Confident people attract other people mostly of the same nature

Such camouflage tactics usually saps the strength, and not only those who resort to it, but others as well. Confident people are those who do form and confident substance all around themselves and attract other people mostly of the same nature.
Confident people have a wonderful rhythm in their speach and excellent form of dialog abilities see international adoption agencies ; their tone of voice is firm, and yet melodic. Their statements are directly from their hearts and always find direct way to the hearts of other people. They express themselves using a small number words and they are very informative, people always like to hear them and accept their meaasges gladly. 
However in life we meet people where often happens on the contrary.
TODAY with particular urgency the question of needs of people is in normal, i.e. not harmful to, living conditions. These include not only the need for normal food, water, air, shelter, etc., but also the need for normal psycological and spiritual climate surrounding the person.
Disregarding the ecology of ‘real’ leads to deterioration of physical health. Ignoring the laws and environmental requirements of “psychic” – to moral, cultural, intellectual and then degradation.
Today already from the time of conception the fetus is affected by the environment. And it’s not only physical and chemical influence (with that in mind, the woman before conception should not drink alcohol, nicotine, etc.), but a psychological as well. Bringing new generation into the world we aften forget that “Symphony Of Beethoven heard in the womb, how for thin wall panel home”- what we do today in our lives is dorectly affects the child who is not even born no yet come to this world , we set the psychological environment for his future character and his future life, read more good stories on forum on international adoption. This fact is still not taken into account in everyday life.

Adoption Agencies

Adoption Agencies helps with international adoption process for individual or family to become a legal and permanent parent(s) with adopted child from another country. International adoption is a common name for intercountry adoption process facilitated by adoption agencies in compliance with the established laws by and between the countries where adoptive parents and adoption child originate. International adoption agencies facilitate the process of Intercountry adoption, Foreign Adoption, Overseas Adoption.
International adoption often referred to as Intercountry adoption, Foreign Adoption, Overseas Adoption, Adoption from Abroad all fall under the same service group of international adoption is a standard process of an individual or family to become a legal and permanent parent(s) with adopted child from another country. An international adoption is the process that outlined in coherence and compliance with all the laws and regulations of both countries where adopted child is coming from and where he is going to become a new family member. Canada Ukraine adoption process is our focus and line of assistance. Related news and relevant information on issues that matters, for all prospective parents need to know. Good luck and God Bless… Thank you.
Adoption Agencies helps with international adoption through intercountry legal process for individual or family to become a legal and permanent parent(s) with adopted child from another country.

Form and content of the application for adoption

How to prepare for the adoption in Russia?

These are the basic requirement of the law for domestic adoption that equally apply for international adoption programs with a specific compliance set forth for international adoptive parents. It is interesting to know to understand but without professional legal assistance do not venture out on your own. Same rules shall apply to all adoptive parents when they look at another former Soviet republic of Ukraine, see in details for Ukraine Adoption information, links and resources with professional adoption agencies with reputable names.

