Adoption Blog

AWAA's Public Facebook Fan Page

Families, please be aware that our AWAA Fan Page on facebook is publically visible – meaning that anyone with an internet connection can access this page, the information presented on it, as well as pictures and videos.  Our desire with making this entire page so readily available to the public eye is to be able to share, with as many people as possible, the miracle of adoption and all of the joys that it brings. 

We wanted to be sure that we were clearly communicating with you just how accessible this page is, so that each person can make an informed decision as to whether or not they feel comfortable with sharing information and/ or pictures on this page.

We trust that you will make the best decision for you and your family.

Facebook and Upcoming Events

America World on Facebook
If you have not already become a “fan” of America World on Facebook we invite you to do so.  Join over 1000 other “fans” by going to http://www.facebook.com/pages/America-World-Adoption-Association/56163286512 .  You can share photos of your children, watch our videos or post to the wall.  We would love to hear from you!

Adoption Information Seminars
America World has over 25 seminars now scheduled across the nation with more being added daily.  If you are considering adoption, or know of someone who is, this is a great opportunity to learn about America World’s programs, the home study process and meet with America World families.  March seminars are being conducted in Detroit, MI; Shreveport, LA; Clementon, NJ; London, KY and Lincoln, NE.  April seminars will be conducted in Dahlonega, GA; Winston-Salem, NC; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Hood River, OR; Chicago, IL; Cameron Park, CA; Des Moines, IA; Klamath Falls, OR; Phoenix, AZ; Humble, TX and Tucson, AZ.  Register at www.awaa.org/events.

2010 Informational Seminars

America World Associates are hard at work and planning spring seminars.  We now have 20 seminars scheduled and dozens more in the planning stage.  Keep an eye on the AWAA Events page (www.awaa.org/events) for seminars in your area.  If you are considering adoption, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the process.  If you are an America World family, we welcome you to join us and encourage others.  Seminars are currently scheduled in California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.  Register and get details on the Events page!

Every Child's Heart

 

Every Child’s Heart is an event that brings adoption, foster care and child sponsorship organizations together to share with the community how they are caring for children around the world and how you can partner with them to do the same.  The event will be held March 6, 2010, from 9:30-1:00 at Cornerstone Church, 16010 Annapolis Road in Bowie MD (www.cag.org).  Organizations presenting include: America World Adoption, Bethany Christian Services, Prince George’s County Foster Care Program and Latin America Child Care.

For further information and to register please contact us at EveryChildsHeart@gmail.com or at 301-262-6266 x 107.  To ensure space availability, please register no later than March 3rd.  In lieu of a registration fee we are accepting monetary donations to be sent to Haiti through Convoy of Hope.

New Waiting Child Video

The new “Waiting Child” video, mentioned last week by Brian Luwis, is now available to view on YouTube at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEbI6GgHm80 .  There are so many misconceptions about the adoption term “special needs”, but the America World families in this video help to eliminate those misconceptions and fears.  Another video with family testimonies, which was posted in 2009, can also be viewed at:  http://www.youtube.com/user/SpiritOfAdoption#p/a/u/1/B_yffqbWv-k .

Christian Alliance for Orphans - Summit VI

This year’s Summit will be hosted by Grace Church in Minneapolis, MN on April 29-30 and will feature guest speakers John Piper, Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman, Tom Davis and others.  The CAFO Summit is the place to be if you are looking to build your knowledge, resources and practical skills in orphan and adoption ministry.  There will be more than 50 workshop opportunities in addition to the plenary sessions.  For more information and to register, visit http://www.christian-alliance-for-orphans.org/summit 

Adoption Resources at Your Church

If you are looking for ways to introduce adoption to your church in 2010, we have some resources for you.  Along with free adoption seminars, America World can also provide resources to families in your church who may be considering adoption.  Information packets, tri-fold brochures and promotional DVD’s (2-1/2 minutes) are available for church information booths or at special church events.  We may also be able to schedule “Spirit of Adoption” seminars at your church as well.  Please contact our Public Relations department about seminars and/or adoption materials at Mike.Stone@awaa.org.

