Contents:

Begeman Family Story

CCAA Visits AWAA

Guizhou Mission Trip

Missions Through a

Child’s Eyes

Family Reunions

Chinese Culture Camps

China Program Updates

Chinese New Year Event

Partner with the AWAA Team

Waiting Children Program

Prayer Request

Rehab Room Fundraising

Devore Family Story

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

Continuing the Commitment

As we compiled this newsletter, it was a privilege for the China team to reflect on family testimonies and to share program news and opportunities. We look forward with great anticipation to our upcoming events and hope your family will be able to join us. It is our hope that your family will feel informed and encouraged by the following articles. As you read through these updates, please continue to partner with us in prayer for all aspects of the China Program. I am continually inspired and humbled by the commitment demonstrated by each family who is following God’s calling to adopt from China. Whether displaying perseverance through a long referral wait time, dedication to adopting a waiting child, or devotion to orphan care advocacy and volunteer efforts, our faith sustains us as a community and serves as the foundation for these experiences. On behalf of the staff at AWAA, we continue our commitment to serving your family throughout your adoption journey. Blessings,

Melissa Blauvelt Melissa Blauvelt Asia Program Director

The Journey

America World Adoption

China Program

March 2011 Newsletter

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“He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children.”

Psalm 113:9

I told someone the other day that my life has not turned out anything like I expected, but it has been more wonderful and exciting than I ever dreamed. I married my husband Shannon in 1997. We often loved dreaming about adventures we would take; we planned several exciting trips overseas and anticipated each one being the “last hurrah” before I would get pregnant with our first child. Years passed, and as we were diagnosed with “unexplained infertility,” we planned several more adventures and did our best to be content with our life as a couple, still eagerly anticipating the new stage of life we would someday experience when we became parents.

On two of our trips, we purchased some special items for the little girl we were just beginning to imagine would soon join our family through adoption from China. The paperwork journey had just begun, and we were nervous, yet anxious, to someday hold a little girl in our arms and allow the joy of parenthood to ease the sadness we experienced during nearly five years of infertility. Through the counsel and encouragement of a friend who was an adult adoptee from Vietnam, we felt we were ready to embrace the challenges of an international/ transracial adoption.

Melanie Su joined our family in a balmy room at the Social Welfare Institute in Guangzhou China in May of 2004, and we instantly fell in love. Nearly three years later, in the very same spot in the same room, a nanny placed Kristin Lian in my arms, and we couldn’t have been happier to have our two little Guangdong sisters. Both girls were healthy, adopted before they were even a year old. Kristin’s adoption occurred right as the wait for healthy babies from China had begun its painfully long and ever-increasing wait time.

My husband and I had always envisioned our family being large, so we were already thinking about our next adoption before we returned from China with Kristin. Our dossier requesting a healthy child went to China in March of 2008, and in the summer of 2009 we began praying and reading about special needs common to children in the Waiting Child Program. We filled out paperwork in the fall and stated that we were open to adopting a boy or a girl. We listed the medical needs we felt we could reasonably handle. During this process, the idea of adopting a special needs child was somewhat daunting at times, but just at that time we saw a video that encouraged families to adopt children through the Waiting Child program. One of the moms stated that “in some ways, we are all special needs.” This struck a chord in my heart as I have lived most of my life with scoliosis. I had never before considered myself “special needs”; however, considering all of the doctor’s visits, x-rays, therapy, etc. that I went through, I certainly can’t deny that I was a “special needs child.”

We received a phone call close to midnight in February of 2010 and learned that America World had pulled a file for a 16-month-old boy in China who had a special need that might loosely fit into one of the categories we had checked off. After much prayer, six hours of phone conversations with physicians in three states and one AWAA mom who was available as a reference (her son had the same condition), we made our decision – Daniel would be our son! Our trip to bring Daniel home was amazing. We received him in the Jiangsu Province six years to the day after we had received Melanie. After a very short period of adjustment to our family, Daniel began to display his sweet little personality and charm. He cannot get enough of being tickled, tossed in the air and read to. He has great little sense of humor and an infectious laugh. We can’t go anywhere without him stealing someone’s heart with his constant waving and “hi” and “bye!”