Adoption of a child is possible only in a judicial proceeding under articles 125-139 Family code of the Russian Federation according to the rules of Chapter 29 of the civil procedural code. The adoption process , we suggest always to consult professional adoption agencies to recieve the guidance and advice, but generally includes the following steps:
statement on the account in guardianship as candidates for adoptive parents to obtain a conclusion about possibility to be adoptive parents that includes a survey of living conditions of adoptive parents;
contact with the child, deciding who you want to adopt;
the collection of the necessary documents to appeal to the court with the application for adoption;
an appeal to the court, the proceedings in court, which ends with a decision;
registration of adoption in registry offices, obtaining certificate of adoption.
The procedure for applying to the guardianship and the list of required documents is described in detail in the Rules of transfer of children on adoption (appr. The resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation from March, 29th, 2000 N 275). In the survey of living conditions of prospective adoptive parents, the guardianship authority evaluates living conditions, personal qualities and motives of the applicant, the ability of his educating the child, relations among family members of the applicant.
What are the requirements for adoptive parents?
The law does not define the list of persons having the right to adoption, however, the meaning of the rules establishing the order of adoption, adoptive parents may be persons with the qualities needed for the implementation of the education and comprehensive development of the child’s personality, preparing him for an independent life in the future. According to article 127 of the family code, adoptive parents can be adult persons of either sex, except:
the persons recognized by court incapable or partially capable;
spouses, one of whom is recognized by court as incapable or partially capable;
persons deprived by court of parental rights or limited by court in the parent rights;
persons, removed from duties of care (Trustee) for inadequate performance of duties;
former adoptive parents if adoption is cancelled by court on their fault;
persons who for health reasons can’t adopt a child (see Government Decree of the Russian Federation of 14.02.2013 N 117 “About approval of the list of diseases at which presence the person can not adopt (adopt) a child”, the order of the MoH of Russia from 18.06.2014 n N “On approval of the Procedure of medical examination of citizens, intending to adopt to (adopt) a child”);
persons who at the time of establishment of adoption have no income providing for the adopted child subsistence minimum, established in the subject of the Russian Federation on the territory of which such persons reside;
persons not having permanent place of residence;
persons having or having a criminal record, exposed or subjected to criminal prosecution on a number of articles of the criminal code;
failed psycho-pedagogical and legal training of persons wishing to adopt a child (see Rules of selection, accounting and the preparation of citizens, approved. The resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of 18 may 2009 g. N 423);
persons in Union concluded between persons of the same sex, recognized as marriage and registered in accordance with the laws of the state in which such marriage is allowed, and persons who are citizens of specified States and unmarried.
As adoption procedures are dealt with in court?
Cases on adoption of the child by citizens of the Russian Federation under the jurisdiction of the district courts at the place of residence or location of the child (paragraph 1 of article 269 of the civil procedural code). The form and content of the application for adoption must meet the requirements of articles 131, 270 of civil procedure code. The statement includes information about the adoptive parents, adoptive children about their brothers and sisters, about their parents, asking about possible changes in Assembly record about the birth of the adopted children, as well as the circumstances proving the request of adoptive parents and supporting evidence. Along with the application, the other documents, the list of which is given in article 271 of the civil procedural code. The application for adoption is not paid the stamp duty (PP. 14 section 1 of article 333.36 of the tax code).
The application for adoption is considered in special proceedings in the closed judicial session with obligatory participation of adoptive fathers (adoptive father), representatives of the guardianship, the Prosecutor, the child, under the age of 14 years, and in necessary cases, parents, other stakeholders and the child aged 10 to 14 years (article 273 of the civil procedure code, see also clauses 3 and 4 of the Resolution of Plenum of VS Russian Federation from April, 20th, 2006 N 8). In preparation for trial, the judge should request from the guardianship authority at the place of residence (spent) baby conclusion about the validity of the adoption and its correspondence to the interests of the adopted child with information about the fact of personal communication of the adoptive parents (adopter) with the adopted child (part 1 of article 272 of the civil procedural code, section 2 of article 125 of the RF IC).

Russian families easier to control, easier to assist

How did the law of Dima Yakovlev changed adoption in Russia? Kirov city

The emergence of this law was caused by the tragic cases (including the death of Dima) that happened with adopted Russian children in the United States. The attitude towards them was, to put it mildly, inhumane, but the American justice system to criminals (in other words they will not name) showed inexplicable leniency. This was the last straw of our legislators.
But do not think that foreign adoptions in Russia has set up a cross – it’s not. Right to take in families of children from our country lost United States of America and those States that officially allowed same-sex marriages. However, pupils Vyatka orphanages and did not almost got to the ocean.

