July 1, 2005

Click on pictures to see the full size!
 

VIETNAM ADOPTIONS ARE REOPENING!!

We are delighted to finally announce that the agreement between the US and Vietnam was signed June 21st, 2005.  The signing of this agreement represents a “culmination of many months of effort in negotiations by both countries and highlights the mutual commitment to the welfare and well-being of children and parents, as well as to a transparent and effective adoption system between the two countries.”

Adoptions are now required by a licensed adoption agency.   Private adoptions are no longer allowed.  More information to come regarding licensing procedures and when adoptions will resume.  It is expected to take a few months before adoptions will actually begin.

Please read more about the press release at the following address:
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/m-news+article+storyid-11545.html  

OPERATION HOPE CHILDREN ARRIVE    

On June 27, 9 children from Kaliningrad, Russia and an orphanage director arrived in Nashville, TN for the Summer Operation Hope Program!  The children were tired, but very happy to be in America!  They spent the night at Director Brenda Barker’s home, and then they met their host families the next day, in between swimming, painting t-shirts, making necklaces, and playing!  Once again, we are very blessed to have such a special group of children visit with us this Summer!

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

BARTLETT AND BARKER FAMILIES TN & TX (China, Vietnam, India, Eastern Europe, Domestic)

 Two families who have been friends for years were able to enjoy each other in Texas this Summer.  The Bartlett Family with their six children and the Barker clan with their 7 kids!  A great time was had by all!

THE GRENKOWSKI FAMILY, TN (China)

Just wanted to share with you all these pictures. On the right is Ella Grenkoski and on the left is Katrina Messner. Ella now 19 months and Katrina now 17 months were both adopted 1/10/05 from Xiaonan Dist. SWI, Hubei Province. We meet the Messner's who are from Kansas City on the trip and over Memorial Day weekend they traveled to Tennessee to visit. It was great to see the girls together again. I wanted to share with CHI that through you we have made life long friends and it is our hope that the girls will always remain close. They share a special bond with each other. Just wanted to keep in touch and thank you for your help in this amazing journey. CHI continues to touch our lives even after the adoption is done.

THE WOODLIEF FAMILY, FL(Russia)

Joseph's doing great - talking up a storm and growing like a weed.  Hope ya'll are doing well.  I think of you often.  

THE BAIRD FAMILY, KY (Russia)

Thought I'd send you an updated picture of my babies.  I still call Spencer my baby even though he will be in Kindergarten this year.  Where does the time go?  The kids are doing wonderful and are the joy of our life!  We thank God each and every day for our precious children!

THE KOVACIC FAMILY, TN (Russia)

We always start out each visit at the orphanage in a  room with the chief doctor so we can ask any new questions.  Then we spend about 1 1/2 hours in a playroom with Ross.  We spend a lot of time with him sorting and classifying beads as well as playing pretend.  He calls us Mama and Papa.  We asked him through the translator,  "Would you like to be a part of our family?"  He said, "Da, da" (Yes, yes).  She then explained that we have to go home first, but we will come back to get him.  He responded, "I want to go home with Mama and Papa." 

THE AMACHER FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Christian is the boy of our dreams!  Meeting him was one of those rare moments in life that exceed even what you imagine.  We love him so.  The CHI staff was wonderful and they all worked so hard.  We also found Moscow to be a beautiful city.  Thank you so very much for all that you guys do. 

 

THE GATTEN FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Lauren loved her first beach trip! 

She's going to start day care two days a week in mid-June.  I know she'll love the increased interaction with other children!

THE MAST FAMILY, TN (China)

THE CLARK FAMILY, KY (Russia)

Yes, we are thrilled.  it has been a long journey this time, but I know God has his hand on us the whole time.  Sometimes what we think we need is not what is in his plan. I can't wait to get our little girl home.  Cameron is very excited about his little sister.  We are going to be in Russia on his Gotcha day.  I think that is awesome.  His Gotcha day is June 27 and hers will be June 28th.  We will be returning the day after we returned with Cameron three years later.  Is that awesome or what!!  Thanks so much for getting us started on this wonderful journey called "adoption"  once again.  If you hadn't contacted us, we would probably not have pursued another adoption.  There again, God knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and provides it.

THE KALLAS FAMILY, TN (Russia)

We are totally and completely in love with Alex, and we thank all of you that helped our dreams come true (we are already talking about going back!!!).

We took him to his pediatrician last week, and he weighed 13 pounds and 10 ounces.  We go back tomorrow, and I can't wait to see what he weighs because he is eating us out of house and home!   No, seriously, he is
eating very well!

His personality is really coming out, and he is just such a happy little baby!

Again, thank all of you soooo much for helping us get such a wonderful son!

 

THE MCHALE FAMILY, TX (Russia)

HUMANITARIAN AID

This time of year is peak YARD SALE season!  I would bet that nearly all of us have things in our homes, garages, closets and attics that we just don’t use.  Why not get rid of your stuff and help children around the world as well?   

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!)  Please contact RachelMesser@childrenshopein.org if you need more information on this or any of our humanitarian aid projects.  You can always go on line as well and donate to the children!

Another quick note-Although Fall seems to be far away, it will catch up with us very quickly!  I would like each of you to mark your calendars for the 4^th annual CHI Walk for Hope to benefit medical needs of children 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.  Last year Walk for Hope raised over $6,000, which helped supply medical surgeries to children in orphanages around the world. 

CHI REUNION PICNIC

Mark your calendar for the CHI Reunion Picnic 2005. July 23^rd :10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Again this year we will gather at Queeny Park in St. Louis for a one day event, for families to share or relive adoption experiences. Over 1000 people joined in the fun last year.  

Go to www.childrenshope.com/ReunionPicnic2005.htm for details on Hotels, Location, Photos from 2004 and an application form. 

CHAPS

We have had many families respond to our desire to have volunteer families who are willing to share their adoption experiences with others. But, we can still use MORE! Please e-mail brenda@childrenshopeint.org or Lisa@childrenshopeint.org to learn more or go online to http://www.childrenshopeint.org/. We are planning on having all the volunteers come to Nashville on August 26 and 27 for more training!  We would love for you to join us and share with others your adoption journey!

UPCOMING INFORMATION MEETINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER

Hope you are enjoying the lazy days of summer!! As you can see, we at CHI are not relaxing by the pool but busy helping many children find their forever families! And, there is no better time than NOW to start your own adoption journey! Pick up the phone or e-mail us today, we'd love to help!

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@childrenshopeint.org
 Also serving the following states: TN, KY, GA, AL, AR, MS, TX and LA