tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363633802024-03-13T19:31:08.263-07:00Gladney Colombia AdoptionGladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-70731104024503035892015-04-22T12:22:00.001-07:002015-04-22T12:24:29.316-07:00Check Out the Hotel for Service Trip<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out the awesome hotel we will be staying at in Bogota! <a href="http://www.cosmos100.com/default-en.html" target="_blank">Cosmos 100</a> is conveniently located in a safe area close enough to walk to Unicentro and Park 93. This hotel includes the amenities you want including free WiFi and a large buffet style restaurant, but it goes way beyond that! They also have a gym, a sauna and an amazing indoor pool with an incredible view of Bogota. I already know you are going to LOVE your stay at this hotel. In fact, they were awarded a Certificate of Excellence in 2013 by TripAdvisor. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">If THAT does not get you excited about this service trip, I don't know what will! I hope you are looking forward to joining us for this year's service trip, I know we are just counting down the days. If you want to learn more about the trip, please click</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/services/family-services-adoptee-trips/colombia-service-trip" target="_blank">here.</a></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">Remember, the <i>quickly approaching</i> deadline is</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">MAY 01, 2015. </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">You can click here to access the</span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <a href="https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=U9fenLU4URxxhMGgvmy2rw" target="_blank">application. </a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact our trip leader, Beth Whitacre at beth.whitacre@gladney.org. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-90258640696710964042015-04-08T14:03:00.004-07:002016-06-22T12:38:17.090-07:00From Personal Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> This coming summer will mark half a decade of my attendance on
Gladney summer service trips. They have become an integral part of who I am,
and the leaders on the trips are the kinds of people I want to become. I plan
my summers around the one week in July I get to travel to Bogotá, usually with
one or two plane catastrophes, and teach, play, and love on the orphans at San
Mauricio.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> Over the years, I have grown particularly close to a boy named
Kevin. I met him on Gladney’s first trip to Colombia in 2012. Back then, he was
six years old and fit in perfectly with Mafe’s, the kindergarten teacher’s,
class. Over the years, however, he realized that even as he grows</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">older and moves
classrooms, I stay put teaching kindergarten. So, to my pleasant surprise, on
the first day at the institution in 2014 when I walked into Mafe’s classroom, I
was greeted by two tables of precious four and five year olds, and an
eight-year-old Kevin sitting nonchalantly amongst them, over a head taller than
the rest of the kids.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> This kid really is something else. I wish I could give him the
world, but the best I can do is give him my love for the week we share each
year. Beth Whitacre, Pattye Hicks, and little Kevin are my main inspirations
for becoming a social worker. I can’t imagine trying to do what I do without
them.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> I’m already counting down the days to Bogotá 2015. In a short
ninety-five days I will be en route to Colombia (barring any pilots locking
themselves out of the cockpit) and on my way to San Mauricio. I’m saddened by
the fact this may be our last summer at the institution, but that only means we
must make this year the best one yet.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope this note of personal experience gets you even more excited about the upcoming service trip! It is going to be an incredible experience that you do NOT want to miss out on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To learn more about the trip, please click <b><a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/services/family-services-adoptee-trips/colombia-service-trip" target="_blank">here. </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remember, the quickly approaching deadline is <b>MAY 01, 2015. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Click here to access the<b> <a href="https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=U9fenLU4URxxhMGgvmy2rw" target="_blank">application. </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact our trip leader, Beth Whitacre at beth.whitacre@gladney.org. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Looking forward to the Trip! </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-51635402887417733892015-04-03T15:57:00.000-07:002015-04-03T15:57:01.433-07:00Jumping for Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello Everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> We have some fabulous news to share with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In light of last week's post, I am thrilled to tell you about this week. Drum roll please....We</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> have had <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">TWO</span></b> of our amazing waiting children from Colombia get matched with families!! Although nothing is finalized, two families have begun their adoption process to take home these two sweet kids and give them the forever home they deserve. This kind of news is why I LOVE being a part of this team at the Gladney Center. Our hearts are jumping for joy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As exciting as this news is, there are still so many other children waiting to find <i>their</i> homes, so make sure you are staying updated on our </span><a href="http://colombiawaitingchildren.