With each child, I have learned that their behavior is not really a reflection of me (although on their better days I’d like to think so), but rather a display of the uniquely created child with whom God has entrusted us. The girls are about as different from each other as Daniel is different from them, each with their own distinct personalities, likes, and dislikes. Our children weren’t just meant to fill a void in the life of an infertile couple, but each one of them was also meant for the other. They fight like regular siblings, but have a bond as tight as any children born into the same family. Daniel doesn’t know he’s from China yet, but our girls have enthusiastically embraced their Chinese heritage, thanks in large part to the wonderful Chinese believers at the church where we belong. The girls have already begun teaching Daniel simple Chinese words (as a family, we don’t speak much but we try!), and it’s really sweet to see them singing little songs to him, using his Chinese Name.

Our journey continues; we hope to adopt another special needs child in the not-too-distant future. This time we may embark on a new adventure as we consider adopting an older child, one whose age would fall between Daniel and Kristin’s. We’re thankful to AWAA for providing wonderful resources and advice for each adoption as they are a wealth of wisdom and support. We have been drawn back to AWAA each time as we remember the amazing guides we have come to know and love in China and how much their expertise and attention to detail have allowed our adoption journeys to flow smoothly. We thank God for blessing us with three bright and beautiful children who fill our home with joy and laughter each day. ~Maria Begeman is a stay-at-home mom in Northern Virginia and enjoys helping her church host AWAA adoption seminars twice a year.

Begeman Family Story “His Ways are Higher”

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Guizhou Mission Trip Opportunity The China Program continues our unique partnership opportunities with orphanages in China. At this time we are privileged to partner with an orphanage in the Guizhou Province to help place some of their waiting children referrals and to send a team of volunteers on a mission trip this summer. Guizhou is located in the southwestern part of China and is one of China’s most diverse yet poor provinces; known for many ethnic festivals and its beautiful scenery. Our partner orphanage is home to 400+ children of all ages, some who may have a medical need or a repaired medical need(s), or who are healthy older children. Approximately half of the children are in orphanage care and the other half live in foster care.

The trip will be held June 30th

- July 10th

and our team of volunteers will have the opportunity to spend a week providing individual attention and care to the children. There will be additional sightseeing in various areas of China during the beginning and end of the trip. Adults and children over the age of 8 years are invited to join the team. Enrollment priority will go to current and previous clients and their families, however on a case by case basis other friends, church members or neighbors associated with China Program families can apply. The AWAA Travel Department will provide support for all travel arrangements and logistics in addition to providing our long-time guides in China who will be with your family during the entire mission trip.

Please contact America World at waitingchildren@awaa.org if you are interested in receiving more information about this exciting opportunity. Those interested in joining the team will receive a mission trip application. Applications will be processed within 10 business days and can be received until May 6, 2011. We ask for your prayers as we prepare for this trip as we eagerly await God’s plans and blessings for those whom He calls to become engaged in this project.

CCAA Visits AWAA September 2010

AWAA was honored to host the CCAA Delegation in September 2010. The Delegation consisted of CCAA and provincial officials, orphanage directors, as well as the new CCAA Director. During their time in the states, they met with the U.S. State Department, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, the National Council for Adoption, a small number of Congressional leaders, as well as other agencies across the United States. The Delegation visited AWAA’s corporate office in Mclean, Virginia and then attended a dinner where some of our local adoptive families attended with their children and mingled with the officials. The CCAA was presented with a “Journey through Post Placement” book of letters from many of our families who are home with their children. The Delegation members were greatly touched by these stories and photos. During the visits, Director Zhang, Deputy Director of the CCAA, stated in meetings that “China & the U.S. enjoy a very cooperative process. We hope to continue this for years to come.” He confirmed that it is his desire to find ways to be continually improving at the CCAA as they take a strong interest in their children and want to always strive to do all things in the best interest of each child adopted. He also highlighted that the CCAA continues to take measures to educate provincial governments and orphanage directors on the importance of child registration and the adoption system. They are working with these officials and with orphanages to try to encourage quicker child registration so that referral information is as current as possible when it arrives at the CCAA. Steps are also being taken to see that children are placed in homes as early as possible. The CCAA and AWAA are committed to the China adoption program and are dedicated to continued service to the children and families.

