Sunday, March 27, 2011

"Family" baseball caps for sale from FCC-Indiana














Families with Children from China (FCC) in Indiana are selling baseball caps. These colorful baseball caps are embroidered with the Chinese character for "Family".


Made of 100% cotton, the sturdy caps have an adjustable strap in the back to make them the perfect fit. At $12.00 a piece, these caps make a great gift idea for your family or friends.


Best of all, 100% of the proceeds go to support FCC-IN initiatives including Chinese cultural education, adoption awareness and supporting children who remain in China's orphanages.


Choose from a variety of color options in both adult and child sizes. To order, click here: http://www.fcc-in.org/family_caps

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Adoption Research Project


Kate Sweeney is a sociologist from Purdue University Calumet conducting research on adoption choices. She's looking for parents who have adopted children to take part in a research project. Participants need to identify as white, have adopted one or more children domestically or internationally in the past 5 years, and live in the greater Chicago metro-area. The interview will take about 45 minutes to an hour and includes questions about your adopted child or children and the adoption process. Information from the interview will be confidential, meaning all identifying factors will be changed along with your name. If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact Kate Sweeney.

Kathryn A. Sweeney, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Purdue University Calumet
kathryn.sweeney@purduecal.edu

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Chapel's 4th Annual Foster Care, Safe Families & Adoption Conference


Open Hearts, Open Homes Conference

The Chapel’s Fourth Annual Foster Care, Safe Families, and Adoption Conference sponsored by the Compassion for Kids Ministry.

SATURDAY, MAY 21
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Chapel:330 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, IL

Early bird registration is $20 (before May 7).
After May 7 registration is $30.

Registration includes a light breakfast, coffee, a catered lunch, a variety of breakout sessions, resources,networking opportunities, and DCFS training hours.

For more information and to register, go to www.chapel.org/adoption

God cares deeply about children who need families.
And he calls us to care for these children too.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress” (James 1:27, NIV).

This need is as real today as it was in James’ day. Attend the conference and discover how God might be calling you to care for children in need!

This year’s keynote presentation will be given by Todd Wilson, adoptive parent
and senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois.

BREAKOUT Sessions:

Beginning Your Adoption Journey (Bethany Christian Services)
This session will cover the opportunities available to adopt children internationally and domestically. The process involving application, home study, foreign country procedures, profile development, and legal issues, as well as other relevant topics will be discussed.


Discovering Our Unique Role— Men Only (RICK EGBERT, Pastor of Campuses, The Chapel)
Sorry, ladies, this session is only for us guys. We’re going to eat man snacks, make man sounds, and talk man-talk. If you’re a dude and considering or actively involved in adoption, foster care or Safe Families, join us for a spirited talk about your God-given role.

Breaking Through Barriers– Understanding Sensory Processing in Children
(Connections Day School)

Parents will learn about the seven senses, how they contribute to our day-to-day functioning, and what it looks like when one (or more) of these systems “aren’t right.” We will also discuss strategies and activities parents can use at home with their children to help alleviate
the challenges that come with sensory processing difficulties.

The Heart Gallery Of Illinois
The Heart Gallery of Illinois is a gallery of professional portraits of children in the foster care system who are eligible for adoption. In this session we will discuss how these children get chosen, what we can do to prepare our hearts and homes for the special needs of these hard to place kids. Find out how you can get involved with the Heart Gallery in your own church or community to create awareness and advocate for these precious children.


The Ministry of Foster Care (One Hope United)
The mission of Foster Care is the reunification of children and their families. Foster Care families and the staff at One Hope United play the dual role of protecting children and strengthening families. This overview will shed some light on the foster parent’s very important role in this complex, but rewarding, process.

Encouraging Healing and Coping Behaviors in Kids with Tough Starts
(AdoptionLearningPartners.org)

How do we convey the love of Christ and teach coping behaviors to children who struggle with quick tempers and intense reactions? Attendees will discuss approaches for teaching a child to trust, to wait, to lose their temper in a moderated manner, and calm more quickly after a “melt-down.”

The Trans-racial Family (Evangelical Child and Family Agency)
This session will provide an overview of the stages of racial awareness, including how to answer challenging questions from your child, family, friends, and the community. The session will also include an interview of a foster/adoptive mother and her trans-racially adopted, 15-year-old daughter.

Funding Adoption (Lifesong for Orphans)
The cost of adoption can be a challenge. This workshop will give you practical tips on removing the financial barriers to adoption through innovative funding tools, including turn-key solutions to Church Adoption Funds, and effective Adoption Grants & Loans. Learn more about Lifesong for Orphans at lifesongfororphans.org.