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Latin America Waiting Children blog</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to meet our wonderful kids. We are currently still waiting to get more permissions for these other fantastic kiddos so we can post about them but as soon as we do, I hope you will check them out and share the joy with other families.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I hope this bit of news got everyone pumped up for the service trip this summer to Colombia. It is not only going to make a difference in these kids lives but we are going to have a blast doing it! Remember the deadline to apply is </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">May 01, 2015 </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and you can access that application and find out more information </span><a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/services/family-services-adoptee-trips/colombia-service-trip" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">right here. </a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have any questions about this trip please email Beth Whitacre at Beth.whitacre@gladney.org.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-62981294778922928182015-03-11T13:18:00.001-07:002015-03-11T13:24:14.369-07:00Heartbreaking News <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello again everyone, I hope you are getting as excited about our service trip as I am! </span><br />
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In my previous post I raved about our precious Colombian Waiting Children who had gotten approved to be advocated for through social media, and while those sentiments have not changed a bit, one thing has.</span><br />
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I posted about two brothers on our <a href="http://colombiawaitingchildren.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Latin American Waiting Children blog </a>, but our Colombia team recently learned that we have run out of time. Next week the brothers are being moved from their orphanage to an all boys institution outside of Bogota
for older children. Children who are sent here are the ones who have no hope of being adopted and are now just waiting to age out of the system. Many run away, get kicked out or find themselves in dangerous situations before they even age out. While this devastating news broke our hearts, I was also able to find a new sense of determination to advocate for the rest of our precious kiddos. This news opened my eyes to just how fragile these kids' futures are and it now pushes me to step up and work that much harder to find our other kids their forever homes. I know we were moved by this news and I hope it motivates you to take steps to make a difference as well! </span><br />
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The rest of our Colombian kids are still waiting and hoping for families. While you may not be able to provide them a home, you can still sign up for the service trip and shower these kids with love. Keep checking out our Waiting Children blog for more updates and if you ever have any questions at all, feel free to email us at colombiagroup@gladney.org. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember, if you are interested in going on the Colombia Service trip this summer, the deadline to register is <b>May 1, 2015.</b> To access the application, click <a href="http://bit.ly/colombiaservicetrip" target="_blank">here. </a></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-39781257091777421412015-02-13T11:02:00.001-08:002015-02-13T11:02:33.341-08:00Fall In Love with our Waiting Children <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the spirit of <span style="color: red;">Valentine's day</span>, l</span><span style="font-size: large;">et me express my love for our Waiting Children. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hope everyone has given some thought about the Colombia</span><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">trip this summer! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have gotten to "meet" these precious kiddos as I get their information sent to me and let me be the first to tell you-- they are absolutely incredible. I have stared at their adorable pictures and thoroughly read through each of their files. I am so smitten by these kiddos I have even found myself misty-eyed and grinning ear to ear at my desk. Sometimes I get a little nervous someone is going to walk by think I am crazy, but I just can't help myself. The good news is, you are going to get a chance to meet them too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gladney has been working with Colombian Government to see if we can get special permission to advocate for these waiting children on social media. Previously, it was not allowed to post pictures or any information about these kids on the internet. Colombia wanted to protect their children in the best way they know how, but with some creative planning and lots of collaboration we found a way to protect their dignity, respect their privacy, and still advocate for them to have a chance of finding a forever homes with the use the wonderful tool of social media. After a long process Gladney is finally approved to advocate for these awesome kids!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> One by one we are getting permission for each kiddo so that we can get them a forever family. I am thrilled for you to have the opportunity to meet these precious kids and fall in love with them like I have! An easy way to stay updated and see each child as we get permission for them would be to check out our<a href="http://colombiawaitingchildren.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Latin American Waiting Children blog. </a> We currently have officially gotten permission for <b>4 amazing children, </b>two brothers and two girls,<b> </b>who are all already posted on the blog. So go ahead and check it out and prepare to <b><span style="color: red;">fall in love! </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember, if you are interested in going on the Colombia Service trip this summer, the deadline to register is <b>May 1, 2015.