Where will you be going?
The opponents of the Dima Yakovlev law was, as it seemed to them, the iron argument: foreign adoptive parents are not afraid to take people with disabilities and children suffering from serious chronic ailments through international adoption program. In addition, they don’t mind large families, and the Russians decide the maximum on the adoption of one child. Now, however, I assure in the Ministry of education, the situation has changed, and all of the above applies to Vyatka families. Therefore, the number of children adopted by foreigners from our region in recent years has decreased dramatically. And the ban is not to blame.
With 6 months to one year increased the period during which the orphanage needs to find new parents on the territory of the Russian Federation. That is, by law, the advantage is still given still our citizens.
“In 2015, foreigners adopted 16 children from different districts of the region, – said Tatiana Vidyakin, consultant of Department of protection of children’s rights of the Ministry of education, in 2014 48. Most of the guys go to live in Italy and Germany, a few in Spain. Parents of adopted children up to the age of majority in their mandatory report to social services and state authorities in their countries, and they, in turn, transmit reports about the living conditions and upbringing of adopted children in our guardianship and guardianship”.
Do not think that Europeans the whole process is easier than the other: sometimes they spend more than one year to collect all the necessary documents and obtain permission. In Italy, for example, it gives the court, so that all very seriously. Directly with foreigners our institutions do not work only with accredited by the Ministry of education and science of the Russian Federation, agencies of international adoption of children. Europeans, one might say, passed through a fine sieve to ensure the reliability and purity of their intentions. This approach is quite justified: the guys who have moved from the Vyatka abroad no unpleasant incidents were not.
“The fact that foreigners adopt less Vyatka children, I see rather a plus than a minus – sure Hope Pertseva, Director of Urzhum orphanage. – Russian families easier to control, easier for them to assist in solving any problems if the need arises”.
Two boys brought up here, now live in Italy and Romania. They’ve got a wonderful family who are really willing to do everything possible for the development of children. The children adapted well, attend school, have the opportunity to study several languages. Nadezhda Ivanovna always studies the reports sent to parents, who thank her for the upbringing of the boys, the boys write her letters, send pictures, and everything seems to be fine.
“But there is no absolute probability that all of them are going to such good and kind people, our children are very lucky,” she says.
Pertseva does not believe that kirovchane are not willing to adopt orphans and prefer solely the creation of foster families. It depends on the person, from a particular situation. Sometimes, experiencing acute loss of their child, people about anything else and I don’t think, except about the adoption of another baby. And sometimes, foster parents, unable to cope with the child, bring him back.
In General, no matter what language they speak and what nationality are mom and dad just loved the little man, cared for, not humiliated, not turned into a toy for their fun. Every child has a right to happiness, in which country he would not have found. He can always return to their historical homeland if they wish, as a citizen of not only the country where his family lives, but also in Russia.

Project will allow to form a database of orphanages, will unite on the virtual site foster families

Russia project “the Road home”aims to help every child find a family.

Decided to help the most wretched, and brought from the orphanage three – family Newroc
Today in this seaside family raised 10 foster children, each of the diagnoses would be enough for a medical Talmud (VIDEO)
Vladivostok, November 6, PrimaMedia. The saying that God loves a Trinity, in the family Nuruk made sense. Before meeting with a foster child, Light and Michael decided that they should help the most wretched. And so it happened that the first from the orphanage came just three Pasha, Igor and the Torah. Diagnoses each would be enough for some medical stuff. Favorable predictions of the doctor did not give anyone, reports Corr. RIA PrimaMedia.