Special Panel Discussion: During lunch we will hear several amazing stories of how compassion has been shown to kids. Members of the panel include a long-time foster mom, a single foster dad, adoptive parents, and an adult adoptee. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions to the panel.

Contact Laura Grimes at buildingfamilies@chapel.org or call 847.281.3438 with questions or to volunteer for the conference. For more information and to register, go to www.chapel.org/adoption

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Empowered To Connect Resource

Give Your Child Permission to Process Feelings

Watch as Dr. Karyn Purvis encourages parents not to be afraid of their child’s feelings and instead allow their child to openly discuss and process their feelings. This video is part of the Insights and Gifts video series, which includes a small group discussion guide that you can download here. http://empoweredtoconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/Insights-Gifts-Discussion-Guide-Final.pdf

Don't forget to mute the blog music on the bottom of this page before playing the video.

Gift 5: Give Your Child Permission to Process Feelings from Tapestry on Vimeo.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Safe Blankets Block Party


You're Invited to a Safe Blankets Block Party!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
11:00 - 4:00
at the home of Tamara Peterson
5034 Brummel, Skokie, IL 60077


About a year ago, Tamara Peterson, from Willow Creek North Shore, had a vision to serve children in Safe Families. She began an organization called Safe Blankets which in the past year has distributed over 50 handmade quilts to Safe Families children. Remembering the comfort that a special blanket brought to her in her childhood, Tamara wanted to give the children something that not only would keep them warm, but would remind them that they are loved.




All skill levels are welcome. Donations of sewing machines, fabrics, new thread, and pins are also needed. If you would like to be a part of the Safe Blankets quilting day, please call Lynn at 847-730-5617 or e-mail safeblankets@gmail.com, or visit them on Facebook.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Informational Night: Adoption, Foster Care, Safe Families

The Vulnerable Children Ministry at Willow Creek
(Formerly, A Voice 4 His Children)

Invites you to……

Informational Night
5:00-7:00 pm March 20, 2011

New Room Location! Room F150A
(Located in the west wing, lower level Promiseland room)

If you have ever considered becoming an adoptive, foster or Safe Family, this meeting is for you!
Join us as we have three separate, simultaneous presentations:

Adoption: Adoption experts from Bethany Christian Services will introduce the adoption process for both domestic and international adoptions and detail the agency's services.

Foster Care: Joyce Moffit from ECFA (Evangelical Child and Family Agency) will discuss how to get started with DCFS Foster Care--what you need to know and what your next steps are.

Safe Families: Tom Maluga, Director of Safe Families, will introduce and explain the process of becoming a Safe Family.

If you are already on your adoption, foster care or Safe Families journey, please come to connect and find support with other families that are on similar journeys.

Of course, our evening begins with a Pot-Luck Dinner at 5:00 for everyone, and then at 5:45 we will join our presentation of interest. Plan to bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided.

Child care is provided after dinner if you R.S.V.P. with the number of children and their ages. A small donation for child care is requested.


R.S.V.P. by replying to this e-mail. Please put either “adoption”, “foster care” or “Safe Families” in the subject line when you reply to let us know which session you will be attending.
For questions call Dina at 630-213-3558.

Willow Creek Community Church
67 E. Algonquin Road
South Barrington, IL 60010

Friday, March 18, 2011

Adoption Funding Resources


Below is a list of some organizations that help with funding adoptions. Don't let money get in the way of giving a child a forever home. If you know of additional sources, please let us know.


Abba Fund http://www.abbafund.org/ Grants & loans.


A Child Waits Foundation http://www.achildwaits.org/ Grants & loans.


Adoption tax credit http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16260,00.html Federal adoption tax credit information.


Adoption Financing http://www.adoptionfinancing.org/ Ideas and resources for financing adoption.


Ava’s Hope http://www.avashope.org/ Grants.


Bright Futures http://www.brightfuturesfoundation.org/ Grants & loans.


China Care http://www.chinacare.org/ Grants and loans for adoptions from China.


Christian Adoption Resources http://www.christianadoptionresources.org/ Provide listing of Grant programs.


Gift of Adoption http://www.giftofadoption.org/ Adoption grants.


God’s Grace Adoption Ministries http://www.ggam.org/ Grants.


Help Us Adopt http://www.helpusadopt.org/ Grants & loans.


LifeSong for Orphans http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/ Grants & loans.