</b> To access the application, click <a href="http://bit.ly/colombiaservicetrip" target="_blank">here. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have any questions at all, feel free to email us at Colombiagroup@gladney.org . </span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-2570164795903569652015-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:002015-01-28T11:24:15.844-08:00Getting Ready! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is that time again! We are so excited for the next service trip to <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Colombia. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My name is Kelly and I am the International Intern for Latin America at Gladney Center. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this and I have loved working with our Colombia kiddos- which is why I am so happy to start getting ready for this upcoming service trip!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To kickoff the start of the preparation involved, we spent hours upon hours placing address labels on postcards. My cut-and-pasting skills have drastically deteriorated since my Kindergarten days, so please forgive the uneven scissor-work and crooked addresses. I also got to make a trip to the post-office and ask if I could purchase 2,480 stamps. You can just imagine the look I got, but sure enough she counted them out and now hopefully these postcards have made their way into your hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you did NOT receive a post-card or have lost yours, don't fear! You can click <a href="http://bit.ly/colombiaservicetrip" target="_blank">HERE </a>for a link to the online application. This trip is a very unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these amazing kids while also learning about the culture of Colombia. Do not miss out on this incredible experience! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember the deadline to register is </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">May 1st, 2015.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have any questions about this trip please email Beth Whitacre at Beth.whitacre@gladney.org.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will keep you posted as we prepare for this great trip to Colombia! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-52341087264299201432014-07-29T08:28:00.003-07:002014-07-29T11:26:28.718-07:00Cali, Colombia- nicest people in the worldLast week ended with meetings, meetings, and more meetings. For those that don't know the recent history of adoptions in Colombia I will tell you 2013 and 2014 have been difficult. So many changes occurred it was nearly impossible to keep up with all of it: the laws changing regarding the process of declaring an abandoned child an orphan, a 4 part documentary aired on national TV criticizing all facets of the adoption process, adoption entities were prohibited from receiving any sort of donations/humanitarian aid from adoptive families, and the Colombian Central Authority only allowing non-Colombian families to adopt children with "special characteristics." Of course there were other changes, but I think those are the highlights. <br />
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The end of last week I was able to meet the people at the National and Regional government offices who have been in the trenches working every day for the children in Colombia. They have done their best to accommodate the process for each change and continue to advocate for children who do not have a family. Their tireless work I think is finally about to see fruition.<br />
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Sunday I traveled to Cali to meet with the new staff at Hogar Bambi Chiquitines, but first we had a tour of Cali which is known for great dancing (salsa), beautiful women, and it's tropical weather. I can tell you it definitely lived up to the reputation! To say the Calenos are nice people is an understatement! They almost put the Texas hospitality to shame. An attorney that works with Chiquitines picked us up and took us to lunch in a little town called Ginebra. Next we had a tour of the city and walked along the Cali River to a little restaurant right on the water. It was very similar to the San Antonio River Walk except the restaurant was inside a hotel across a busy street. The waiters carried all the food and drinks from the hotel, across the street, to the tables. If you know anything about traffic in major cities in Colombia you know that every time the waiter stepped in to the street he was risking his life! Then we went to the discoteca (dancing club). If you are ever in Cali and you want to watch salsa dancing be warned that there is no option to sick back and watch salsa dancing. You MUST participate! I was having a wardrobe malfunction with my jeans and did not want to expose myself to the Calenos. However, at one point a father and daughter who were complete strangers literally picked me up, lifted me over our table, and had me dance with them as I tried to keep my pants from falling to the ground. Lucy Martinez just laughed and the attorney who was accompanying us told me, "Better to lose your pants dancing than to not dance at all." Everyone I met in Cali from the attorney to the strangers in the club to the taxi drivers and waiters were so kind, friendly, so warm and welcoming, so full of life that I can not wait to go back again! Next time I'll be ready to salsa!<br />
