Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 2

Today we were able to use the money raised by our Gladney babies to provide shoes for the kids at the orphanage we are visiting. What a sight!  ALL the kids in the cafeteria waiting to get a new pair of shoes. They were very excited and so were we! Our Gladney Babies each got a box of shoes and called out a name then that child would come up and the Gladney Baby would hep them with their shoe swap.

It took almost 2 hours to get it all done.  It was worth the time. Then we had another wonderful snack form the bakery -- sort of a bagel with jelly on the inside and juice.  We were also given a tour of the full campus. We went to the preschool area, sleeping quarters for the kids and the bakery. We were also shown a small "store " where the kids of the orphanage get to "buy" things with points they earn for good behavior and academics.

After the tour we went to work in our classrooms.  Today was less academic and more fun with coloring  and paint.  In my first grade classroom we made straw rockets! They were a big hit! Then it was lunch time followed by an afternoon of futbol, basketball, bubbles and such. They even had  a tent we put up to play in.

Tonight we dined at the Corall a good hamburger place and then went to see the new Hugh Jackman movie Wolverine.  Now it's off for some needed rest,  so we can do it all again tomorrow!

Angie Parish
Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Adoption Stories by Gladney - We are a Gladney Family

Our life-changing decision to adopt our children began in late 2007.  Waiting over four years for a placement is very trying and lonely, but the support, frequent status calls and updates from Gladney helped keep us informed and sane.   Read the entire story at:


  http://adoptionsbygladney.com/blog/adoption-stories-gladney-we-are-gladney-family  

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 1

The kids met us at the gate with American and Colombian flags.  They were lined up on either side of the road.  It was great to see and I was so glad I had a front row seat.

We all got out and immediately of the vans and the kids started hugging us and wanting us to play with them. We were quickly shown our classrooms and then we got to work. Today's lessons focused on geography and the state of Texas.  Each class had a short lesson on either the state of Texas  -- just recognizing the shape or learning about some of the state's icons. Another lesson was about the U.S, map.  

Break time was a snack of cookies and yogurt as well as some playtime. After that we returned to the classes for fun crafts that we brought. The first grade teacher, Patricia, was wonderful.  Our class did pipe cleaner art and she and the kids loved it. Then we gave a gift of books that we had brought form Texas with the help of Gladney co-workers. 

Patricia loved them and counted out in English with her class the number of books that I brought. It was great! 

Then off to lunch in the cafeteria with the kids. The food was very yummy.  Following lunch we had free play. Gladney brought Frisbees, jump ropes and chalk. The Gladney teens on the trip and the adults all played.

We concluded our first day with a line dance party with the kids --  soooo fun!  I am looking forward to tomorrow we are going to have a great time!

Angie Parish
Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Questions about Older Child Adoption

Greetings, this is Angie. Getting to talk with our Colombia placed families always makes my heart smile. Kids of all ages deserve a family. Let us know what questions you have about older child or sibling group adoptions in Colombia.  Email me at angie.parish@gladney.org.  Can't wait to answer your questions!

Photo: Greetings, this is Angie. Getting to talk with our Colombia placed families always makes my heart smile. Kids of all ages deserve a family. Let us know what questions you have about older child or sibling group adoptions in Colombia.