April 1, 2006
 

WELCOME, SOUTH CAROLINA to the

Southeast Branch of Children's Hope International !!!
 

Click on pictures to see the full size!
 

THE PARKER FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Ridgeway kids tell of 'The American Dream'

Robert Parker (left) represented Ridgeway Elementary in the

"My Home: The American Dream" national writing contest.

By Shawn Pachucki
Special to East Memphis Appeal
February 26, 2006

It's hard to define the American dream in today's ever-changing society, but a few students from Ridgeway Elementary seem to have a pretty firm grasp on the concept.

Fifth-grader Robert Parker represented his school in the Coldwell Banker Real Estate nationwide writing contest, "My Home: The American Dream." Parker was among the top three writers out of hundreds in his age group. 

Parker's life story made an immediate impact on the judges. Having grown up as an orphan in Siberia, he wrote about having to take care of his brother and sister as a child and how tough it was having no knowledge of where their parents were. He said his life changed one day when "some people from America came to the orphanage."

Parker wrote, "They brought us gifts and bought us clothes. Soon we were at an airport heading for America. The people from America had adopted us and we were going to our new home in America -- Memphis, Tenn." He mentioned his friends at the orphanage – how they would play outside together and attend school. But he said something was always missing.

"I did not do well in school, and I do not think anyone noticed," Parker wrote. "The orphanage provided everything we needed to live; food, clothes and a roof over our heads, but it was not a home."

Parker's life in America was described much differently. "My parents and all of my sisters and brothers love me and care about me," he wrote. "I not only have a bed to sleep in, food to eat and clothes to wear, I have a family that wants me to get an education, be safe and do the right thing.

"They love me and care about me. A loving and caring family is what makes my house a home."

THE BERGER FAMILY, GA (China)

We adopted San Wen Jing on Nov 21 (gotcha day in Sanshui) - special needs cleft lip. We named her Lucia Dominique and she has been the joy of our lives. She was almost 16 month at adoption and could not walk. She walked within 2 weeks, is now cruising through the house, has taken ownership of her new family, is loving, cuddly, active. She looks so different with her repaired lip - she looked like a different child when I saw her in the recovery room.

THE REISS FAMILY, TN (Operation Hope, Russia)

Welcome Zoya and Dasha who arrived home on March 4. They were obviously happy to be back in America and glad to see their new siblings and relatives who were meeting them at the airport, as well as old friends from their Safonovo boarding schools who were also there to welcome them.

THE PETERSEN FAMILY, TN (Russia) 

The night before (Sunday night) Vika and Galina came over to fix Russian pancakes -like crepes- for us. It was the end of a week long pancake festival to see off winter and welcome in spring. They eat them filled with raw sugar and draped with sweetened condensed milk, or with jam inside and sour cream outside. They were pretty tasty and we had the leftovers for breakfast Tues. am before we left.

At the airport Kyle started to cry because Paul's backpack had to be searched, we aren't sure why this was traumatizing, but he got over it quickly--maybe just tired? They loved looking out in the fog at the airplanes and helicopters (vertalotes). It was good entertainment because we were 45 minutes late leaving on the flight.

They were extremely excited for takeoff and we were served some sort of breakfast on the plane which they picked at. Then Kyle passed out for the rest of the flight, he didn't even wake up for landing. Ian had so much fun! His eyes were huge when we started to land and slow down. All of us were tired and hungry when we got here, but no rest for the weary. It was straight to the MD for exams needed for immigration. Good thing I packed some snacks! The boys were examined and the MD took yet another x-ray of Kyle---he will be easy to recognize--I'm sure the poor kid is glowing by now! But at least we get to keep the x-ray to show to our pediatrician so hopefully no more for a while. The x-ray showed a clean bill of health. The MD also says Kyle has a slight hernia of the belly button-- I was warned previously that this just means he has an "outie" so we'll see when we get home. It doesn't look ANYTHING like Shane's!

Ian checked out great--except he noted the adenoid thing--poor little guy--going to have to have those out! Both are solid as a rock, just small for their age. The MD did comment that we are going to buy our dentist a BMW or perhaps a Porsche with all the dental work they need.

We played for a bit in the 4th floor lobby where I am typing from now. Then we went off to the grocery to shop a bit. We scored big time here! Pre-sliced bread!!!!!!!!! We got potato salad, veggie salad (kind of pickled), juice yogurt, and cheese to tide us over --oh yeah and 2 chocolate éclairs to split! Both boys loved the potato salad and the veggies!

Today is a day off because of the holiday so we are spending some quality time in the hotel using the 4th floor lobby as a track and field! Tomorrow we are hoping to get our complimentary tour of Moscow in the morning before our embassy appt at 1:30 but we have had quite a time fighting to get this scheduled. We are pushing for it though. Then we can LEAVE!!!

THE KREMPANSKY-KUNA FAMILY, TN

(Operation Hope, Russia)

The first through third grades in Wilson County schools wrote stories and they were submitted to a panel.  Tolya wrote a story about going to school in Russia and his was selected for presentation at the Young Authors Conference!  We’re so proud of him!  

THE KALLAS FAMILY, TN (Russia)

I look forward to working with you guys on our second adoption.  Here's a recent picture of Alex for you to see how he is growing! We are very proud of him!

THE FLANNERY FAMILY, TN (China)

Elle Rose GanPoYu Flannery was adopted on December 11, 2005 from the Jianxin Social Welfare Institute in Jiangxi, China. 

 Our trip was a lot different then expected.  We had prepared ourselves in many ways for this day.  Throughout the wait, we had our ups and downs of excitement.  One day, I would be so excited I couldn't seem to get anything done.  I stayed on the internet looking at pictures of other Chinese baby girls and chatting with other waiting parents.  The next day, I felt like the day I would have her was never going to come and sometimes wondered if it would ever truly happen.  It just seemed too good to be true.