To find this house on the street of Amber, you just have to find the fences covered with high multi-style cottages in a modest courtyard in which the gate is always wide open. The main local landmark is running towards you from all sides this morning, in the evening, Alex, the Torah. Under one roof in the family Newroc live ten foster children. And each story is a story about the serious illness and spiritual struggles. Because all, without exception, the mother of Light and father Misha put his feet in the literal sense of the word.
Parents are constantly bringing in sick kids to doctors, always think about what pills and what time of the day on each child, as well as from month to month grind hard bound ailment legs and arms.
Today in the house Newroc full of animals — cats, dogs, a parrot and even a newt. Thoroughbred Lina cured of cancer, four-legged favorite nick once ran right under the wheels of their cars, apparently feeling that these people will not betray. What do they say at the gate? Different ways. Someone admires, someone thinks that there is in this material gain. Just today Svetlana and Mikhail began to adopt foster children, consciously refusing the meager amount they are put from the state. And still keep the door open,and suddenly someone’s gonna need help.
Remember, the Internet version of the project “the Road home” tells the story of children caught in difficult life situations, primarily, about the orphanages and social institutions. The project aims to help every child find a family.
According to the authors, see more coverage in discussion forum the project will allow to form a database of orphanages, will unite on the virtual site foster families of Primorsky Krai, experts in the field of family placement.
One of the main headings of the project – “I Want a family” – a kind of “video-the passport” orphans, which allows potential adoptive parents and guardians to get acquainted with a foster child.
We will note, today in the international adoption and domestic agencies of tutorship and guardianship authorities of Primorye is registered 11 933 orphans. Of them are brought up in families of 8 children 555. This year on family forms have already been transferred to 902 of the child, of whom 599 persons are arranged under guardianship, 133 – in foster care, 105 – adopted and blood family returned 65 children. The regional basis for adoption are waiting for their future parents even more than 3 thousand children of Primorsko.

Unfortunately, today millions of children worldwide are orphans

Adoption organizations began the campaign for the world day of orphans

Charitable Foundation “good Arithmetic” announced about the launch of social media campaign “but it doesn’t have to be lost children in the world “. It is dedicated to the world day of orphans, which in 2015 will be celebrated on 9 November.
Participants are encouraged to post on social networks a picturepublished on the Foundation’s website, with the hashtags #technicaldebt #semimythical #noyabrya #arithmetically. Also they have the ability to replace the photo on the avatars to a picture of a stock symbol – mammoth known from the cartoon, or to place the campaign banner on personal or corporate website. The Foundation is asking people to spread awareness about the problem and potential solutions.

“Unfortunately, today millions of children worldwide are orphans. To make sure that they are not forgotten, once a year there is a special day dedicated just to them: world orphans day”, said employees of the charity. They recalled that, according to statistics, at the beginning of 2014 the number of children who are registered in the state databank about children without parental support amounted to 106,6 thousand. In addition, in 2014, it was revealed 61,6 thousand children left without parental care (176 children). In this case 2/3 of the orphans in Russia – social orphans with living parents. The Fund also pointed to the low percentage of socially reinforced of graduates of orphanages.
“The charitable Foundation “good Arithmetic” I am confident that child can be happy only in the family both national and international with the help of international adoption agencies and the priority chosen support of adoption and family placement of inmates of children’s homes, as well as their socialization and adaptation. In addition to adoption forum, everyone can help the orphans with your own donation or feasible participation in them, as well as support the campaign on social networks and attract the attention of many people to the problem and its possible solutions”, — stated in the message Fund.

Russian law provided for the fundamental right of the child to live and grow up in a family

Every child has the right to have mom and dad, and not only on the teacher-Russia orphans.

Some parents naively believe that giving the baby to the orphanage to help him, but this is not so (VIDEO)
Vladivostok, November 6, PrimaMedia. That every child is a conscientious objector suffers, at least, psycho-emotional developmental delay, parents who leave their children in orphanages, little thinking. On the contrary, some citizens believe that thus only help the child, because he will be dressed and fed at state expense. Meanwhile, the Russian legislation provided for the fundamental right of the child to live and grow up in a family. It means to have a mom and dad and not the teacher. Experts claim that the citizens who lost children in the care of the state, always can get them back, reports Corr. RIA PrimaMedia.