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The Bible says in 1 John 3:17-19, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

A Mission’s Trip Through a Child’s Eyes

In June of 2010, my mom and I went to China for 10 days on a mission’s trip with AWAA. It was so much fun. The first 2 days we spent touring Beijing. We saw Tiananmen Square and climbed the Great Wall of China. After 2 days in Beijing we went to a city called Qingyang, in the province of Gansu. The Gansu Province is in northwest China bordering Inner Mongolia. Gansu is considered to be one of the poorest provinces in China. Qingyang had beautiful hills and many terraced rice fields that I could see out of the window of the plane. They were amazing. We spent a week serving in an orphanage where 60 children live. All of the children in this orphanage had some type of medical need. I didn’t care what their need was, God created each one of us in His image. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made regardless of whether we have a medical need or not. I knew they needed to be loved no matter what. I enjoyed playing with the children and feeding them. The second day we were there we gave the children a huge birthday party, because that is something they had never had. It was great to see their faces when they saw the cake. All of the children loved eating the cake. I helped a little 18 month old boy eat his cake. I spent a lot of time with him and was happy to know he had a forever family coming to China to get him just 2 weeks after we left.

When my mom told me she was going to China, I really wanted to go not just because I wanted to see China, but mostly because I wanted to spend time with the kids. I wanted to show them the love of Jesus because God wants us to help those in need no matter what country they live in, the United States, Africa, or China. We are not to just talk about how to help them, but go, using our hands to help. Jesus also said in Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we give and serve others we are serving Jesus!!

There were 8 adults who went with my mom and me. We not only held these children and showed them love, but took toys, clothes, baby carriers, bottles, and other items they needed. While we were there we also put our money together and bought them new baby cribs. I will never forget how grateful the children, directors, and the nannies were to receive these gifts from us.

We are told in James 1:27 that “pure and undefiled religion is to care for the widow and the orphan.” We all need to consider how we are caring for the widows and the orphans. Some people are asked by God to give them food or clothing, others are asked to spend time with them and show them God’s love. Others may be asked by God to adopt a child and give them a forever family.

During that week I also fell in love with a little girl who was 9 months old named Qing Pei Yao. After waiting several months for her papers, our family is now approved to adopt her!! Our family has been in the process to adopt a little girl from China for about 3 years! My brother, sister, and I can’t wait to go to China in January to bring home our sister we are naming Myla Pei Yao! ~ Written by Ethan Trammel, age 10. Since the time this article was written, Ethan and his family have returned home from China with Myla who was adopted through the waiting children program.

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Family Reunions Disney Cruise & More

AWAA’s 2011 National Reunion is being held this summer in the Washington DC area. We invite you to join other adoptive families and AWAA staff July 30-31,

2011 for a

weekend of fun and fellowship. The weekend’s activities will include a picnic, special music, entertainment and children’s activities. The picnic will take place July 30

th at Bull Run Park

located in Centreville, VA. Additional details and information about the weekend will be posted on the AWAA blog.

National Reunion July 2011

We are excited to announce the 2012 America World Disney Cruise, taking place on the brand-new Disney Dream ship! The cruise will be a great time of fellowship, as we celebrate adoption together. It is a three night trip, starting February 9th and returning February 12th. A deposit is due by April 19th to reserve your cabin, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible! For more details visit the AWAA website. We will continue to post updated information on the blog and at the link above. We look forward to spending time with you in the warmth of the beautiful Bahamas!

Disney Cruise February 2012

Regional Reunions Multiple Dates in 2011

AWAA Associates have begun scheduling regional and there are currently 7 that are planned in Ohio, Texas, Arizona, Kentucky, Oklahoma and New York. There is the opportunity for more to be scheduled in the coming months. To learn more about these events contact Mike Stone, Director of Public Relations at Mike.stone@awaa.org.