Loving Shepherds Ministry http://www.loving-shepherd.org/ Does not give grants, but provides resources for families in the beginning adoption stage, including grant sources.

One World Adoption Fund http://www.owaf.org/ Grants & loans.


Open Hearts for Orphans (local) http://www.openhearts.org/ Grants & loans.


Perspectives Press http://www.perspectivespress.com/adoptionfinances.html Ideas & resources for financing adoption.


Subsidies for Military Families http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_milita.cfm


Tapestry Ministry http://tapestry.irvingbible.org/index.php?id=1580 Grants & loan

Thursday, March 17, 2011

U.S. Dept of State Annoucnement: Ethiopia

The following post is taken from The Joint Council website, www.jointcouncil.org.

The following announcement was issued by the U.S. Dept of State, Office of Children’s Issues on March 16, 2011. It can also be found on their website.

U.S. Department of State, Office of Children’s Issues, Adoption Division hosted a conference call for Adoption Service Providers on March 11, 2011 at 10:45 am to discuss recent announcements made by the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA). Below is a summary of information presented on the call.

As was stated in the March 9, 2011 Adoption Alert, the Department of State received information on the announcement made by the MOWCYA regarding the planned reduction in workload processing.

■MOWCYA planned to implement a reduction of case processing from approximately 50 cases reviewed per day to no more than 5 cases reviewed per day.
■MOWCYA has stated that this reduction is to improve screening of adoption cases while also devoting existing resources to other priorities on vulnerable children.
■MOWCYA reviews each adoption case at two points in the process: after the match with prospective adoptive parents and after the final court decree to approve issuance of new birth certificate and passport for child.
■MOWCYA has not announced any implementation guidelines on how reduction in processing will affect each stage of the process
■If only 5 cases are reviewed per day, delays could be significant. Calculations based on rough estimates of cases in process (around 1000) indicate delays of one year or more.
■Department of State defines ‘cases in process’ as those whose dossier has been accepted up to those cases that have received the final letter approving issuance of passport and birth certificate.
■We are working on getting more details on implementation guidelines.
Since announcement, the Department of State has heard many rumors, but none have been substantiated. The U.S. Embassy can confirm that the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs has shuffled the portfolios of key adoption personnel. The Embassy has not been able to confirm how this reorganization may affect the processing of cases through the ministry.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is discussing the possibility of developing a consolidated assistance proposal to MOWCYA to find out what the resource needs are and find what assistance can be given to allow MOWCYA to accomplish their goals.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

China Opens Adoption to Single Women


The following update is taken from The Joint Council website. www.jointcouncil.org


China Opens Adoption to Single Women

The China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) has announced that single women may once again adopt in China beginning today, March 15, 2011.

Single adoptions, which once comprised over a quarter of all intercountry adoptions in China, will now be used to find families for Chinese children with special needs. The new singles program is specific to finding families for children designated as Special Focus. This designation usually indicates the child has a special need, is pre-school or school age and has been on the shared waiting list for more than 60-days. It can also indicate a non-special needs child of school age who has been on the shared waiting list for more than 60-days.

If you or someone you know, are considering an adoption in China, please contact a Joint Council affiliated Adoption Service Provider to learn more about this new program.


Following is the full text of the CCAA announcement.

__________________________________________

Government departments and adoption agencies in receiving countries, In order to promote special needs child adoption and guarantee the basic interests of the orphaned and disabled children, CCAA decides to accept the adoption applications from female single applicants to adopt according to the requirements listed in this notice, starting from March 15, 2011:

