November 2006

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CHI IS LICENSED IN ARKANSAS!!

We have worked in Arkansas for many years, but recently we became licensed in order to do home studies and to work more closely with our families. Opening our Fort Smith office, with Connie Bailey, has been an added blessing!

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The Anderson Family, TN (China)

     

  We had a great trip.  We were all a little jet lagged coming home especially Lauren and Ethan our 10 and 8 yr old.  Ethan was up ALL night for several nights.  They are back in school and enjoy sharing all their adventures with their friends. Our church and school have been so supportive. Our children were both given Big Brother and Big Sister showers at school so Lydia (our new daughter) has had quite a big time. She’s doing well. She’s adjusted and bonded much faster than I had expected. She’s quite affectionate toward us.  We appreciate all the staff at Brentwood’s help!! 
You all have made this journey so much easier. Thank you again.

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The McCullough Family, TN (Russia)
 

It has been five months since we returned home with Arina and Paulina and this thank-you is much overdue.  We know you understand.  The girls are thriving and Ian has finally adjusted to our expanded family.  Quite simply, our family is thriving. For everything you have done and continue to do….You helped us come together as a family.
Thank you for our THREE beautiful children. 

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The Lunn Family, TN (China)
 

Our little wild child....

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The Bullock Family, VA (China)
 

We received your ever so sweet call, many thanks. We have been Happily busy. Dirty house , Dirty Diapers , Dirty Mommy but I wouldn't change it for the World...Mackenzie is WONDERFUL, we love her so, so much.  She has us running and laughing constantly. Her current project is re-decorating the kitchen...she loves to hide things, like Daddy's remote control.   She definitely is a Mommy's Girl for now, we bonded instantly it was beautiful!! She is one very happy child and we are two very proud, happy parents!

 Brenda how can we ever thank you for all your help?  You, Vonda and all your other wonderful Staff that helped connect our red thread!!! We love you all. Oh and not to forget Dennis our CHI coordinator in China...talk about first class, he was so wonderful.

    Well today is a very important day...Mackenzie's first Day in Church, our entire congregation is anxiously awaiting her.  She is a celebrity everywhere right now...of course Mommy has had her dress picked out for days!!! :) We all have a lot to give thanks for today, you shall be in my prayers. Love and God bless.

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The Knapp Family, TN (Russia)
 

Here is a photo of Katya's 3rd birthday.  It's hard to
believe she's been home 6 months (make that, ONLY 6 months).

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The MacLaughlin Family, TN (China)
 

Ron got Grace today!!  The group went to meet and get their children today. He said it was a wonderful experience.  All the babies were crying except Grace.  She is a beautiful girl....she has a head full of hair, big brown eyes and beautiful olive skin.  She is long and lean.  She is healthy, but slender. She did not cry when he got her, but when they got on the bus to go back to the hotel, she started crying.  She is a little scared right now, as can be expected.   Grace had to travel 6 hours to get to Nanning, where Ron picked her up. Ron said tomorrow they have to do a lot of paperwork to make the adoption official in China.  The rest of the week they do some more sight seeing and have some time to bond with Grace, while waiting for her visa and passport.   Ron said the trip was going great so far.  All of the hotels have been very, very nice.  The adoption agency has done a great job taking care of everything.  They went sight seeing on Saturday in Beijing, he got lots of pictures to share when he gets home. 
I can't wait to see her!

(Editor's Note:  Only dad was able to travel, and Mom anxiously waited at home!!)

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The Pingston Family, TN (Russia)
   

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  The Lambert Family, TN (Russia)
 

       Halloween joys from the Lambert boys!

           
 

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The Morris Family, TX (Russia)

Just wanted to let you know that Kyra is doing wonderful.  She had
a big party for her 2^nd birthday.  She is saying new words
everyday and her doctor is pleased with her health and her growth. 
She loves Elmo, wearing my shoes, and her favorite food is
mandarin oranges.  

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The Bush Family, GA (Russia)

Amelia is a beautiful baby!
 

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Tricks and Treats at the CHI office!

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In July 2006, fourteen families gathered in San Diego, California for a reunion.
These families from all over the US traveled together in April 2002 to adopt in China.

The girls are all 5 years old and three reside in Tennessee. Fifty-five family members
attended this 5-day reunion which included a visit to the San Diego Zoo,
swimming at the ocean, touring Point Loma, eating a multiple course
Chinese dinner, and a day at Legoland!

The Tennessee girls are Chloe, Jenny, and Zara.

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WALK FOR HOPE 2006 ~ What a fun day!!

Our 5th Annual Walk for Hope was a great success! We had incredible weather,
over 150 people walking, three dignitaries from Russia (Galina with our Tver group!),
raised nearly $6000, and had tons of fun while trying to raise enough money to
fund the completion of the orphanage in Mekele, Ethiopia!

Thanks to all families who joined us for this special event!!

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VISIT FROM TVER OFFICIALS

We were honored to have Alla Zelenia, President
and Svetlana Konovalova, Director of the f the Good Start Foundation from Tver, Russia learning about adoptions, foster care programs in the US, and the work of Foundations. Many
families were able to meet them as well as Galina, our Tver representative.

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USCIS Sets Up eMail
Access to Assist International Adoptions

In an effort to assist potential adoptive parents with the myriad of questions surrounding international adoptions, the USCIS is establishing eMail addresses specifically designated for these questions. Each USCIS district office will have an eMail ID for questions on this matter, exclusively. Questions may range from the proper completion of forms to questions on pending applications.

The National Customer Service Center can be reached at 1.800.375.5283. Prospective adoptive parents should call to request the most appropriate eMail address for their particular geographical location.

This service will be helpful to parents seeking to adopt. Answers provided in writing should be easier to reference than information provided over the telephone. The urgency that surrounds adoption matters often requires special attention, as well. The USCIS historically has taken extraordinary steps to help prospective international adoption parents, many of whom otherwise never have cause to interact with the immigration system. ©MurthyDotCom

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Holiday Dreams can come true...

Watch your mailbox for our CHI 2007 Dreams brochure. While little children with moms and dads are entertaining visions of sugarplums, ipods and animated dollies, orphans around the world can only dream of good food, medical care and a warm bed at night.

 YOU have the power to make some of their dreams
come true. Don't miss your opportunity to
give little children their dreams.

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     While you are waiting for your child...

While you are waiting, you can give hope to another child who also waits far away. You can begin TODAY to provide a child with food, clothing and education.

 

Visit http://orphan.childrenshope.net/ to see
how YOU can sponsor and orphan child.

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Upcoming Information Meetings 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER

November....not only is it the month to be thankful, but it is also national adoption month!  Please join the many folks who will be celebrating adoption and if you like, we would love to have a volunteer speak to your church, civic group, club or school!  Just let us know how we can promote adoption in your area, or help you personally begin your adoption journey!  There is no greater joy...as you can see from the many families who have shared their stories this month!

Happy Thanksgiving...we do have lots to be thankful for, including you, our friends and families!

Brenda

 Southeastern U.S.
 Brenda Barker, Director
 229 Ward Circle, Suite C-22
 Brentwood, TN  37027
 615-309-8109   Fax: 615-309-8483
brenda.barker@childrenshope.net

Also serving the following states: TN, KY, GA, AL, AR, MS, VA, LA & SC

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Click here to request an information packet regarding

 international adoption with Children's Hope International: send info, please. . .