Chinese Culture Camps Debut Trip: August 2011

America World is excited to announce our first-ever Chinese Culture Camps. Families will have the opportunity to travel to China for a ten-day trip where they will experience sightseeing, crafts, and cultural activities in Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, China. The camp will be hosted by some of our longtime adoption travel guides in China and will be an opportunity for children adopted from China to return and learn more about their country and culture along with their families. The first trip is currently scheduled for August 7

th-17

th 2011.

This trip will be a chance for families to celebrate the Chinese heritage of their adopted child (ren) and for other siblings, family members and friends to experience this alongside them. This is also a great opportunity for travel groups to reunite and share another experience in China together. Our travel department staff is here to help you participate in this trip- from booking international flights to confirming all in-country arrangements. If you are interested in learning more about the trip please contact Kristen Hansen, Assistant Travel Director at Kristen.Hansen@awaa.org or by calling our office to receive further information about this upcoming or any future trips.

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China Program Overview CCAA Updates & Wait Time Explanations

We would like to acknowledge each family who continues to persevere through the traditional (healthy) referral program we know the increasing and unpredictable wait time has been difficult. We thank the many families who have given encouraging words to those who are waiting alongside you and shared your prayers and support through our chat groups. At this time the wait continues to grow each month and although we cannot predict the wait time or know all the factors involved, we would like to share what we do know regarding the dossier matching and wait time. Dossier Matching and Wait Time Dynamics Throughout 2010 and into the early months of 2011, there were slight improvements in the matching process for 2010 from the previous year. For the most recent group of referrals that arrived the last week of February, the CCAA processed a full week of LID’s. As a reminder, the wait time that is reflected each month on our blog is a calculation of how long the last group receiving a referral waited to be matched. Families with LID’s after that date should still anticipate a long wait for referral. For a thorough explanation of some of these dynamics, please click here. Dossier Review & CCAA Approvals We have seen an increase in the speed and amount of dossiers being reviewed by the CCAA as they have currently reviewed through June 30, 2010. The recent review groups were: November 30, 2009-June 30, 2010, a total of 7 months of dossiers. Referral acceptance letters and travel approvals for both I-600a and I-800a families have continued to arrive more quickly than in previous years, allowing families to travel and be united with their children sooner. For families adopting through the waiting children program, the pre-approval and referral acceptance letters have been arriving sooner for families whose dossiers have already been reviewed, as well as for families whose dossiers have not yet been reviewed. CCAA Information In the past year, the CCAA and Ministry of Civil Affairs organized training classes for the staff at their orphanages designed to help staff become more professional in their work and in the care of the children. More orphanages have opened to international adoption in the past year and the CCAA continues to show flexibility for families who are considering the adoption of a child through the waiting child program. The Ministry of Civil Affairs also approved for the Tomorrow Plan to be extended for several more years, as this program was originally only approved for a few years. The Tomorrow Plan provides over 3,000 surgeries annually to orphans in China. We commend the CCAA for their efforts in allowing families to be joined with their children as soon as possible and in making sure the best possible care is given to all children.

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We are so thankful to those who have already served or are currently serving in these areas. If you feel called to volunteer your time, we are always in need of involvement in the following ways: Blog Posts: Share your adoption testimony on our blog and let God use your story to encourage others. We encourage you to share about any adoption related topic, from your calling to adopt, referral wait time experience, paperwork process, travel details or your time home with your child. References: We have a wonderful list of previous AWAA families who are references for future or current clients and we would love to continue to grow this list each year. Associates: Our Associates work closely with us and local churches to schedule, promote and conduct seminars in their areas to inform families of the process, the programs and the blessings of adoption. Associates have essentially become an extension of America World in their communities as they share the Adopted by Design message at seminars and adoption events. Attend a Seminar: If you would like to meet prospective clients and share your story, each seminar is lead by an Associate who always welcomes other families to volunteer to share their story. We have seen families truly impacted and blessed by their contact and communication with other adoptive families as you all minister to each other and fellowship together. Regardless of your stage of family life- whether home with your child, paper chasing or waiting for a referral, we would welcome your contributions in any of these areas. Please contact us at any time.