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Monday we headed to Hogar Bambi Chiquitines. Gladney has worked with Fundacion Chiquitines for many years, but due to the lack of donations received after the prohibition of humanitarian aid they almost went bankrupt. They were able to merge with another child welfare entity, Bambi, and have once again received their license for adoptions from the government. The majority of the 102 babies, toddlers, and young children at HBC will hopefully be reunited with biological family members, but many will be declared abandoned and matched to an adoptive family. The downside to the merger is Chiquitines was not able to maintain their birth mother program. Roughly 20 women each year would seek shelter at Chiquitines as they made their adoption plan. These women now have nowhere to go and are abandoning their newborn children in dumpsters and alleys. The adoption coordinator told us they are receiving more and more infants with severe malnutrition and neglect from the hospitals. Much like in the United States fire stations, hospitals, and police stations are "safe places" where you can take a child without being questioned, but it is not publicized and there are no signs at these safe places. They hope to improve public knowledge about these areas so the newborn babies have a better chance of receiving medical care as soon as possible.<br />
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The meeting went very well and I am excited to continue our with the amazing staff at Chiquitines to find loving families for these amazing children. The first step is to find families for the children that have already been declared abandoned and are ready to be adopted. They are young children with medical special needs, older children with a history of trauma, and large siblings groups. If you would be interested in finding out more about children available for adoption in Colombia you can request one of Gladney's free, comprehensive Adoption Information Packets. Make your <a href="http://www.adoptionsbygladney.com/start"><u><span style="color: blue;"><strong>request on-line</strong></span></u></a> or by calling 1-800-INT-ADOP.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-29850419852644283372014-07-22T17:01:00.001-07:002014-07-24T07:47:43.089-07:00Life after the Service TripIt seems like a month since the Gladney group left Colombia. The trip was so inspiring and so motivating the Gladney Colombia adoption team has been working nonstop to advocate for the precious children we met at San Mauricio as well as other children in Colombia who do not have a family.<br />
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First we celebrated July 20, Independence Day, by watching the military parade on TV and then going to Usaquen and Parque 93 to walk around and try all sorts of traditional Colombian foods. By far my favorite was a restaurant that served all entrees made with plantains. I had cheese wrapped in a sweet plantain with cheese sauce topped with cheese. :) Colombians don't celebrate their independence day quite like we do in the United States. In fact, I was probably one of the only people dressed in my Colombia shirt with a yellow/red/blue head band. It seemed like just another weekend for most people.<br />
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Monday was a day of rest. Unfortunately the long days, cold weather, and lack of sleep led to a nasty cold. I stayed in bed all day to recuperate from the previous week and to catch up on emails.<br />
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Today was back to work as normal. I shadowed a staff person, Diana Duenas, at Casa de la Madre y el Nino all day and met more amazing children who asked me, "Is it my turn to have a family?" Diana facilitates the Skype calls between the adoptive parents and the child(ren) before the parents travel to finalize the adoption. The kids all want to work with Diana because they know it means they are going to have a family very soon. It's heart breaking to see their beautiful faces and big smiles when we enter the room when I know that they have not yet been legally declared available for adoption or that they have a very difficult situation and it's unlikely they will have a family any time soon.<br />
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There were two specific sibling groups that Diana introduced me to: 2 sisters 10 and 12 and 4 siblings ages 12, 11, 8, and 5. I have had their files for several weeks, but have not yet been able to find a family for them. The institution has began talking about splitting the 4 siblings into two groups of two so that they have a greater chance of being adopted by two families. The psychologist has already met with the 12 year old boy to explain the situation. He understood that as a group of 4 they will not have a family and has agreed to the separation. Can I tell you how my heart aches for him? I too am from a sibling group of 4. I'll admit there were times growing up that I wish I could have voted out one of my siblings, but I can't imagine my life without them and have no idea what I would have said if someone asked me if I would agree to be separated from them. I agree that placing the children into two families, hopefully in the same city or at least the same state, is in their best interest so that they will all have a family, but it is still a tough decision to make.<br />
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Meeting the kids in person is very different then reading through a file. All of the kids are intelligent, affectionate, so thoughtful, and so full of hope. The oldest girl presented me with a birthday card they had made. How can I go home to my big house in Texas with my reliable car, refrigerator full of food, and comfortable office at Gladney and not think about these children who have nothing but their sibling? Of course all of the children are well cared for at the institution, but it in no way compares to having a Mom and Dad.<br />