The Ussuriysk orphanage every morning starts talking 80 voices — so many kids have found shelter here. The number is almost never changed — neither the crisis nor the relatively calm period in the life of the country did not affect the decision of a certain category of our citizens to refuse your own child. Most of the parents of these children is also alive and quite healthy. Version new time — more and more parents leaving their child in the orphanage, believe that almost make a baby gift — the baby will be fed, shod and dressed government. About psycho-emotional state kids do not think.
– I would like to convey to all parents whose children are in orphanages, they have the opportunity to return their children back to himself. Russian law provided for the fundamental right of the child to live and grow up in a family. It means having mom and dad and not the teacher, not the Director of the orphanage. Therefore, parents can apply to the court for restoration of parental rights, carry on discussion in forum and blog. To do this, of course, you have to put some effort, – said Elena Basova, head of the territorial Department of guardianship and guardianship of the Ussuri urban district.
Remember, the Internet version of the project “the Road home” tells the story of children caught in difficult life situations, primarily, about the orphanages and social institutions. The project aims to help every child find a family. According to the authors, the project will allow to form a database of orphanages, will unite on the virtual site foster families of Primorsky Krai, experts in the field of family placement.
One of the main headings of the project – “I Want a family” – a kind of “video-the passport” orphans, which allows potential adoptive parents and guardians to get acquainted with a foster child.
We will note, today when the international adoption programs are closed for most foreign countries and domestic adoption programs are still in development there are in state tutorship and guardianship authorities of Primorye is registered 11 933 orphans. Of them are brought up in families of 8 children 555. This year on family forms have already been transferred to 902 of the child, of whom 599 persons are arranged under guardianship, 133 – in foster care, 105 – adopted and blood family returned 65 children. The regional basis for adoption are waiting for their future parents even more than 3 thousand children of Primorsko.

 http://adoptionua.com/2015/11/17/every-child-has-the-right-to-have-mom-and-dad-and-not-only-on-the-teacher-russia-orphans/

The number of orphans in Russia decreased almost twice

Tax benefits to foster families in Russia to support adoptions

Under the current law in Russia, persons wishing to adopt child left without parental care, have to take on education with his family the , must undergo mandatory training, very much alike in countries of Europe and North America when adoptive parents wants to take upon international adoption. In the Motor city have already passed over 500 people — both local and from Aktanysh, Menzelinsk, Muslyumovo, Sarmanovo and tukayevsky areas. There is a common place practice of international adoption. Thus, in 2013, went abroad two adopted children, in 2014, in 2015 — four. The issues of international adoption are resolved in the Supreme court RT. “The number of orphans and children left without parental care, unfortunately, in recent years, not decreasing, despite measures taken by the government of the Russian Federation and RT measures aimed at supporting family and motherhood. The sad part is that only 336 children have been orphaned by the death of parents, and 401 — orphans at live parents, that is left without care due to deprivation of parental rights, condemnation, the announcement wanted”, — stated the speaker.

