JANUARY 1, 2005

OPERATION HOPE 2005

By Karen Kopischke 

We are grateful for the opportunity that Operation Hope gave us to try on parenting this older kid.  We got to see that he was a great kid at heart and to see that his presence in our family was truly an asset.  We were really fearful that the baggage he had from his circumstances in Russia would be insurmountable.  We discovered that they weren’t.  We think that this is a program that will help other kids who might otherwise languish in orphanages to find their families.  While these kids often have some issues, with patience and consistency and love, they can do really well.  If you have access to this program in your area and are interested in adopting an older kid, give it some thought! 

Please visit us at http://www.childrenshope.com/southeast/OpHope/operation_hopeTN.htm

THE KENNEDY FAMILY, TN (China)

"GETTING THE CALL"

I was SO nostalgic on my 1year anniversary of "getting the call" from Brenda Barker. It felt the same as remembering the day I went into labor with my first daughter Evie 9yrs ago. You just remember every little detail of where you were and what you were doing. I had decided to clear out the cupboards in the room that would become my new daughter's room, I had not expected a referral so soon and when Brenda called and asked me how I was, I never imagined the next sentence to be, "congratulations you have a beautiful daughter!” It is a moment I play over and over in my mind. I had a daughter - Brenda was a wonderful midwife - and it was totally painless! Now the big thing was to get the tiny black and white picture of my precious baby, to study her little face. Little Yu Xue Ju - who I know so much about now, was sitting in a foster home, in a very poor village in Jiangxi Province, China and I had to get ready to go and get her. I had to cancel my Christmas trip to England, plus my 40th birthday party in New York on January 11^th - I was going to be in China getting that baby I had prayed for, for 7years! Be careful what you wish for!!

I can’t believe it was a year ago. This Christmas is so special, when all I had last year was her referral picture to hang on the tree and now she is with us and part of us. I’m so grateful to all the staff at CHI -from here in Brentwood and St Louis to the excited smiling faces of the staff in Beijing-how can you put into words a thank you for a miracle.
 

THE MCGILL FAMILY, TN (Russia)

It’s been such a whirlwind since we got home, I haven’t taken the time to thank the people who made this possible.  So here it is.  Thank you so much for your patience in dealing with us through this process.  We are so grateful to God for leading us to CHI and to CHI for making this dream come true.  I know there were bumps along the way and I thank you for not showing it on the days you were annoyed at me calling yet again. 

Vonda and I kept a weblog of both trips to Jack, and I wanted to share that address with you, to share with clients.  I think it gives a good picture of what to expect (at least for a Moscow adoption).  The website is www.steveandvonda.blogspot.com
 

THE LIM FAMILY, GA (China)

Attached is Sheena's christening pictures, she is 23 months old !  She is well adjusted to us and a very smart little girl.  Once again we want to thank you all for giving us this precious angel in our life, this will be our happiest Christmas. 
 

THE SANDERS FAMILY, TN (China)

We are LOVING life with Miss Eliza and are enjoying watching her fascination and enthusiasm with everything about Christmas.  How awesome she is!!
 

THE BROYLES FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Well here we are again in Vladivostok.  We have met the most perfect boy in the world.  Lana’s brother Viacheslav, we are calling him Jake, is amazing.  We feel truly blessed to have found these children.   He has the sweetest smile in the world, he is really starting to come around.  We are going to need a fast track Russian language tutor because little 6 year old Slava is FLUENT in Russian.  Mama just keeps saying, “Ya nyet Panimayoo”  translates to I DON’T UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!!  Frankly, he is getting a little tired of it.  But I thinks he loves us.  He is very excited about being with his sister again, and he is excited about coming to our home.  In a few months we will be at home with our son gearing up for summer and of course the start of another pathetic football season.  (SIDENOTE: for those UT fans, what is up with us almost losing to Kentucky, we even heard of it here in Russia.  Bad news travels fast)  PATHETIC!!!  I am trying out next year. 

What matters most is that we are in love.  Our family is complete.  I think that he looks like Andy, it was meant to be.  This has all been a miracle to us, and all of these little frustrations don’t mean a thing. 
 

THE LYONS FAMILY, FL (China)

Michaela is wonderful and much more than we could have ever hoped for.

She just plays and plays and laughs. Even up until bedtime, then she'll just crash when she is out of energy. She is healthy and has a good appetite. Cutting a couple more teeth (she has 4 now) and hasn't really been bothered with that except once so far. The doctor gave her a checkup and started her vaccinations, but she didn't care much for being held down for the shot but once it was over, she was a happy camper again. But NOOOO, she's not being spoiled by mama, daddy, grandma's or grandpa's :D)  Everyone at the church has not even noticed that she is home. We love her so much and thank you for helping her to come home to us. Here are a few pictures of our angel. Thanks for everything.
 

A FAMILY FROM TN (China)

After taking to you the other day, I wanted to send you some pictures of our daughter. Below is a picture of her several weeks before adoption.  In the second picture she just learned about her mom's makeup. There is also a Christmas picture.  She has been a part of our family for 12 months and 2 weeks.  Life is good for all involved. 

THE KING FAMILY, TN (China)

Today (12-13-04) is our 6 month anniversary of gotcha day.  These past 6 months have flown by.  Amelia has been such a wonderful, happy, healthy, energetic, bright and beautiful child.  She is curious about everything.  She can say just about anything and understands just about everything that we tell her.  We have not really had any attachment issues with her, she has adjusted really well.  We just really can't say enough for the whole process and still sometimes can't believe that we have such an amazing daughter.  She has been such a joy.
 

THE BAIRD FAMILY, KY (Russia)

We are doing just wonderful.  Sofia already rules the house.  She is going to be a tough little girl.  She has to be with two older brothers! 

Our trip was wonderful, as always.  CHI in Moscow does such a wonderful job.  They work so very hard and put in such long hours and make us feel each time as though we were their only couple there.  We have become very spoiled by our Moscow family! 

The boys absolutely love their "Sissy".  Spencer has been the doting little daddy from the minute we stepped off the plane.  He kisses on her non-stop!  It is very special to see how he takes care of her.  He is a very kind and compassionate child.  He has such a warm and tender heart.  I think the feelings are mutual for Sofia.  She lights up when her brother enters the room!  Gannon is doing great as well.  He also loves to kiss and hug on her.  He is such a good big brother. 

Sofia is doing wonderful.  She bonded to us before we ever left Moscow.  God's hand has absolutely been on each and every one of our adoptions!  She grows and blossoms more and more each day.  She is a very happy baby as long as Mom and Dad are around.  We are working on getting her used to others.....slowly.  She is just beautiful.  She has the biggest blue eyes I have ever seen.  She has already mastered the art of batting them at her daddy and wrapping him around her finger.  She is a treasure. 
 

UPCOMING INFORMATION MEETINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  And, now it’s time to make all of those new year resolutions….please if you are considering adoption, give us a call and let us tell you more!!  I can think of no greater way to start the new year!

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