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July
1, 2005 |
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Click on pictures to see the full size!
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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
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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! |
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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!
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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.
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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. |
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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!
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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."
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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.
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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!
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THE MAST FAMILY, TN (China)
I thought you'd like to
see how Ella is growing. She is walking and keeping me on my toes. She is
talking some and loves to eat cheese. The picture of Ella was taken
on Mother's Day...my first one!! I can't believe she's really here; what a
blessing she's been. Thanks for all you've done for us.
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THE
CLARK FAMILY, KY (Russia) |
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 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. |
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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!
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THE MCHALE FAMILY, TX (Russia)
Zachary, Yen and myself are doing well. We
are all now well rested and better and Zachary is doing very well. He
seems to be adjusting very well. He is eating and sleeping well and
adjusted to the new time. Last night he slept 9 hours.
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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 4th
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.
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CHI REUNION
PICNIC
Mark your
calendar for the CHI Reunion Picnic 2005. July 23rd :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.
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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!
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UPCOMING INFORMATION MEETINGS |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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July 4 |
Offices
closed |
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July 9 |
Dossier Class |
8:30 AM |
Children’s Hope |
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July 9 |
Travel Class |
10:00 -12:00 Noon |
Children’s Hope |
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July 9 |
Operation Hope Open House |
2:00-4:00
PM |
Woodmont
Hills |
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July 17 |
Operation Hope Going Away Party |
5:00-7:00
PM |
Woodmont
Hills |
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July 18 |
Operation
Hope Families Leave |
9 AM |
Airport |
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July 18 |
Home Study Group |
6:30-8:30 PM |
Children’s Hope |
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July 23 |
National CHI Picnic |
10:30-5 PM |
St.
Louis |
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A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER |
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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 |
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