When the day actually came that I received her picture, it was my late mother's birthday.  That was really special to me because my mother used to sit and watch the television broadcast of starving children in other countries.  She wanted so badly to save them all.  My sisters and I weren't starving, but we were adopted. 

 Over the years of our adopted lives, we, as most kids do, didn't know that we had it good.  My mother and father were of average income and we by far were not rich.  We didn't have the best name brand clothes, or my parents didn't buy the junk food we all eat now.  They were just average people that didn't need material things to make their family work.  I expect it will probably take Elle much time to appreciate the blessings she will be given as well.

 When my sister, myself and my youngest son went to China, we experienced a whole new world.  I experienced something that I could never fully explain to anyone that had not been adopted.  I realized at the moment Gan Po Yu was put into my arms how blessed I was to have been adopted. I looked at the face of this little Chinese girl and saw myself in so many ways.  There was a huge sadness I felt for her, but yet an enormous amount of happiness too.

 It was on this trip that I realized what my adopted Mother and Father had actually done for me.

 The sadness I feel for these children overwhelms my heart, but, I feel an enormous amount of happiness for these little girls that so many of us Americans impatiently waited and are waiting for.

I have read so many books with stories about China.  I have to admit, I felt angry about what was going on with these children.  But going there, made me realize that I also feel a fondness for our little girl's mother country.  These people live without the luxuries of life that America allows us.  Most of these people walk where they want to go, heavily labor with their hands and feet and some do business and live without electricity.  It was amazing to me.

 I decided after this trip, I would definitely raise my little girl with nothing but positive thoughts about her biological parents.  The negative aspect of China and the rules and regulations will be there for her to read.  But since she will probably never know her story of abandonment, the story I will influence will be of love. 

 On December 11th, this little girl was actually put into my hands.   The emotion that was running through me was so amazing.  My mind was so jumbled and I was in a total state of shock.  She barely cried and was everything I was trying not to expect.  She is a blessing from God!  God knew this was going to be my child and I knew that the moment she was put into my arms!  This little girl is definitely mine on loan from God and I intend on doing the best I can for her throughout her life.

 We have a special bond with China and intend on going back someday.  God Bless all of you who take this amazing journey!

THE OBENSHAIN-McKINNEY FAMILY, TN (Russia)

I thought I would send you one of my favorite shots of Alla. She is cute as can be, don't you think!

THE JOHNSON FAMILY,  AR (Russia)

Today is Emma's 2nd birthday.  I can't begin to describe all of the feelings I'm experiencing at this moment.  When we began this journey, we were thinking we might possibly never become parents.  But, a year and a half later, we are celebrating the birthday of our beautiful daughter.  She has brought so much joy and excitement into our lives.  We truly feel that she has made our family complete in every way. 

Emma has AMAZED us since coming home in November!  Her transition has been so smooth, and she has acclimated herself into her new world.  Our first few weeks were not without issues, but now it seems she has always been with us.  God has truly blessed us with a precious gift.

I'm so happy that we didn't let the fears that go along with international adoption keep us from making this amazing journey. I can not imagine our lives without THIS little blessing!  SHE was meant to be our daughter. Thanks to everyone at CHI for helping us make our dream of being parents happen.

THE SMITH FAMILY, FL (China)

We would like to show

you results of your labor

of love…her 3^rd birthday!

THE SMITH FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Aly is doing great. One is of her and her sister, Lauren.  The other shot is of Aly with Jacks and Gracie.  They were adopted by the two families we met on our trip to Russia.  Jacks actually slept in the crib next to Aly's.  Gracie was on another floor.  We vacation with the two families twice a year and refer to them as the Russian Cousins. 

Aly is three now and into playing dress up all the time.  We can't imagine life without her.  Would love to get a sister for her, but can't do it until we hit the lottery. 

THE TERRELL-KEYSER FAMILY, TN

(Operation Hope, Russia)
 

There was a great celebration at the Nashville airport with about 40 people greeting Colette Keyser and Jerome Terrell and their two boys, Maxim and Dennis. The boys were really happy to be back in TN, and all their friends from the Safonovo boarding school who have been adopted earlier were absolutely thrilled to welcome them here.

 Jerome said they had a wonderful experience in Russia. There were not enough words to describe their gratitude to Tatiana in Smolensk who went out of her way to make their experience in her region near perfect, and the CHI Moscow office staff (with interpreter Anastasia) were delightful, helpful and competent. He said it was impossible to compare their experience to those of other agencies' families (whom they met at the US Embassy in Moscow) because it was so much better on every level and in every place (in the US, in Smolensk and in Moscow).

When asked by an interpreter if there was anything the boys wanted to tell their parents or ask them before leaving the airport, Dennis said, "Please tell them we love them very much".

THE SNADER FAMILY, TN (India)

THE STOLTZ FAMILY, GA (Russia)

   REUNION 2006

Mark your calendars for our Children's Hope Reunion 2006

July 15th, 2006 * St. Louis, MO

Click on the Picnic Basket to be directed to more information on Reunion 2006

CHI FOUNDATION

Watch for upcoming information about child sponsorship !

Help make wishes come true by donating now!

UPCOMING INFORMATION MEETINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Easter Egg Hunt

Friday, April 14th * 3:00 - 5:00 PM

at Hillsboro Church of Christ

(5800 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN)

 

A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER

April is well known as the month of showers ... "April showers bring May flowers." I propose April as the month for "showers of blessings." The Bible tells us "Children are a blessing from the Lord." Is God calling you to start your adoption journey this month of April and receive His "Showers of Blessings"?

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.barker@childrenshope.net

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

Click here to request an information packet regarding international adoption with Children's Hope International: send info, please. . .