Families Celebrate Chinese New Year Virginia and Maryland Families

On February 12, AWAA Associates Bill and Toni Benton hosted a Chinese New Year event for all Virginia and Maryland families. Families met for dinner at the Oriental Café, in Alexandria, VA. Over 100 individuals and children participated as families from America World enjoyed a buffet dinner complete with Peking duck and dim sum. It was a wonderful time for families to reunite together and celebrate the culture and traditions of China with their children.

Acknowledgements

Current Associates from the China Program Our staff would like to thank our Associates for the work they continue to do to promote the Adopted by Design message and provide events for AWAA families.

Allan & Wanda Binford-CA Allen & Danise Smith-LA Amber Lewis-OK Andrea Monteleone- NJ Bill & Toni Benton-MD Brandon & Sarah Battle-TX Brooks & Sandie Harper-TN Bryan & Heather MacPhail-Fausey-MI Carla Lewter-VA Chet & Ann Evans-IL Christin Grant-IA Christina Keegan-NC Darren & Holly Sapp-TX David & Gretchen Haugh-KS David & Katherine Dennis-SC David & Sheri Walling-TX Doug & Cristie Martine-TX Doug & Shannon Miller- WA Duane & Andrea Tweeten-NE Essen & Cathlene Daley-VA Guy & Christine Pinkman-NE Heather Koby-NJ Jay & Amy Langfelder-IL Jennifer Mehosky-PA Jeff & Shannon Walker-MI Jerry Stitzel-OR John & Donna Cole- MD John & Patrice Young-FL Kevin & Karen Krantz-OH Kimberly Scheil-GA Lon & Kara McMillan-AZ Louise Nichols-AZ Mark & Elizabeth Gividen-CA Matthew & Stephanie Bass-AL Melody Lietzau-CA Michael & Angela Goff-CA Mike & Sarah Strand-CA Mike & Tonya Davis-ME Pat & Dawn Roberts-MD Patrick & Kacie Van Winkle-CA Petrie Montgomery-GA Paul & Beth Lyman-OR Quint & Debbie Elkins-TN Saiman & Amy Kusin-ID Sharri Baas-MI Shawn & Pam Beadle-IA Steve & Kristen Anklam-WI Steve & Melonie Smith-OH Thomas & Amy English-FL Timothy & Jennifer Gampp-OH Vince & Alisa Martin-AL Walt & Marilyn Pieschke-NY William & Cheryl Miller-FL

Partner with the AWAA Team

Advocacy Opportunities

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New Opportunities in the Waiting Children Program Orphanage Partnerships, Shared Referrals and Special Focus Program

The waiting children program continues to thrive with new adoption opportunities including the shared referral system, agency specific referrals, and the new special focus program. For the past several years, a large percentage of our China program adoptions have been for waiting children, as boys and girls of all ages have been united with their families. Orphanage Partnerships- Agency Specific Referrals and Mission Trips We are honored to announce the CCAA has granted America World the privilege of working with referrals from two specific orphanages in China, specifically in the Gansu and Guizhou provinces. This partnership allows AWAA staff to meet with the orphanage director and children and receive updated referral information. These referrals are given directly to AWAA as agency specific referrals, rather than being placed on the CCAA shared referral system. An individual referral cannot be viewed by other agencies or families. Many of the children from the Gansu orphanage are already home with their families, and we expect more referrals from both Guizhou and Gansu in the coming months. In addition to these referral opportunities, we are excited to send teams of volunteers to visit the orphanages and spend quality time and provide care to these children. A mission team visited the Gansu orphanage in June 2010 and a mission trip to Guizhou is expected to take place in July 2011. Shared Referrals The shared referral system continues to be the largest referral system for the waiting child program, with hundreds of new referrals arriving each month. AWAA staff continues to work evenings and weekends when needed to ensure these children can be matched and placed into their families. Special Focus Program The “Special Focus Children (SFC)” program began in August 2010 and has continued to evolve since that time with new developments every few months. The goal of the program is to allow more waiting children to be able to come home to their forever families and to help ease the paperwork and cost burden for a family who would like to adopt more than one child. At this time, the special focus program allows a family to adopt a child who has been on the shared referral system more than two months and who has been classified by the CCAA as a SFC referral, in one of the following adoption processes:

A waiting child referral and a special focus referral with one dossier and one adoption trip A special focus referral and healthy referral with one dossier and one or two trips Two special focus referrals with one dossier and one or two trips A special focus referral using a copy of the original dossier, as long as the referral was accepted within

12 months of the first adoption’s consulate appointment. Some exceptions of the timeframe may apply, per the CCAA’s approval.

The additional costs associated with all of these options include but are not limited to: AWAA and CCAA special focus fee, updating or applying for a new USCIS approval, updating the home study, additional orphanage fees and post placement report fees, and additional travel costs. Participation in this referral option requires that a family prayerfully and thoughtfully consider their time, emotions, finances, and medical resources, to ensure they can care for a child with special needs in addition to the other child (ren) in their home. A detailed application (similar to the waiting child application) and approval from the social worker and AWAA Directors are required, prior to a family participating in the SFC program. A special focus referral can be a boy or girl of any age with a medical condition or a healthy older child. The special focus referrals do not represent all waiting child referrals. For some examples of SFC referrals, families can look at the AWAA password protected website and type the password mark1016. In addition to these referrals, there are hundreds of special focus referrals on the shared referral system for AWAA to access for families. Families interested in learning more about who these children are and how to adopt them should contact a China Family Coordinator or email the Waiting Children Program. We continue to be honored and blessed to see many waiting children come home. In 2010, over 150 waiting children were adopted and we hope to see many more come home this year!

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Special Prayer Request Faith, a waiting child

Each morning the staff at our corporate office gather together to pray as an agency as we lift up the waiting children, our families, the countries we work with, and our daily work and commit all of these details to the Lord. At this time, the China Program would like for staff and families to join together in praying over a little girl who is in the Waiting Children Program and is from our agency specific referral list. Faith is a sweet, 22-month old baby girl. She is quick to smile and laughs happily and loudly when being cuddled or teased by her caregivers. She has cerebral palsy, loss of vision and developmental delays. Faith enjoys playtime and “milk time” with the orphanage nannies.

Please join us in these specific prayers for Faith: for her development and health, for the nannies that are caring for her and for a family to come forward for her adoption. Any family who wants to learn more about Faith can email the China Program staff. Current China Program families who have a social worker’s approval to review referrals are eligible to review further information. Other China Program families, prospective or previous clients can call or email the China Program staff to learn more about the referral review process. Thank you for joining America World in committing Faith to prayer this month. We trust that God will move through our prayers on behalf of Faith and we are eager to see all He will accomplish through our united prayers! “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” - I John 5:14-15

Orphanage Rehabilitation Room Fundraising Gansu Province Partner Orphanage

Through the Orphans Ticket Home initiative, America World is assisting with fundraising to provide rehabilitation equipment for an orphanage in the Gansu province. In June of 2010 AWAA sent a mission team to this orphanage to work with these children and provide instruction to the nannies and staff on how to provide specialized care for the children, such as how to use cleft lip and palate bottles. During this trip, the team provided donations of clothing, toys, cleft lip/palate bottles, blankets, baby care items and new baby beds. Within the next few months the orphanage has plans to move into a new facility with the goal of moving into the new building around July of 2011. Equipment will be purchased in China and provided to the orphanage in order to assist the children there who have medical or therapy needs. Some of these children could potentially be adopted in the future by families, while others may be in the orphanage care until they reach adulthood. Those who would like to contribute towards this project can make a donation online or by check. Online donations can be received by clicking here and including the following note “OTH-Gansu Rehabilitation Room Project” and checks can be mailed and made payable to AWAA with a note in the memo line- “OTH-Gansu Rehabilitation Room Project”. The orphanage has plans to name the Rehabilitation room after AWAA in order to honor families who have chosen to donate towards this important project. America World will provide an update to families once the equipment is purchased and the staff and children move into the new orphanage building.

