March 1, 2006
 

Click on pictures to see the full size!
 

WOODBRIDGE FAMILY, TN (Russia, Operation Hope)

Things are going great. Ruslan (12 years old, pictured on the left) has made friends at church and at our homeschool co-op already.  He is using the Rosetta Stone program and scores 86% or higher most of the time.  He is speaking more to us, both in English and in Russian.  Ruslan is enjoying the good weather and has been riding his scooter as much as possible.  He smiles all the time now! I spoke with another Operation Hope family today and we were talking about how none of us would have met if it weren't for CHI. In addition to getting our children, we have all made lasting friendships as well! 

THE DUMMER FAMILY, TX (Russia)

   I thought I would give you a quick update on Sasha.  He is doing very well.  He is growing very fast and is already very, very smart.  The doctors that we have taken him to for various checkups are very impressed with him and keep saying that he is very smart.  His health is turning out very well.  No problems at all.  He has been home for 5 months now and speaks fluent English, can count and recognize numbers up to 10, knows all of his colors, and is working on his ABCs.  He has also learned to tease and joke.  He really is smart!  In Odessa near his school there are large statues of rabbits and he will say the Russian word for rabbit then say “English is rabbit”.  Christmas was very good and it didn’t take long for him to get the hang of it.   

            We have been learning Russian in hopes that Sasha can retain it.  We have just found a small Russian community here in Midland and we are going to see if they can tutor us.  I really fell in love with Russia when we went over there.  The people were so nice and I love to listen to the language.  It is a fascinating country.  Of course I felt like a shrimp when I was in Tomsk.  I am 5’ 7” tall and it seemed like everyone in Siberia was 6’ 6”.  I also think Sasha looks like us, because when we were in Moscow we were walking around with Sasha and a Russian couple asked us why we were visiting.  They didn’t realize that Sasha wasn’t our biological kid! 

It is just unbelievable how blessed we are. He is still the MOST WONDERFUL thing that has happened to us.  God bless you and God Bless CHI for bring families together through Adoption.

THE ENGLAND FAMILY, TN (Colombia)

THE MIDDLETON FAMILY, TN (Russia, Operation Hope)

Almost all our Kaliningrad Operation Hope children are back!  Vova and his Mom returned from Russia.  (Dad came home a few days early). In the words of Dad, they had a fairy-tale experience from the very beginning of their participation in Operation Hope, and the trip to Russia was "the best experience I've ever had in my life!"

THE ISBISTER FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Everything is going very well. We love Ryan so much and are so glad that he is our son. It's bliss!

THE FLANNERY FAMILY, TN (China)

This is Elle's one year old picture!  Isn't she beautiful!

THE COOK FAMILY, TN (Russia)

The Lord truly knows what we can and cannot handle.  He has entrusted us with the most precious little boy in Mathew.  He's funny, smart, cute and going to be a big one!!!  (Can you say linebacker?) 

THANKS for helping us become a family!)

THE DUDLEY FAMILY, TN (China)

We had Lauren dedicated yesterday at church, in the white dress we brought back from China. I think she's the most beautiful baby in the world but that's just her proud mama talking. :)

THE RYAN FAMILY, AL (China)

Once again, we thank you and CHI for all the help you have given us in bringing our forever family together.

THE HETHCOX FAMILY, FORMERLY TN (Russia)

Nathan and Lauren absolutely adore one another.  Their love for one another is a constant source of joy in our home!  We are continually amazed at how God works through the gift of adoption.  It is such a picture of God's love for us and we consider it an honor to have been included in the picture! 

      Lauren is now 19 months.  She took 8 steps a few weeks ago.  So, we are hopeful that walking will occur soon! 

    Nathan is doing well.  He is now our big 4 1/2 old.  (When I say big, I mean BIG!  He stands shoulder to shoulder with most 5 1/2 year olds!)  He has started gymnastics and loves it.  My mother-in-law says, "Some little Russian girl fell for a gymnist" (speaking of Nathan's bio mother).  He has incredible upper body strength.  He is just extremely naturally gifted in this area.  Nathan has already asked the hard questions about the adoption and we have shared openly with him.  He continues to process and is doing well with it.  Who knew it would come at four!?!  In October, he asked how you get Jesus in your heart.  He asked if we could do it right then, which of course, we said YES!  After praying, he said, "I hope Lauren will ask Jesus into her heart too!"  Last week, he prayed, "God, I hope everyone will know Jesus.  Please help them!"  This is our greatest answer to prayer!  We are continuing to guide and pray for him as he grows spiritually.  

THE KORALEWSKI FAMILY, TN (Russia)

Here is a picture of our little man, Daniel, having a blast with what has become his favorite box top.  He fills it daily with toys and other trinkets he collects through out the day.

THE REGISTER FAMILY, FL (China)

Mikayla is doing awesome!  She is crawling now well and has begun to pull up and cruise.  She will be walking before long.  She has attached beautifully to all of us.  She adores her brothers and the feeling is mutual.  We are all doing well.  Busy, but happy...and very blessed!  She is a true joy and blessing.  Thank you for helping us make this journey.

THE COLLIER FAMILY, TN (Russia, Operation Hope)

THE HAND FAMILY, FL (Russia)

Thanks so much for following up with us.  Here is a picture of our little girl.  We have decided to call her Meagan Marie.  As always, thanks so much for your continued support. 


 

CHINA PROGRAM UPDATE 

The wait time for China referrals has gone up to 9-10 months.  We are sorry for the delays in receiving referrals from the CCAA, but obviously CHI has no control over time lines in inter-country adoptions.

REUNION

Reunion Picnic Questions- 

Here is the link to the picnic portion of the website:
 http://www.childrenshopeint.org/reunion06.htm  

PLAY GROUP

First Baptist Church Smyrna is sponsoring a play date for adoptive families. 

Friday, March 3rd from 10:00am-12:00.  The church is located at 506 Legacy Drive, Smyrna, TN.     For additional information or if you have questions you may contact Renita Hite at:  Renitahite@comcast.net.  Let the children play and get to know other adoptive families in the community.

CHI FOUNDATION

Watch for upcoming information about child sponsorship beginning in March!

Help make wishes come true by donating now!

UPCOMING INFORMATION MEETINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

A MESSAGE FROM BRENDA BARKER

As March comes "Roaring in", we are looking forward to the melting of winter and warmth of spring. I know every child in every orphanage is also looking for the warmth that only a family can bring. Could you be such a family to wrap your arms of love around one of God's precious children?  There is no better time than today to start your journey of love through adoption!

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, VA and LA

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