Opportunistic solve budget problems at the expense of the future of the country – “the position of short-sighted, inconsistent with the strategic goals and objectives of Russia”, believes the parliamentarian. “The Federation Council intends to at least maintain the achieved level of budget expenditure on state support to families and children so that the implementation of the approved projects relating to maternal and child health, could be extended in sufficient volume,” said Matvienko, adding that “this is a pledge of dynamic development and political stability of our country”.
The head of the upper house of the Russian Parliament headed by a Coordinating Council under the RF President on implementation of National strategy of actions in interests of children, this subject discussed in forum earlier. Tuesday in the Kremlin under the chairmanship of Valentina Matvienko and head of the Russian presidential administration Sergei Ivanov held a regular meeting of the Council, which will be devoted to the preservation of budget expenditure on state support to families and children, as well as improvement of social infrastructure of childhood. To participate in the event, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Minister of industry and trade of Russian Federation Denis Manturov, Minister of labour and social protection RF Maxim Topilin.
Tax benefits to foster families
Valentina Matvienko considers it appropriate to introduce a reduced rate of tax on income in respect of paid in the regions of benefits for families with foster children.
The Senator noted that foster families in Russia is becoming more “just this year, the family took care of more than 50 thousand children-orphans”. “Frankly, we did not expect that the adoption and guardianship will accept such scale”, – said the head of the Federation Council. One of the forms of state care to foster homes, she believes, can become preferential taxation of benefits paid to them.
“In many regions there are additional measures of social support to families in the form of cash payments for care of the adopted child”, – reminded the speaker. “Their volume is small, but they are subject to income tax at the rate of 13 percent. Nonsense! I think we should support the initiative made by the deputies of the Kursk regional Duma on the introduction of appropriate tax incentives,” said the Senator.
The head of the Federation Council noted that over the past two years the number of orphans in Russia decreased almost twice – from 119 to 73.5 thousand. “The fact that orphans in shelters, was much less is the merit of our fellow citizens who have formed adoptive family,” she said. According to Matvienko, “the majority of foster families do this step on souls and hearts”, however, “these people have to constantly feel supported by the state”.
The head of the upper house of the Russian Parliament headed by a Coordinating Council under the RF President on implementation of National strategy of actions in interests of children. Tuesday in the Kremlin under the chairmanship of Valentina Matvienko and head of the Russian presidential administration Sergei Ivanov held a regular meeting of the Council, which will be devoted to the preservation of budget expenditure on state support to families and children, as well as improvement of social infrastructure of childhood. To participate in the event, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Minister of industry and trade of Russian Federation Denis Manturov, Minister of labour and social protection RF Maxim Topilin.

 http://adoptionua.com/2015/11/17/tax-benefits-to-foster-families-in-russia-to-support-adoptions/

Ended cooperation with Russia

Finland: the adoption of children from Russia ceased completely

The adoption of children from Russia to Finland at the moment completely stopped, told TASS Advisor to the Finnish Ministry of justice Merja Norros during a visit to the offices of journalists of the Russian Federation.
This happened after the Finnish Parliament approved the civil initiative on same-sex marriages.
“There is a multilateral Hague Convention, which Russia has signed but not ratified. In addition, between our two countries have no bilateral agreement on adoption. And in practice, those institutions which were engaged in the adoption, ended cooperation with Russia”, – said Norris.
According to her, Russia has bilateral treaties on international adoption, with some countries, but Finland at the official level, such a document was not offered. “The foreign Ministry, certainly better informed, but as far as I know, this document was not offered. Also in the agreement, probably, many would have such provisions, which we would have to consider,” says Norris.
On the Russian legislation in the sphere of international adoption
Russian laws prohibit cooperation in the field of adoption with those countries that allow same-sex marriage, with the exception of States with which an agreement on international adoption. Finland this document was not. In addition, last year the Finnish side informed that does not consider this step necessary at this stage.
The number of adopted children in Finland of Russian children has declined over the past decade. If in 2006, the Finns adopted 50 Russian children, last year there were just 10.
12 December 2014, the Finnish Parliament in the second reading approved a citizen’s initiative on equal marriage. Voted 101 Deputy, against – 90. Now the right to enter into a formal marriage will also receive same-sex couples. Experts clarify that the laws in any case can not be changed instantly, and so it may take several more years before same-sex marriage in Finland will indeed become a reality. Now such couples are allowed only to register a civil partnership, and they don’t have the same rights enjoyed by ordinary families discover more news at international adoption agencies forum. In particular, it is about being able to take common surname and adopt children. It is anticipated that changes will take effect in March 2017. The initiative for equal marriage collected nearly 170 thousand signatures, and, according to the new Finnish laws, the Parliament was obliged to consider, regardless of the content.

 http://adoptionua.com/2015/11/17/finland-the-adoption-of-children-from-russia-ceased-completely/