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Devore Family Story “I could not imagine our family any other way.”

Five years ago, in January, my husband and I were nudged by God to adopt again. We already had three children biologically and our fourth child who was adopted from Korea. We love all of our children, but felt our family had enough love to provide a loving environment for another child. Our youngest child had just turned six, and I was feeling a need for another baby. We prayed for God to guide us toward the life He had planned for us.

Everyone was on board for a new member to become part of the family, but it was split on if we should request another boy or girl. We had two boys and two girls and of course neither side wanted to be outnumbered by the other. So, I told everyone to always pray every night for the baby they wanted and God would provide the child that He felt would best fit into our family. I would joke with the kids that we were probably going to get twins. The first part of our adoption went quickly and our paperwork was in China by September 2005. At that time, it was approximately a 12 to 18 month wait.

Needless to say the time kept extending and I began to wonder if God was trying to lead us in a different direction that I had not considered. A year had passed and still no referral. I would reason that God wanted us to get enough money saved and once that occurred we would get our baby. The girls made beaded bracelets to sell to their friends and the boys would donate their birthday money. Many friends and relatives asked when we were going to get our baby. I prayed every night that God would let the child feel comforted and know that someone out there loved them and was waiting for them. Another year passed, documents need to be updated, and more money was being spent to keep our adoption file current. We wondered if we should change to another country, but that would require more money. My faith in the adoption process caused me to be worried and I did not know if we should continue to pour in more money. We considered looking into special needs, but our dreams were set on having a healthy little baby. We decided to stay in line for the baby we had been dreaming about.

Three years had passed and it was easier not to think about or talk the adoption, when the time was right, God would place the child into our family. During the next two years, little did we know how God had been working on our hearts. That January, we talked with our Family Coordinator who let us know that many special needs children are perfectly healthy, they are older. She recommended that we look at some of the children that were currently available on AWAA’s website. We began to consider our age and the age of our youngest child, who was now eleven, and wondered if we really wanted to start from the beginning again with a newborn. There would be such an age difference between our children that we began to consider three year olds, but no child older than six.

We filled out the special needs application and the next month we were referred a six year old girl. My husband knew this little girl was the one we had been waiting for, but I was not so sure. My dream of a preschool child was shattered and we had to make a decision. I prayed all day for God to hit me over the head with an answer, because sometimes I am not a good listener. I did not hear God speaking to me on this little girl, but my husband did. So, we started the paper work to request to adopt her. During this time, a 13 year old boy was needing to be adopted soon, before his 14th birthday, and AWAA thought he would fit well into our family as they had not had any families come forward for his adoption. At that moment, I thought “Does this mean I have to give up the girl?” Due to the timing of the older boy’s adoption and upcoming 14th birthday, we were granted an

approval to adopt both children. When I looked at the boy’s picture and profile I knew he was destined for our family. It was now May and we had made the transformation from wanting a baby to adopting a 7 and a 13 year old in the last three months. After our decision was made, it was a whirlwind and we were off to China May 25.

It has now been 8 since we came home and we are proud to call these two children ours. We were concerned that the 13 year old would have a lot of anger, but he is the kindest & gentlest teenager we have met. The first two months were tough on him. He wanted to go back to China with what was familiar and all that he knew to be his life. With love and patience and the use of two translators, he finally opened his heart and began to love his new family. The 7 year old has been a challenge, but she has made great strides in developing her social skills and loves us unconditionally. If you had asked me five years ago if I would have changed my mind to adopting an older child, I would have said a definite no. I thank the Lord every day for placing these two wonderful children into our family; I could not imagine our family any other way.

Note from the China Program Team We hope you enjoyed reading the newsletter. Please do not hesitate to call or email us with any questions or comments.

Privacy and Confidentiality Requirement

For the protection of the individuals and children featured in the photos and the information contained within this newsletter, AWAA prohibits the posting of this newsletter on blogs, chat groups, Facebook, public bulletin boards, or any other public forum. Thank you for your cooperation.