November 1, 2003

Caring for and serving families in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama,  Mississippi,
Florida, Texas, and Louisiana 

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH!!

This month is National Adoption Month!  Please share your adoption stories with your local media, join other adoptive families at local support groups, and help get the good word out about adoption!!

We want to dedicate this newsletter in loving memory to Blayre and Karen Nagel

I wanted to give you an update on the Chicago marathon I did in memory of Karen and Blayre Nagel.  First of all, I finished it!!!   Secondly, despite the warm conditions (72 degrees at the finish), I ran it in 3 hours, 37 minutes, and 11 seconds.    Every time I wanted to stop and walk (particularly from miles 21-25), I thought about who I was running the marathon for and I kept chugging along. Here are some
pictures from the official marathon photography company:
www.marathonfoto.com. Select "Chicago Marathon" for event. My running
 Blayre Nagel & Karen Nagel  bib # was 2527 and my last name is Brown.   Brent B. Brown
 7/22/01-8/15/03  3/29/60-8/19/03       

                                         Editor's Note:  Brent raised over $350 for humanitarian aide in China! 

 

It's Anna on her first birthday.  She had a big time.  I don't know but I think she might be a ham.

Love,
Rachel

After being home three weeks with Mariska, it seems as though we've been hearing the same comment quite frequently. "She seems so happy and healthy for being in an orphanage."  Which quite frankly, she truly is.  She is extremely healthy and we have been absolutely amazed at how well she has adjusted to life with her two brothers, a dog, a cat, carpooling, etc. All the while, she just smiles and goes with the flow.  Some of it we contribute to her personality, but we also know part of the reason she has been able to adjust so well, is because of the love she received at the orphanage in Smolensk.  We saw the love and concern in the caregivers' eyes when they were with her.  They were happy and full of joy when they played with her.  She smiled when looked at them, which told us she obviously felt cared for.  We are so thankful to Children's Hope International, to all of the Russian coordinators, drivers, and Tatiana, but especially to the wonderful hard working, dedicated caregivers at Mariska's orphanage.  God Bless Them and their loving hearts.  Andy and Leslie Shaw

Saturday, October 4, the Nashville office and STL offices of Children’s Hope International, sponsored our annual Walk for Hope.  Lynnette Cole, Miss USA 2000, who is herself adopted, flew in from New York.  Lynnette has worked with the Congressional Coalition for several years, is currently an actress, hosting two shows, and is a wonderful advocate for adoption!!   

We had over 120 walkers and raised 3 times what we raised last year, approximately $6500!  We also had a silent auction, which included a limo ride and Titans tickets!  That was our largest item which reaped $400!! The families enjoyed a Balloon typhoon, sponsored by the Taron Family, Cotton Candy, the Brentwood Fire men came and the kids loved climbing on board; the Brentwood Police came and handed out "Identi-Kits," whistles, and badges; a magician/balloon artist came who was terrific; and of course we had wonderful Chick-Fil-A sponsor our meal! 

It was a wonderful time and lots of money was raised to help the children we all care so much about!  Thanks for everyone who participated to make this our most successful year ever!! 

Pam Edison of ABC Courier and Notary Services (located in Jacksonville, FL) offers complete dossier preparation, one-day Sec of State courier service, and traveling notary services in the Jacksonville area.  I guarantee one-day service and will place the certified docs into FEDEX mail the same day they are certified.  The current wait time for mailed documents is currently at 2-4 weeks. 

Please visit my website at www.abcadopt.homestead.com to learn more about the services I provide.   

Please join us for free information meetings:

For more information, please go to http://www.childrenshope.com/southeast/index.htm

 November 2, 2003, Grapevine, TX

Grapevine Convention Center

International Adoption Fair

2:00-4:00 PM

November 3, 2003, Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands United Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, Asbury Hall

6:30-8:30 PM 

November 4, 2003, San Marcos, TX

Central Texas Medical Center

Professional Bldg, 3rd Floor, Conference Rm

1301 Wonder World Dr

San Marcos, TX

6:30-8:30 PM 

November 4, 2003, Memphis, TN

First Evangelical Church

735 Ridgelake Blvd DL Moody Rm

Memphis, TN

6:30-8:30 PM 

November 6, 2003 Frisco, TX

Stonebriar Community Church

4801 Legendary Drive Rm 202/203

Frisco, TX

6:30-8:30 PM 

November 8, 2003, Bowling Green, KY

International Adoption Fair

Living Hope Baptist Church

1805 Westen Ave, Bowling Green, KY

10:00 AM -3:00 PM 

November 9, 2003, Austin, TX

International Adoption Fair

Round Rock, TX

12:00-4:00 PM 

November 18, 2003, Brentwood, TN

Children’s Hope Office, 7003 Chadwick Dr, Suite 350

6:30-8:30 PM 

Thursday, November 20, 2003 , Knoxville, TN

Pellissippi State Technical Community College

10915 Hardin Valley Road

Alexander Building, Rm 206

6:30-8:30 PM 

November 23, 2003, Huntsville, AL

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library

915 Monroe Street, SW , A/B Conference Room

3:00-5:00 PM 

November 4             Home Study Group                             6:30-8:30 PM               Central Library, 3030
                                                                                                               Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN

November 12               Waiting Mom’s Coffee                        10:00-11:00 AM               Children’s Hope

November 14               Parenting Class—Discipline                 6:30 PM                        Children’s Hope

 November 15               Dossier Class                                          8:30 AM                        Children’s Hope

                                         Travel Class                                      10:00 -12:00 Noon            Children’s Hope

September 29              Home Study Group                              6:30-8:30 PM                   Children’s Hope

September 27-28         Office closed for Thanksgiving!! 

As an adoptive community and as parents, I know we are always thankful!  We don’t need a holiday to remind us to be thankful---but it is wonderful to remember all the blessings we have received!  I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with wonderful times with family, friends, and quiet times of reflecting!  If you have been thinking about adopting, there is no better time than now to start the process!  Both China and Russia adoptions are going quickly and smoothly!!

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, MS, FL, TX and LA