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Have you ever considered adopting an older child or a sibling group? Could you take a week out of your busy schedule to come to Bogota and invest your time in these children? For more information on adoption contact Judy Hayes at <a href="mailto:Judy.Hayes@gladney.org">Judy.Hayes@gladney.org</a> . For information on volunteering at Gladney contact <a href="mailto:volunteering@gladney.org">volunteering@gladney.org</a> <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-71117535490896066772014-07-20T16:49:00.003-07:002014-07-24T07:40:13.698-07:00Summary of the week by guest blogger- Beth Nichols<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preconceived notions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've all got
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We carry them with us, use them to
judge situations, and make decisions.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we adopted from Colombia I had a preconceived notion that my children
were Americans, because I am an American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn't realize that their Colombian heritage would come home with us. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we lived in Colombia for 7 weeks during our adoption process I
traveled with preconceived notions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought that becoming a parent would be my only difficulty of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't know that Bogota would go from a
city I feared to a city that I think about daily. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought after the adoption process
I'd check in once a year until our post placement visits were over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't know that 2yrs later I'd be sitting
in a hotel room with our caseworker, Beth Whitacre, cutting lanyard string,
preparing to head to an orphanage with a group of Gladney volunteers. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After adopting I thought that my focus would only be my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't realize that the orphans in Colombia
would remain on my heart.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preconceived notions can stop you in your tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can rob you of opportunities & huge
blessings. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>please let go of your
preconceived notions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adoption is hard,
but not impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traveling to a
foreign country to serve people rather than go on vacation is a sacrifice, but
rewarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning about another
culture and embracing the language is uncomfortable, but it also opens your
eyes to this world and it's beauty. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gladney has many opportunities available to become involved: adopt,
volunteer, donate, work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
preconceived notions are stopping you from being a part of this organization?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday, Gladney babies from all across the United States,
siblings, and parents were flocking to Colombia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a concern when we heard the New
York group wouldn’t make their connecting flight to Miami due to delays, but
everyone was pleasantly surprised as their plane arrived just in time in at the
gate next to their scheduled flight to Bogota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a day of worry and rescheduling cars, calling the hotel and almost
canceling rooms, the whole group arrived late Saturday night in Bogota with all
of their luggage (with the exception of a couple folks scheduled to arrive the
next day and one girl who realized her passport was expired while checking in
at the airport)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hotel was ready and
prepared for the weary travelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check-in
went smoothly, luggage was brought up, snacks were passed out, and all the
Gladney babies were tucked in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a long night everyone slowly came down to the hotel
breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As coffee, fresh fruit, eggs
to order, and pastries were passed around everyone got their money together to
exchange for Colombian currency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today the Gladney group headed to see the sights of
Bogota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first stop was at the
Usaquen Market for souvenir shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The group got to see bartering at it’s finest as trinkets, Colombian
figurines, and bracelets were picked out and bought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tour guide and myself were busily moving
from cart to cart with the students helping with the exchange of money and
explaining that a bracelet does not cost $1,000 but 1,000 pesos (roughly 50
cents in US currency).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After souvenir
shopping we headed up to Mt. Monserrate for lunch and a little more
shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The braver of the group tried
the chocolate covered ants, or “large salty peanuts” as they were described in
taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After lunch we split into two groups one went on a bike tour
of Bogota while the other chose to walk through the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pigeons were fed, sights were seen, bikes
were rode, streets were walked, and Colombia was embraced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a long day of sight-seeing the group headed back
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the hotel for a quick refresh, and
then we were off again for dinner at Crepes & Waffles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are in Colombia this restaurant is
a must, and their menu is in English! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choices ranged from ham and cheese, to
Italian, to a Mexican crepe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Desserts
were quickly to follow: caramel, fresh fruit, ice cream, and whipped cream