Adoption Promoted in Bangor, ME Christmas Parade

From Mike & Tonya Davis, AWAA Associates in the State of Maine:

“I first told my husband, Mike, that we needed to bring our girls to see the Christmas parade this year.  As soon as I said that, I thought....we need to be IN the parade and help spread the word about the need of these precious children.   Within a couple of hours I had people donating items and wanting to participate; so off we went with the idea!

I was thinking and praying of a theme, and as I was listening to my Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas CD, I heard the song "All I Really Want for Christmas”.  I thought....PERFECT!
 
I contacted a friend who has also adopted and who makes banners.  I told him what I wanted our banner to say and told him I would love to have a couple of pictures of children and to make the writing look like a child's writing.  Well, he worked his magic and they came out better than what I hoped! 

 

I emailed our adoption group, then contacted the local radio station looking for adoptive families to walk with us and get involved in any way.  I had two ladies step up.  They really helped me a lot with decorating and purchasing some of the materials we needed.  I think we had somewhere around 20 children, most adopted, and about 17 adults.  We passed out 400 AWAA info flyers along with 200 flyers inviting people to attend our monthly adoption group!

 
We just prayed the Lord would guide us as we passed these flyers out and prayed they would land in the right hands.  My desire is for AWAA and the desire for adoption to have more of a presence in Maine!  We need A LOT more families to step out in faith to bring these children home, as well as to help others bring them home!
 
It was a FUN night with lots of giggles, Christmas cookies and candy canes!  We plan to do this again next Christmas, and also the fourth of July parade!”

  

Register for Final 2009 Seminars

Our last 2009 informational seminars will be held this weekend.  These 2-hour seminars will provide you with a great overview of the international adoption process.  You will also hear stories from adoptive families and meet some of their children.  2010 seminars are being added to our website regularly so check the Events page often to register for a seminar near you.

Saturday, December 5th seminars:
Phoenix, AZ – CrossRoads Nazarene Church – 10:00 am
Redding CA – Simpson University – 10:00 am
Orlando, FL – First Baptist Church of Orlando – 10:30 am
Flint, MI – Davison Missionary Church – 10:00 am

“Adopting for Life” Conference 2010
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary will be hosting “Adopting for Life” on February 26-27, 2010 at their Louisville, KY campus.  General session guest speakers include Russell Moore, David Platt, and Jedd Medefind.  A host of others will be leading the breakout sessions on Saturday.  For more information about this Conference, visit http://events.sbts.edu/adopting-for-life

Adoption Is For A Lifetime

“Adoption is for a Lifetime” – by Nancy McCullough

Nancy shares her fascinating story of how God orchestrated her adoption from Hong Kong.  She relates her struggles related to the unknown reason for abandonment, which resulted in a wounded spirit and the inability to bond with her adoptive mother.  God blessed her with wonderful parents, a loving husband, and two adopted girls from China.  Take a journey with Nancy, as she testifies of the abiding presence of our heavenly Father's heart for adoption, and total healing of her wounded spirit from abandonment.  In addition, God’s faithfulness and healing presence, brought Nancy and her husband, Paul, through every struggle, especially the loss of their first daughter, Rebecca Joy.  Despite the grief, Nancy shares how God turned their pain into joy and sorrow into victory.  From what may have seemed like a tragedy to most, Nancy and Paul, now see how God used this great trial to prepare their hearts for adoption.
Adopted at 3 ½ years of age, by Chinese parents Nancy became Canada's first foreign adoptee.  She lived with her parents and adopted brother, Gerry, in Montreal until she was 13, after which her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and eventually pursued a career in computer programming. Nancy and Paul, and adopted Chinese daughters, Joylin (adopted in 2004) and Sarlin (adopted in 2008),  now live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Nancy works as a computer programmer/systems analyst, but her greatest passion is being a mother to Joylin and Saralin, her pride and joy.
For more information about Nancy McCullough’s book, “Adoption is for a lifetime”, you may visit her web site at: www.adoptionisforalifetime.com

To order the book, you may visit http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781606476550