wish to share your thoughts, experiences or stories about your adoption, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future E-Newsletters or should you wish to be removed from our email list, please email us at ChildrensHopeOhio@yahoo.com.