topped the crepes and waffles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a
great meal we took a short rainy walk back to the hotel.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meeting room Frank walked the group through
expectations and the schedule for the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Introductions were made, and the theme of flexibility and patience was
relayed again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gladney students were
split up into groups with adult leaders and went through their curriculum for
the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans were made, supplies were
prepared, and everyone went to bed anticipating tomorrow’s visit to San
Mauricio!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 3</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday morning everyone is up, ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfast at the hotel, supplies in hand,
everyone on time, and loaded on the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Bogota the weather can be tricky so clothing ranged from shorts to
jeans, to t-shirts, and raincoats. The group was ready for anything and no
matter the weather they were ready to play with the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the bus pulled past the big white gate and
down the driveway we were greeted by all of the children welcoming the Gladney
group with smiles, big waves, and Colombian and USA flags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As everyone unloaded from the bus we headed
under the large pavilion for instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hugs were passed around, faces were remembered, and the group was
welcomed back-in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the children were sent
back to their class rooms, the Gladney group was given a tour of San
Mauricio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the tour we were
treated to coffee, saw the sleeping quarters, the baby room, the bakery, the
hair salon, and the auditorium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>San
Mauricio also has a computer lab and a large garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a beautiful facility that is working
very hard to provide a good life for the children in their care.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the tour the Gladney team split into our small groups
and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>headed into the classrooms to start “teaching”.
We are split up by ages from 2yrs up to 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The preschool classes spent their time
coloring, dancing, and playing outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
older children classes ranged from learning about Texas history to logarithms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first day is always a little scattered simply
due to the new people in the classrooms and the excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a great lunch of lasagna, prepared by the San Mauricio
staff, we headed outside for playtime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of the students were there, and that is where you see our group
shine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children are playing tag, being
pushed on the swings, fixing our hair, and playing soccer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">mmediately following recess the children headed back to
their classrooms and the Gladney group went to each classroom and the great
gift of shoes began!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one the
children were called to the front of the classroom and given a box of brand new
tennis shoes by one of our Gladney travelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A hug for a box of shoes was the trade-off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older children were shyer and did not
show their excitement immediately but quietly went back to their seats to awe
over their shoes and carefully unwrap the precious gifts, and slowly and
perfectly pull the laces through the holes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They removed their old shoes some full of holes, others so small that
their toes were crammed in, others wore ones that were big and falling off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New shoes were slowly put on their feet,
shoes that were new, fit them, and were bought specifically for them.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next we went to the preschool classroom where all shyness is
checked at the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As names were called
squeals of delight raced through the classrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gladney representative would take the new
box of shoes and walk to the student’s desk to help get their new shoes onto
their busy feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every new shoe was smelled,
hugged, and danced in that day.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we headed home from day one thought of thankfulness run
through our heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many pairs of
shoes do we have sitting in the closet at home, that fit us perfectly, that we
have only worn once, that we bought without even thinking how it would affect
our monthly budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plight of these
children and how precious our time with them is made evident our very first
day.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 4</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After our bus ride to the Institution we unload and
immediately head to the classrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today the teachers and students are ready for us and ready to
learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subjects range from US history,
to radicals, to learning how to tie shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Gladney group is remembering names and forming relationships with