■Female single applicants are allowed to adopt special focus children listed on the special Needs System of CCAA.
■One applicant can only adopt one special focus child at a time, with an interval of at least one year between two adoptions.
■The applicant shall have reached the age of 30 years and are under 50. For applicants over 50, the age difference between the child to be adopted and the applicant shall be no more than 45 years.
■The applicant shall provide her civil status certificate. Unmarried applicants shall provide certification for being single and non-homosexual; divorced applicants shall provide the divorce certificate of the last marriage; and widowed applicants shall provide the death certificate of their ex-spouse.
■The reason of being single and attitude towards marriage. Applicants shall have clear indication of willingness to appoint male figures as role models for the adopted child, and welcome male friends to join family gatherings.
■Applicants shall have received inter-country adoption training and training specifically for special needs child adoption so as to understand fully the physical and psychological needs of special needs children.
■Detailed nurturing and rehabilitation plan. Applicants shall be qualified personally and socially for caring special needs children and have wide social and family supporting network which can provide assistance any time.
■Guardians appointed by the applicants shall provide written statement as consent to act as the guardian of the adopted child. X. If the applicant has a stable relationship and lives with a male partner, the requirements of couple applicants shall be applied.
■Applicants shall be healthy both physically and mentally according to the requirements by CCAA for prospective adoptive couples.
■Applicants shall be law abiding with no criminal records, and have good moral quality and conduct
■The family annual income shall reach $10,000 per family member, including the prospective adoptee and the family net assets value should reach $100,000.
■The applicant shall have good medical insurance which can cover the medical expense of the adopted child.
■Applicants shall be experienced in child caring or be occupied in child-related fields, such as doctor, nurse, teacher, child psychological counselor, etc. It’s best that the applicants have already had successful experience in caring for special needs children.
■The number of children in the applicant’s family under the age of 18 years shall be no more than two, and the youngest one should have reached the age of 6 years old.
■Applicants shall be fully prepared for adopting a special focus child.
■Social workers shall provide the following information fully and timely in the home study reports besides family visit interviews: Adoption motive. The decision to adopt a special focus child shall be well-considered. Applicants shall be capable of caring for a special need child and be responsible for the well-being of the child.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Invisible Children


On Wednesday, March 30th the cofounder of Invisible Children, Jason Russell, will be at Willow Creek for a unique experience! Jason and the IC are dedicated to rescuing children who have been abducted and forced to fight as child soldiers in Uganda.

2010 was a great year for IC and they are expanding their efforts from Uganda to the Congo. Join Jason and the Axis community (ages 18 - 20+) of Willow Creek to screen the new film “TONY” and tell you how you can join in the fight!

For more information contact the Axis ministry at http://www.iamaxis.org/contactus/.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Loving Foster Youth Even When You Can't Be A Foster Parent


The following post is taken from Orphan's Matchbox, the official blog of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.


February 23, 2011

Written By: Jedd Medefind

A friend of mine named Stasia is 29 and has just been married for a year and a half, but I heard her express recently that she considers herself to be the parent of a 21-year old. I couldn’t help wanting to hear more, and Stasia explained that seven years ago, she’d moved back home to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to start a ministry. She was young and single, without enough income to top the poverty line, but decided to open her life to a hurting girl in the foster system who had no other steady adult presence in her life. The consequences of that choice years ago—a choice that Stasia proved any caring person can make—continue to echo for both of them. I asked Stasia if she’d be willing to share a bit more about it, and here’s what she wrote:

I couldn’t be Taneesha’s* foster parent in the traditional sense, because I was making less than $12,000 a year, did not have a home of my own, was single, and was living with my parents. But I was able to be her mentor. We went grocery shopping together, to church together, discussed the challenges of adolescents, and worked out at the gym. Both she and I considered myself to be her foster parent.

During the three years that I mentored Taneesha she went through several foster home changes, moved in and out of youth shelters, and even changed case workers. I became the only consistent adult in her life and as a result, I was able to recognize and help her change behavior patterns that were contributing to her prompt dismissal from various homes. But our mentoring relationship was about more than that. It was a place where she was able to experience a healthy unconditional consistent love that gave her a place of stability in a world that was whirling in chaos.

Taneesha also taught me a lot. Every Sunday we would attend church together. About once a month we would visit a different African-American church in the community. I learned that not all African-American churches are the same and I learned how to worship God in new ways. She also taught me how to reach out to members of my church who were less fortunate and gave me tips on how best to be their friend. Through our relationship, I also learned more about my family and how family of origin impacts how we see the world.

I’ve often heard people say that they cannot be foster parents because they do not have the resources, the life experience, or the time to do so. I could have easily said that I was too young, too busy, too single, and too poor, but what I discovered was that these traits that I saw as weaknesses were actually strengths. My youth enabled me to connect with her and to hear her in a way that other adults, who had broken her trust, could not. Because of my busyness, I invited Taneesha to join me in my everyday chores and so I unintentionally showed her how to live and take care of oneself on a budget. My being single made it so that I was free to decide to include her in my life rather than having to make that decision with my partner. And my sense of poverty guided me so that I didn’t have wealth to unintentionally flaunt and she knew that I wouldn’t be able to afford to buy her a new coat, so she wouldn’t ask. In fact, at one point she saved her money so that she could buy me a new coat!

