September 1, 2003

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

This month, we wanted to feature some of our kids who have been here for several years.

Belle will start 1st grade next month.  She did well at kindergarten and enjoyed it.  She's really started reading this summer and seems to be fairly advanced at doing her "equals" (addition problems).  But then, I'm a bit prejudiced.  She continues to be tall for her age and Dr. Ladd anticipates that she will be 5'9".  I've attached a picture taken on the school playground last spring.

On this day seven years ago, We got our beautiful China Doll. Thought you might like to share in our joy!!!!!!!

 Dreams come true, thanks to everybody for all the help in making such a wonderful gift from God!!! 

Mel, Frank and of course Tylee Xian Marie Nistad

Ryan just turned 3 a few weeks ago! It is so exciting to have a 3-year old (and exhausting - hee hee). Anyway, we decided it was time to start the process again, and we are looking at Colombia this time. We LOVED Russia!

Anyway, I have attached a pic of Ryan from his Birthday - hope you enjoy it. 

Love, In Christ - Barb, Chris and Ryan Smerz
  

I love Cameron so much, I just can’t express to you how much.  God has blessed us so much. He is growing so fast I can't believe it.  He is a little mocking bird these days.  He is 18 months old now, and into everything.  I wouldn't change it for the world though.  I know God had all this planned.  He had it all worked out before I knew anything about it.  Let me tell you something really awesome.  I looked up some information a few months back.  The day that David and I had gone to the fertility specialist in Nashville, we came out of the office, David turned to me and said, let’s put in for adoption.  I told him let’s just see what happens. (I always try to be optimistic)  Well God heard David say that, because when I looked back on the records to see what the date was... It was December 10, 2001... And guess what day that is...it is Cameron’s Birthday.  God picked him out for us that day.  Like I said, He had it all worked out, before I even knew.

Adopted from Guatemala:

The twins are doing great and are really growing.  They just had their second birthday last week.   

Stacey Shoemaker

This year will be the second annual Walk for Hope. This year’s proceeds will help continue providing the special medical care for children who remain in the orphanages. Children from Asia to Russia to the Middle East will benefit. This year’s walk will be held at Granny White Park in Brentwood, Tennessee from 9:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

 The Walk for Hope 2003 Honorary Chair will be Lynnette Cole, Miss U.S.A. 2000 and adoption advocate. Other activities include children's activities, a Chinese Auction, and lunch provided by Cool Springs Chick-Fil-A.  

Registration before September 9th will be $18 per adult and $5 per child under 12.  We can guarantee your size for the t-shirt if we receive your information prior to the 9^th (free with registration)!   Registration on the day of the Walk will be $18 per adult and $7 per child. Please contact Carrie at (615) 309-8109 or carriem@childrenshopeint.org for further information. 

Almost a month ago, eight tearful Tennessee and Kentucky families said good-bye to 10 children from Smolensk Region, as they boarded their flight to leave for Russia. This event, though sad, was also optimistic and hopeful. All the families who hosted their little Russian guests through Operation Hope will soon be going to Russia to adopt their children.  

This year, CHI's Operation Hope program brought 28 orphans from Russia to spend three weeks of their summer holidays with American families who were seriously considering adoption. As a result, 27 children will be adopted by their host families. For a picture of the group, please go to http://www.childrenshope.com/southeast/index.htm or click here.   

We plan to continue with Operation Hope next summer. If you would like to sign up for this program, please contact Tanya Yurlova at Tanya@ChildrensHopeInt.org.
 

August 9^th proved to be a beautiful day as many families came to celebrate the end of summer vacation and back to school for many kids. One of our families, the Tarons, was very gracious to host a summer carnival for all of Children's Hope Southeast Families.  Everyone present enjoyed swimming, playing carnival games, eating good food, playing in the balloon typhoon and getting “tattoos.”  A magician even made a special appearance and surprised us all. Not one child left the carnival without a smile on their face. Thanks again to the Tarons for the fun filled day! Please click here for pictures or go to http://www.childrenshope.com/southeast/index.htm.
 

 Please join us for free information meetings:

September 9, Brentwood, TN

CHI Office, 7003 Chadwick Drive, Suite 350

6:30-8:30 PM 

September 21, 2003, Orlando, FL

University Carillon United Methodist Church, Room M201

1600 East McCulloch Road, Oviedo

3:00-5:00 PM 

September 22, 2003, Tampa, FL

John F. Germany Public Library (MLK Room)

900 North Ashley Drive

6:30-8:30 PM 

September 23, 2003 Tallahassee

First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Chason Bldg

(Conference Room, first floor)

6:30-8:30 PM 

September 27, Chattanooga, TN

TBA

September 10                         Waiting Mom’s Coffee                           9:00-10:00 AM           Children’s Hope

September 12                         Vietnam and Chinese Moon Festival     6:30-8:30 PM             Edwin Warner Park #4

September 13                         Dossier Class                                            8:30 AM                     Children’s Hope

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

September 15                         Home Study Group                                 6:30-8:30 PM            Children’s Hope

September 19                         Parent Education Meeting                      6:30-8:30                   Children’s Hope

September 26                        Older Child Adoption Class                     6:30-8:30 PM            Woodmont Hills Church

October 4                               Walk for Hope/Fall Family Picnic            9:30 AM-2:00 PM       Granny White Park

 
The kids are all back in school—and it is wonderful to see so many children we have placed through the years beginning school!  Where does the time go?  Don’t let the years slip by you…If you are interested in adoption, there is no better time than today to begin the adoption of your dreams!  Remember, there are no unwanted children, only unfound homes! 

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