the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are asked to hold
hands, walk with them, give them a ride on our back, and given precious gifts
of coloring pages.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At lunch Gladney orders pizza for the entire orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a big day, because pizza is a two day
process at their bakery: preparing the dough, and then adding time to rise, and
preparing the pizzas to eat; needless to say pizza is never made at San
Mauricio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After lunch recess the groups split up into their
classes and go to specialty classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
heads to the bakery to make arepas, another is off to compute class to practice
typing, and one more heads to the field for physical education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gladney students are going to teach
kickball, but it ends up more of a mob running after the ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kickball is soon forgotten and soccer, Frisbee,
and jump-rope quickly take it’s place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight we head to the Andino mall, everyone eats chicken
& potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we head into the
movie theatre to see Maleficent in 3D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a quick realization that we would all enjoy the movie more with 3D
glasses, they are bought and passed out just in time for the movie to
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things to remember when
seeing a movie in Colombia: there are English movies but they will come with
Spanish subtitles, seats are assigned and an usher will be there to seat you,
please don’t talk during the previews going to the theater is an event not an
activity every part of it is to be enjoyed.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 5</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today after the mornings activities at the Institution a
small group of the Gladney visitors headed out for an important diplomatic
meeting at the Colombian ICBF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ICBF is
the federal child welfare institute of Colombia, they advocate for the
children, work with families, and are the main road for adoption.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have a group of four adoptees, myself- Colombian adoptive
mother, Gladney’s president Frank Garrott, our Colombian case worker Beth
Whitacre, and our in-country lawyer and representative Lucy Martinez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we greeted Gloria, the sub-director of
adoptions, we were ushered into an office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the office were professionals who work for the children there were
social workers, psychologists, lawyers, and family defenders all gathered to
hear our group speak.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Frank led us off with a welcome and a thank you for taking
the time to speak with us. He also spoke on Colombia’s professionalism and
consistency in the adoption process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was second and talked about bringing home a group of five Colombian children
nearly two years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them how much
I appreciated each person in the room, how we keep the Colombian culture alive,
and how well the children are adjusting at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next up was our adult adoptee who shared her
story of being able to come back and work in the orphanage, and appreciating
the investment that Gladney and her parents have made in her life.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next were our young adult adoptees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One shared about visiting San Mauricio and
realizing that that could have been her life- a life without parents, without a
family, without a plan for college and a future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next two were a brother and sister
pair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They relayed their story of being
about to stay together because of their parents willingness to adopt both of
them at separate times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all spoke
on Gladney’s behalf about their post-placement programs and service trips to
engage older adoptees in getting involved with the plight of orphans around the
world. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a beautiful moment that allowed the government workers
to see the fruit of their labor, to see children and families that are
flourishing after their adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
said they only see the paperwork so seeing young adult and adult adoptees
thriving and healthy gives them motivation to continue working tirelessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see children that are now successful
adults who are proud of their adoption story and proud to be Gladney babies was
a highlight for all.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 6</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The final day at the orphanage: today we headed to San
Mauricio for the last time this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone put on a brave face to make it through the morning classes, lunch,
and recess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After recess the children at
San Mauricio were a buzz about a big surprise waiting for us in the
auditorium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we filed into our seats,
the music began and a group of children dressed in dark pants and white shirts
began their performance.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were treated to a full performance of singing and
dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone’s favorite part is
when one of the babies followed the group on stage and joined in the dance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children had worked so hard to make this