I’m not trying to say that wealth, marriage, time, and age are negative assets for being a foster parent/mentor, indeed they are not. But, rather what I’m saying is that we need to broaden our view of what it means to be a foster parent and recognize that some people we would never even consider to be foster parents in the traditional sense may be great foster parents in the non-traditional sense.

Taneesha and I recently met and she offered to give me a ride in her new car. We discussed dating and all of the things that matter to a young 21 year old woman. She shared how she would like to be involved in a younger woman’s life the same way I’ve been involved with hers. She inspired me to once again think about mentoring a young person who is in the foster care system and I hope that she has inspired you!

*Name changed.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Adoption Club Group for Girls and Parents


The Northwestern Family Institute invites you to join them for a FUN, INTERACTIVE girls’ group - where the topic is adoption and the energy is high! Parents meet at the same time to support each other and share their parenting experiences.

Girls can expect to:
• Meet new friends
• Share their thoughts and feelings in an open, confidential environment
• Engage in creative activities

This group is for girls, ages 9-11, who are interested in exploring their adoption story through fun, child-friendly activities.

Adoption Club runs throughout the school year, every other Tuesday
from 5:30-7:00 pm in Evanston (618 Library Place).

The group is led by Leah Bloom, MSMFT, a staff therapist at The Family Institute. Leah is an adoptee with both clinical and personal investment in making this a meaningful experience for all.

For more information, contact Leah at 847-733-4300, ext. 7011 or
lbloom@family-institute.org.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ehtiopia Adoption Update


Adoption Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues

Government of Ethiopia Plans Major Slow-Down in Adoption Processing

March 9, 2011

Citing the need to work on quality and focus on more important strategic issues, the Government of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA) will reduce to a maximum of five the number of adoption cases it processes per day, effective March 10, 2011. Under Ethiopian adoption procedures, MOWCYA approves every match between prospective adoptive parents and an Ethiopian child before that case can be forwarded for a court hearing. The U.S. Embassy is working with Ethiopian government officials and adoption agencies to learn more about this change in procedures. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Given MOWCYA's current caseload, the U.S. Embassy anticipates that this change could result in an overall decline in case processing of some 90 percent. If this change is implemented as proposed, we expect, that parents who have begun the process of adopting from Ethiopia but have not yet been matched with a child could experience significant delays. It is not clear if this change in procedures would have any significant impact on cases in which MOWCYA has already approved matches.

Prospective adoptive parents should remain in close contact with their adoption service provider to obtain updates on individual cases.

The Embassy's Adoptions Unit can be reached at consadoptionaddis@state.gov.

Please continue to monitor http://adoption.state.gov/ for updated information as it becomes available.


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Urgent Call to Action: Ethiopia Update

The following, is a message from the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS). They are issuing a "call to action" regarding the pending changes in adoptions from Ethiopia. Please be in prayer about this urgent situation. Pray with me for the children, the families who are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, and those in leadership at the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs. Below are two posts, one from March 7th as well as a "Call to Action" on March 8th.


Post from Tom DiFilipo, Executive Director of JCICS
Dear Colleagues,

March 7, 2011

Statement on the Pending Reduction of Intercountry Adoption in Ethiopia

Last week the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs announced their intention to reduce intercountry adoptions by 90% beginning March 10, 2011. The Ministry’s plan for a dramatic reduction is apparently based on two primary issues; 1) the assumption that corruption in intercountry adoption is systemic and rampant and 2) the Ministry’s resources should be focused on the children for whom intercountry adoption is not an option. Without further announcements by the Government of Ethiopia, it is our understanding that the Ministry’s plan will be initiated this week.

The Ministry’s plan is a tragic, unnecessary and disproportionate reaction to concerns of isolated abuses in the adoption process and fails to reflect the overwhelmingly positive, ethical and legal services provided to children and families through intercountry adoption. Rather than eliminate the right of Ethiopian children to a permanent family, we encourage the Ministry to accept the partnerships offered by governments, NGOs, and foundations. Such partnerships could increase the Ministry’s capacity to regulate service providers and further ensure ethical adoptions.

The Ministry’s plan, which calls for the processing of only five adoption cases per work day, will result not only in systemic and lasting damage to a large sector of social services, but will have an immediate impact on the lives and futures of children. Moving from over 4,000 adoptions per year to less than 500 will result in thousands of children languishing in under-regulated and poorly resourced institutions for years. For those children who are currently institutionalized and legally available for adoption, the Ministry’s plan will increase their time languishing in institutions for up to 7-years.

Joint Council respectfully urges the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs to reconsider their plan and to partner with governments, NGOs and foundations to achieve their goals and avoid the coming tragedy for children and families.


