August 1, 2005

Click on pictures to see the full size!
 

OPERATION HOPE CHILDREN ARRIVE    

The 9 children and their escort who participated in Operation Hope arrived on June 27 and enjoyed three fun filled weeks in the Nashville area! They returned to Russia on July 18, and you can see the tears and joy that both shared as they left. We can't wait for the families to be able to travel to Russia to begin the adoption procedures, so these wonderful children are back with their forever families.

Summer is a great time for reunions with all of our CHI friends! Share with us your reunion stories!!

THE EARLS, HENDERSON AND FLETCHER FAMILIES, TN (Russia)

On June 25th, the Hendersons, Fletchers and Earls had a mini-reunion with all of their children who were adopted from Russia.  We had a blast, and thought you might like to see a photo of the kids.

THE RUTHIE KNIGHT FAMILY, KY (China)

The big day finally arrived. We went to the Orphanage in Fu Ling on Sunday afternoon (your Saturday night). It was as hard as I would have thought. There were a large number of children there and you wanted to take all of them home. By Chinese standards, the orphanage is very good. 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 a/c a lot.

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 our baby last. About 10 minutes after everyone else had there baby, ours finally arrived.

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!  After today, she is officially ours forever.

 

THE CURLEE FAMILY, TX (China)

Just wanted to share some recent pictures of Daniel.  This was his first wedding to be in.  We are doing good, just missing our family lots. He is doing great. I know I've said it before but thank you so much for helping me have him as a part of my life. 

THE PINGSTON FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Hope this finds you well.  You would not believe what a beautiful "Big" girl Tatyana is.   We are loving every minute of being parents!  Tatyana definitely keeps things interesting for us.

THE LOADMAN FAMILY, GA (India)

 
Sunita is adjusting very well.  It is amazing how well they do adjust.

THE MITCHELL FAMILY, TN (Russia)

She is settling in. She loves to wear the cowboy boots.   I noticed that at the 4 week mark, she really adjusted to her new home and family.

THE PATTON FAMILY, TN (Russia)

He is the most beautiful, wonderful boy in the whole wide world and we can't wait to get him home! Thanks so much for all of your help! Our experience in Moscow and Novosibirsk was right by the book and we had a perfect experience so far! The people at Baby House # 3 have taken very good care of him. Thanks again! Rachel and Butch

THE WHITE FAMILY, FL  (Russia)

Oh what a trip.  My daughter is the most precious child in the world.  I fell in love with her the instant I saw her.  Before they brought her to me for the first time, the palms of my hands became moist and I thought that my heart would beat out of my chest. Everyone says she looks like me.  Unbelievable, but she does.  We bonded very quickly.  I know this sounds funny but I miss everything about her, even her little baby smell.  I cannot wait to bring her home. 

Natalia, thank you for all of your help.   I have never been so happy.  I am waiting on my court date. In the meantime, I am buying her bedroom furniture, painting her room, and trying to keep her grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousins from buying too many things for her that they will not fit into her bedroom. ha. 

Brenda, as I noted in my email to Natalia, I could not be any happier with the outcome of this process.  It is surely divine order at work,  How blessed I am.  Libby (middle name Alexandra – keeping her Russian middle name) is unbelievably precious.  We bonded very rapidly.  She is perfect in every way. Her aunt and uncle and both sets of grandparents will be at our house this weekend.  We will be painting her room and putting together outside play equipment.  What joy! 

Our first SE Branch family returns from Kazakhstan!

THE BUUCK FAMILY, LA (Kazakhstan)

He is such a happy boy. I love to watch him smile and it touches my heart when he laughs out loud. Thank you and everyone in Almaty for all of their help and their wonderful work.

THE KONYN FAMILY, TN (China)

THE LYON FAMILY, FL (China)

Michaela has been home with us now just over seven months and everything is wonderful. She is healthy, happy and into everything. Truly a blessing and we can't thank CHI enough for helping to bring Michaela home to us.  We are strongly considering a little sister and will be looking to CHI when the time comes.   Thank You and blessings to everyone at CHI  !!!  We Love all of you!!!

THE ROBINSON FAMILY, TN (Russia)

He is growing fast and loving his new family and home. He strives to do anything and everything and amazes us daily at how quickly he learns. We have been truly blessed to have Ryan and such wonderful friends in CHI's Brentwood office. We look forward to bringing Ryan into your office soon. Thank you all so much for all of your patience, help and kindness throughout this amazing time in our lives.

THE FERRE FAMILY, GA (Colombia)

THE MILLER FAMILY, TN (India)

HUMANITARIAN AIDE

YARD SALE TIME! 

Although it’s been extremely hot we want to remind everyone of our YARD SALE challenge.  Children’s Hope International is challenging any and all families/friends that are able and willing to have a yard sale and send the proceeds to CHI to assist with medical surgeries for children in orphanages around the world.  Get a group of families together, do it alone, whatever it takes!  (Oh, and you can have the opportunity to show your beautiful children off to each and every customer!) 100% of all proceeds go directly to the children.

 WALK FOR HOPE

October 9, 2005 

Although October seems to be far away, it will catch up with us very quickly!  Mark your calendars for the 4^th annual CHI Walk for Hope to benefit children with medical needs in orphanages.  This is a great opportunity for families to socialize, get a little exercise and help raise much needed funds for children with medical needs.  Participants in last year’s Walk for Hope raised over $6,000, which helped supply medical surgeries to children in orphanages around the world.

ANNUAL POOL PARTY FOR SOUTHEAST CHI FAMILIES!

Everyone is invited to the annual pool party for all Children’s Hope families!  This is a great opportunity for families to connect with adoptive parents and children in the area.  We would love to see you there!           

Date:  Sunday, August 7, 2005

Time:  3:00 -5:00pm

Place:  The Barker’s-1201 Choctaw Trail, Brentwood, Tennessee

What to Bring: Your family, swimming gear, sunscreen, lawn chairs & a snack to share

*Please RSVP to rachelmesser@childrenshopeint.org
 

UPCOMING INFORMATION MEETINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER

It is hard to believe that school is beginning again already!!  (Although we have been in football, cheerleading and band camps since mid-July!!)  It is of course a great time for new beginnings…and no greater time to start your adoption plans! 

We don't want to burden you with a lot of information, but we do want to help you if you are looking for a way to adopt. If not, please let us know and we will regretfully remove your name from our newsletter.   E-mail me at my address below with any question you have.  I would love to hear from you. 

Brenda

 Southeastern U.S.
 Brenda Barker, Director
 7003 Chadwick Dr. Suite 350
 Brentwood, TN  37027
 615-309-8109   Fax: 615-309-8483
 Brenda@ChildrensHope.com
 Also serving the following states: TN, KY, GA, AL, AR, MS, TX and LA