Here's another memory

When I was six months old, my parents moved from Kesswil
(Canton Thurgau) in the parish of the castle of Laufen, situated on lake Constance in
the upper Rhine. It happened in 1875.
 I can remember two or three years. I remember the priest's house, garden, Laundry,
the Church, the waterfalls, the majestic bulk of Laufen castle and miniature Wertz and
Church farm caretaker. This is only small Islands of memories
swimming in a sea of vague shapes, each by itself, without connection with
the rest of them.
 Before me stands one recollection, probably the earliest in my
of life, which in reality seems unclear, foggy. I'm lying in
the pram in the shade of a tree. It's a beautiful, warm summer day, the sky
blue, and Golden sunlight penetrates through the green leaves. Top
stroller raised. I just started to feel the beauty of this day, and I
indescribable good. I can see how the sun shines through the leaves of trees and
flowering shrubs. All totally amazing, bright, gorgeous.
 The following recollection. I'm sitting in a high chair in the dining room,
located in the Western part of our house, and scoop a spoon of warm milk
bread crumbs. Milk has a pleasant taste and a special smell. It was the first time
smell of milk. It was a moment when I am, so
to speak, even aware of the existence of smell. This is also one of the very
earliest memories.
 One more memory. Wonderful summer evening. My aunt says to me, "And
now I want you to show something". She leads me to the road in Dachsen.
Far on the horizon, towering Alps in crimson flames of sunset. In the Alps
the evening were very clear. "Take a look in there, what the red mountains", -
she says. That's about when I first time knowingly looked the Alps. Then I
heard that tomorrow the guys from Docena go on a trip to Zurich and visit
the mountains. I wanted to go with them!
 Alas, it turned out that these small children, like me, do not take, and here it is
nothing can be done. From this point on the mountain and Zurich for me
unreachable fairyland with glowing snowy peaks.
 Memory later. Mother took me to Torgau, she
was going to visit friends living in a castle on lake Constance. I don't
could pull away from water. Waves left  the steamer splashed on
beach, sun sparkling on the water, and it was clear ribbed sand bottom. The lake
it seemed huge, and the water surface gave me ineffable pleasure. In
this moment I suddenly clearly realized that should live near any lake;
without water, I thought, to live is impossible.
 Here's another memory. Strangers, commotion, noise. The maid rushes in
with a cry of: "the Fishermen have found a corpse sailed through the waterfalls, they want to place it
in Laundry". My father replied: "Yes, Yes, of course". I'd really
wanted to see a dead body. Mother holds me and strictly prohibits
out in the garden, but as soon as men go, I quietly sneak into the garden and
I run to the Laundry room, but the door is locked there. I walk around the back and look at
downward sloped chute, where a thin stream flow blood and water.
I find it extremely interesting. I was only four years, not
more.

For people who feel called to do it, adoption is a wonderful journey and blessing

With two teenage boys and full-time jobs, Ann and Dave Enzman had a busy life.

Deep down, however, they felt something was missing.

"It had always been a hope of mine to have a family that included a daughter," Ann Enzman says.

Adoption had been a positive experience for several of their friends, so they began to look into the process.

"We've seen so many blessings come from adoption in different family situations," she says. "We could see ourselves in that place."

The Enzmans brought their daughter Katie home from China in 2010.

For their friends Susan and Donald Mellinger, the process took a little more time.

"We did not always think about adoption," says Susan Mellinger, who brought their son, Jordan, home from China in 2013. "We were supportive of those who did, but at first we could not imagine doing it ourselves."

Two examples

The stories of the Enzman and Mellinger families, both of Manheim Township, are two examples of the international adoptions Bethany Christian Services will spotlight at an open house Thursday, Nov. 5.

Katie and Jordan, who are both 10 years old, have special needs. The meeting will also focus on special-needs adoption.

As Jessica A. Armato, an adoption caseworker at Bethany explains,

“ ‘Special needs' is a very broad description that includes children with minor correctable needs, to more significant, lifelong, special needs."

Some children are "special needs" simply because they are older 6, she says.

"We hope that attendees will develop a better understanding of the great need that exists in many countries around the world," she says, "and that adopting internationally is not as daunting as some would think. We want people to learn of the unique joys and challenges of parenting adopted children who have special needs."