March 8, 2011
JCICS Call to Action

Joint Council: Emergency Campaign for Ethiopian Children

What You Can Do:

1) Sign the petition to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi – and pass it on! http://www.gopetition.com/petition/43714.html

2) Have you adopted from Ethiopia? Please send us up to 3 photos and 50 words or less with what you would like the Ministry to know about your child – we’ll compile the information and send a book to the Ministry of Woman’s Affairs. Send your photos and stories to advocate@jointcouncil.org by Sunday, March 12, 2011 to be included. Please note that sending photos and stories gives Joint Council unrestricted right to use the information you provide.

3) Share…Please send this Call to Action to family members, other adoptive parents, and everyone you know! Post, forward and share your adoption stories via Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Make sure you include us in your posts so we can all hear your stories! Here’s links to our pages: Facebook, Twitter and our our blog.

4) Stay informed: Get up-to-date information regarding the situation in Ethiopia by signing up to receive information from us: click here to do so, make sure you choose “country and issues specific information” and “Ethiopia.” And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our our blog.

5) Help ensure our advocacy can continue: Joint Council is a non-profit and receives no government funding. Please join us in ensuring more children live in safe, permanent and loving families. Donate today! https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/JointCouncilonInternational/OnlineDonation.html

Monday, March 7, 2011

Twietmeyer Family on NBC's Today Show


Please click on the link below to view a wonderful piece by Jenna Bush that aired on the Today Show this morning about the Twietmeyer family from the Chicago area. Be sure to watch the video portion.

http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/03/07/6204973-so-what-if-we-have-7-other-kids-how-one-family-adopted-6-children-from-africa-

'So what if we have 7 other kids?' How one family adopted 6 children from Africa

Carolyn Twietmeyer and her husband, Kiel, had seven children when they decided to adopt just one more. So how did they end up with six adopted children from Africa, including two who are HIV-positive? It wasn't an easy road, Carolyn Twietmeyer writes -- but it's been worth it.

By Carolyn Twietmeyer, special to TODAY Moms

After years of grazing the topic of adoption with my husband, he finally agreed to ONE special needs girl from India. So, I wasn’t really sure what the big deal was when I enthusiastically informed him that I had actually found our K-I-D-S.

I mean, one or three, they needed a family! OK, there were two boys and a girl, and a little HIV involved. I mean, if you’re willing to go to India, then what’s Africa? I was certain he would look at their picture and fall in love. When I saw them I could almost hear their laughter in my living room. Instead, he refused to look at the picture and began sweating profusely. He was doing the math in his head, 7 kids plus 3 more!? Mortgage? Groceries? Braces? College? HIV/AIDS!!!???

He stared at me in terror and a look of confusion that reminded me of a cocker spaniel hearing a high pitched sound. Once the twitching began, I could only do what any desperate mother- to- be would do to fight for her future children: I clobbered him with our faith. He fled the scene. I followed him up the stairs. Trailing close behind, I read him the riot act. What kind of man are you? Children are starving and dying and you’re concerned about our finances? SO WHAT if we have seven other kids?

Kiel and I were rarely at odds. We have always been able to communicate well, even our disagreements were short-lived. My maternal instincts were in overdrive, his male logic was on fire. I knew none of this made sense. But did it have to? I couldn’t bear the thought of his strong arms not protecting them. The idea that his reassuring eyes wouldn’t look into theirs and pierce right through them with his unconditional acceptance and love was unspeakable. However, instead of telling him these things, I let him know what a horrible, selfish decision he was entertaining. I did that disgusted squint thing that I do, followed by a louder than usual exhale and huffed and puffed my way back downstairs.

It was then that another miracle happened. I decided to not say another word about it to him. Yes, me…silent. (I just broke out in hives at the the very memory.) I decided if this was meant to be, then he would come to this decision without my prodding, bullying and emotional, guilt-driven hijacking.

Exactly two weeks later, he informed me that every day since I told him about these kids, the topic of adoption had come up. He was pale and clammy, with a deer-in-the-headlights look. He works on construction sites, where apparently adoption is not usually a big topic of discussion. But it kept coming up. He walked up to a reception desk, and the woman seated behind it asked him if he wanted to see the pictures of the kids that her sister just ADOPTED.

On his way home that day, he asked for ONE MORE CRYSTAL CLEAR SIGN. Immediately a song by Toby Mac came on the radio that he had never heard. It was about orphans and the refrain said, “Father to the fatherless, be with your sons and daughters this Christmas.” He was undone, and has been ever since. He let me know he was meant to be a father to these fatherless kids.

Sure enough, by the following Christmas, they were laughing in our living room.

It isn’t always easy, but we wouldn’t change a thing. We now have 13 children. No, I am not the most patient or organized woman, I don’t always talk softly with a smile and I despise laundry. But, I can say for sure as a married couple and an individual, very imperfect woman, this is doable and has enriched our entire family. Our adoptions weren’t simply about saving some kids -- in so many ways we have been saved and forever changed.

To learn more about adopting and advocating for children with HIV/AIDS please visit: www.projecthopeful.org and www.adoption.uchicago.edu.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Vulnerable Children Ministry

A Voice 4 His Children has a new name. In order align ourselves better with the structure of the Compassion & Justice Ministry at Willow Creek, we are now calling ourselves the Vulnerable Children ministry.

The passion area of Vulnerable Children provides support, education, and raises awareness of caring for children when families cannot. We accomplish this by working primarily with local partner and affiliate organization of the WCCC Compassion & Justice Ministry.

We look forward to serving vulnerable children through adoption, foster care & Safe Families!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Adoption, Foster Care, Safe Families Informational Night


The Vulnerable Children Ministry at Willow Creek
(Formerly, A Voice 4 His Children)


Invites you to……

Informational Night

5:00-7:00 pm March 20, 2011

New Room Location! Room F150A
(Located in the west wing, lower level Promiseland room)


If you have ever considered becoming an adoptive, foster or Safe Family, this meeting is for you! Join us as we have three separate, simultaneous presentations:


Adoption: Adoption experts from Bethany Christian Services will introduce the adoption process for both domestic and international adoptions and detail the agency's services.


Foster Care: Joyce Moffit from ECFA (Evangelical Child and Family Agency) will discuss how to get started with DCFS Foster Care--what you need to know and what your next steps are.



Safe Families: Tom Maluga, Director of Safe Families, will introduce and explain the process of becoming a Safe Family.


If you are already on your adoption, foster care or Safe Families journey, please come to connect and find support with other families that are on similar journeys.


Of course, our evening begins with a Pot-Luck Dinner at 5:00 for everyone, and then at 5:45 we will join our presentation of interest. Plan to bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided.



Child care is provided after dinner if you R.S.V.P. with the number of children and their ages. A small donation for child care is requested.


R.S.V.P. by replying to this e-mail. Please put either “adoption”, “foster care” or “Safe Families” in the subject line when you reply to let us know which session you will be attending.

For questions call Dina at 630-213-3558.

Willow Creek Community Church
67 E. Algonquin Road
South Barrington, IL 60010

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Sunnyridge Family Center Announces Adoptive Parent Workshop Series

Talking Adoption - Session 1 - Thursday, March 24, 2011 6-8:30pm
with focus on developmental stages of children ages 0-11 years old.

Talking Adoption - Session 2 - Thursday, March 31, 2011 6-8:30pm
with focus on developmental stages of children ages 12+, adolescents and adults.

Is your child starting to ask questions about adoption? Do you feel anxious about these conversations? This workshop will help adoptive parents learn what their child may be thinking about adoption at various developmental stages, and how/when to share their child’s adoption story, including difficult or sensitive information. The workshop will include a discussion about recognizing that developmental stages for adopted children can sometimes differ from biological children. Practical and useful tools will be shared to assist adoptive parents in talking to their children about adoption.

Workshops in this series will be led by Pam Shepard, MSW, LCSW, Supervisor of Parent Training and Adoption Counseling Services at Sunny Ridge

Fee: $50 per person, $75 per couple, per Session.

NOTE: Register for Sessions 1 & 2 of Talking Adoption and receive both Sessions for a reduced rate of $85 per person or $125 per couple.

Please make your reservation early as space is limited to 20 adults.

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Is It Adoption or Not? - Session 1- Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:00-9:00pm
with focus on children up to 18 years of age

Is your adopted child moody? Angry? Many parents have difficulty recognizing that their child’s behavior might be a typical developmental issue that any child may be experiencing, whether they are adopted or not. However, there are times when a child’s behavioral issues are directly related to adoption and their feelings and emotions about adoption are affecting their behavior at home, at school or in the community. This workshop will give parents some tools to assist them in recognizing or determining whether adoption is an issue and if additional help or services may be necessary to help manage their behavior.
Workshops in this series will be led by Pam Shepard, MSW, LCSW, Supervisor of Parent Training and Adoption Counseling Services at Sunny Ridge.