Traveled to China

The Enzmans began their adoption process in 2007 and initially did not focus on a special-needs child. As time passed, they began to feel called to consider a special-needs adoption, according to Enzman.

In 2010, the family, which includes Eric and Alex, now 20 and 17, respectively, traveled to China to meet their new addition. Enzman recalls that it was an easy transition from the start.

"We felt that Katie was the one meant for our family," she says. "From day one, the bonding that was happening was wonderful."

Language was a barrier, she acknowledges, but Katie has a great sense of humor and "she was able to get her point across very quickly."

As soon as she could express herself, she began to ask her new parents for help: She wanted them to adopt her friend from China as well.

Katie was born with a heart condition and has had open heart surgery. There were three children with heart problems where Katie lived in China, and they were often separated from the others, Enzman says. Katie had especially bonded with a little boy.

"She would keep saying, 'Go get him. Go get him, Mommy,' " her mother recalls.

The Enzmans initially entertained the idea of adopting the boy but soon realized it wasn't the best plan for their family.

After sharing their story one day at church, Enzman hoped a family would feel moved to consider adopting the boy.

Prayers answered

Her prayers were answered by the Mellinger family.

"Through prayer and encouragement from our older children, we made the decision to go ahead and pursue adopting him," Mellinger says. "We really felt called to do it."

The process of bringing Jordan home was a long one. "I call it my 15-month paper pregnancy," she says.

But by December 2013, the family was able to travel to China to meet the boy, who was 8½ at the time.

Although Jordan now has smoothly adapted to life with his new family, the beginning was challenging, his mother says.

Jordan was born with a cleft lip and palate, which has been repaired, but he is still undergoing extensive dental work, speech therapy, orthodontics and plastic surgery.

His congenital heart condition required him to undergo open heart surgery just months after his arrival in the U.S.

In addition, "Jordan came to us having had no formal education, so he had to start from the beginning," Mellinger says. "He had to learn his ABCs, how to hold a pencil. He couldn't read or write."

Well prepared

The Mellingers say they were well prepared for the challenges and knew the rewards were worth it.

"It took a year, or maybe a little more, for my kids to fully adapt," Mellinger says. "It's not an easy journey, but it's been a joy."

Today, Jordan's an active second-grader at Veritas Academy in Leola and enjoys spending time with his siblings, Rachel, 15, and Ryan, 14.

He also enjoys regular play dates with his friend Katie, a fourth-grader who is home-schooled and lives only a few minutes away.

"They've been in swim lessons together. We jokingly say they are like brother and sister. They picked up right where they left off," Enzman says.

While adoption has proven to be a positive experience for both the Mellinger and Enzman families, Mellinger points out that it's not a decision to be taken lightly and that it's important to have a support system in place.

"When I think of people who supported us, from friends who brought us meals to friends who watched Jordan a couple days a week while I worked, to family who checked in on us — they made it all possible," she says. "To do something like this in a bubble would be really hard."

First step

A good first step, she says, is to attend a session like the one offered by Bethany Christian Services.

"Gather information, and know as much as you can about it but without overanalyzing it," Mellinger advises, adding that it's important to be open to the unknown.

"Like with any big decision in life, you can never know everything. If we know everything, we might not do anything."

The session at Bethany will offer information and an opportunity to hear from families who have adopted, says Lea M. Denlinger, an adoption caseworker.

"It's important for families to educate themselves about the needs of the children, the process and the resources available to them," she says. "It is important for families to talk with others who have already adopted internationally."

Enzman says adoption has made their family truly complete.

"It's been an amazing journey for us," she says. "For people who feel called to do it, adoption is a wonderful journey and blessing."

 http://lancasteronline.com/features/together/bethany-presents-session-on-international-special-needs-adoption/article_a702839e-7e47-11e5-a6d4-279b7ed4959a.html