Fee: $50 per person, $75 per couple, per Session.
Please make your reservation early as space is limited to 20 adults.


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Grief and Loss Issues In Adoption - Thursday, July 21, 2011, 6:00-9:00pm

A Workshop for adoptive parents to learn and recognize the various stages of grief and loss in the adoption triad. For adoptive parents, infertility issues may continue to surface throughout the developmental stages of their adoptive child’s life — just as rejection, loss, and abandonment issues will continue to surface for their child at certain ages and stages. Recognition of a birth parents loss and grief issues will also be an important part of our discussion.

Workshop will be led by Pam Shepard, MSW, LCSW, Supervisor of Parent Training and Adoption Counseling Services at Sunny Ridge.

Fee: $50 per person or $75 per couple

Please make your reservation early as space is limited to 20 adults.


To register for classes, visit www.sunnyridge.org.

For more information on the Adoptive Parent Workshop Series call Pam Shepard, Supervisor of Parent Training and Adoption Counseling Services, (630) 754-4522.


Sunny Ridge Family Center
270 Remington Boulevard
Suite C
Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Rediscovering a Theology of Adoption and Orphan Care


Alliance Webinar Series

The Christian Alliance for Orphans Webinar Series is designed to help individuals like you create and grow effective adoption, foster care and global orphan ministry in local churches.


You're Invited...


Rediscovering a Theology of Adoption and Orphan Care

There are two movements within evangelicalism that are not only experiencing significant growth, but are also wonderfully merging together: the orphan care movement and the reemergence of a deep interest in the theology of adoption.This webinar will explore both how Scripture's teaching on adoption can inform, shape, and empower evangelicalism's orphan care movement. Join us as we rediscover a theology of adoption and orphan care for the sake of orphans all around the world.

Host Church: Bethany Community Church

Presenters: Dan Cruver, Together for Adoption

Daniel Bennett, Bethany Community Church

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Time: 1:00 PM Central


To register, click here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/807203072


Each 60-minute webinar in this series will give local advocates access to the knowledge and experience of top Alliance member churches and organizations nationwide, covering key topics on adoption, foster care and/or global orphan care. Every webinar will be hosted by a local church orphan ministry and co-presented by one or more national experts on the subject matter. This pairing will deliver a combination of specialist information and resources alongside a “here’s how it works in a real church” perspective.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Join Team LYDIA and Run for Chicago Kids!


Join Team LYDIA and Run for Chicago Kids!
in the Chicago Half Marathon or 5K
September 11, 2011

When you join Team LYDIA, you can reach your personal fitness goals while standing up for children of Chicago who need your support through your pledges and donations to LYDIA. Join us by participating in the Chicago Half Marathon or 5K (official Team LYDIA race) or another area race of your choice. Click here to find another Chicago area race: http://www.cararuns.org/Racing/Find%20a%20Race.aspx

Sign-up with a friend, family member or co-worker since it’s always easier to stay motivated when training with a buddy!

3 SIMPLE STEPS:

1. First, register for the Chicago Half Marathon & 5K (or another race of your choice) on the race website. Our Chicago Half Marathon & 5K coupon code for a $5 discount is: CHMLHA11 (case sensitive) please write this down and use when you register for the race.

2. Then, sign-up for Team LYDIA and create your own fundraising page (it's free).

3. Participate in the race to help change lives of kids in Chicago!


DONATE/SPONSOR A RUNNER:

* Sponsor a runner
* Donate to Team LYDIA
* Mail in checks to: LYDIA Home Association, 4300 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641 (attn: Mary Gaskill). Please indicate Team LYDIA in the memo line and list the runner you're supporting. Checks should be made out to LYDIA Home Association.


TRAINING TOOLS & RESOURCES:

* Half Marathon Training Schedule
* 5K Training Schedule
* Want to join a running group or connect with other Team LYDIA members? Contact Mary Gaskill at mgaskill@lydiahome.org or call (773) 653-2200
* Access your fundraising page

"I love to run, but training for and running the Chicago Half Marathon with Team LYDIA was a special experience. I trained and ran with purpose, knowing that my rising early and hitting the pavement would make a real difference in people's lives. Running with Team LYDIA wonderfully reminded me that there are people in need, and that my putting one foot in front of the other can be part of meeting some of those needs." -Vanya Koo, Team LYDIA Runner 2010

Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 7:00 AM

Location: Jackson Park, S. Lake Shore Drive & 63rd Street 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago , IL