special presentation for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
so proud at the end when we all stood up and applauded for them. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the performance we all headed under the pavilion for
the final goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears are shed by
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children know that we are
headed to that far off land of the United States and the Gladney group knows
that the children will remain still longing for a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that this will be the last year that we
will see a specific child. We hope that during the year they find a family and
that their situation is changed for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We head home as advocates for these children, ready to tell others about
the beautiful children in Colombia ready and waiting for families who are open
to adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tonight at our closing meeting in the hotel
silly awards are passed out, memories are shared, and a feeling of thankfulness
fills the air: thankful that we have homes to go back to, family waiting for
us, and happy to be a part of the Gladney family forever.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-30925734150430304402014-07-16T13:50:00.001-07:002014-07-16T13:52:29.104-07:002014 Colombia Adoptee Service Trip : Days 1-3<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">It's been an incredible 2 days with the Gladney Adoptee Service Trip! The first day was site seeing, shopping, and a city tour. Yesterday we were at an amazing institution with 150 kids "teaching" various subjects to kids ages 2-14 and then we gave each child a new pair of shoes .</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group Photo</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Sidewalk chalk, texas and US geography, and the US flag were our subjects today. Good times!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWSeAgS2FNucuGVCwI7r8ez4AWaIzq8s7RKCE-MeQB3BdtezI7uyRJtQAhTXnswUD86B5RbOlr1ub-5hnCh5toryDaXG9R1kKmpBtuBsATaG0GtgR0ZsI3WBEnbN9-mc6qWE-/s1600/Colombia+trip+group+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWSeAgS2FNucuGVCwI7r8ez4AWaIzq8s7RKCE-MeQB3BdtezI7uyRJtQAhTXnswUD86B5RbOlr1ub-5hnCh5toryDaXG9R1kKmpBtuBsATaG0GtgR0ZsI3WBEnbN9-mc6qWE-/s1600/Colombia+trip+group+photo.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2014 Adoptee Trip Group!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-32100611025550934152014-07-12T07:32:00.003-07:002014-07-16T13:47:43.738-07:00Day 1 and 2The first day in Bogota started with a trip to the passport office to assist a family in obtaining their 15th month old son's passport. Then to San Mauricio to finalize details for the trip and have lunch with the staff. Then the best part of the day.... shoe shopping!! It's amazing to see the store manager's face when you walk in and let him know you want to purchase 150 pairs of shoes. I've never had such amazing customer service! Sadly the options were limited with the budget and sizes required, but we got everything we needed plus an additional 20% discount off the entire purchase! Lucy Martinez, our legal representative in Bogota, is an amazing negotiator. <br />
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<br />
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After shoe shopping it was off to meet with another adoptive family who had just finalized the adoption of their 3 children ages 2, 3, and 4. My goodness how 3 and 4 year old girls can talk! Having spent years working with the families and assisting them with paperwork it's incredible to actually get to see the family in person all together. By tomorrow both families will be on their way back to their homes in the US with their children to start the real journey!<br />
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230am the next morning Beth Nichols, Gladney adoptive mom of 5 Colombian siblings, arrived in Bogota. She is volunteering in Bogota with the Colombia program as well as with the Service Trip. Beth called a couple months ago because she had raised money and prepared to take time away for a mission trip to Peru which had been cancelled. She wanted to know if there was any opportunities for her to assist Gladney abroad. With 7 adoptive families getting ready to travel to Bogota how could we resist a volunteer who is not only knowledgeable about the adoption process, but also spent 7 weeks in Bogota for their own process! Beth will be our Floater assisting adoptive families with their appointments as needed and in the downtime translating for our team at San Mauricio. Have you ever considered giving up a week of your busy summer to help children around the world? Would you like to spend time at Gladney volunteering? If so contact Mary Ownbey at <a href="mailto:volunteering@gladney.org">volunteering@gladney.org</a> .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj7tlDjb3-yUAc4DNfw0QUA0QXMHRres_AkKO97OO5IHuALKota5hd4aU3CUVW92zJVcpfDc_De8AJYGiNcLIX_EZRgEcEh6a_O4C3eeaLSgspaT0hQinwwKQVuUJdSXUe3a0/s1600/10443989_10100652608035244_2640987692049371431_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj7tlDjb3-yUAc4DNfw0QUA0QXMHRres_AkKO97OO5IHuALKota5hd4aU3CUVW92zJVcpfDc_De8AJYGiNcLIX_EZRgEcEh6a_O4C3eeaLSgspaT0hQinwwKQVuUJdSXUe3a0/s1600/10443989_10100652608035244_2640987692049371431_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next day Lucy was off to meetings with ICBF and Beth went to meet with an adoptive family for their embassy appointment. It was a long day of appointments and it turns out the shoe factory didn't have the last 10 pairs of shoes so they are going around to all the stores in Bogota to find the last few. There is no way we can let down 10 kids so today we're on a mission to get the last 10 pairs.<br />
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Tonight the team arrives at 11:30 and 11:50 which means they'll be at the hotel around 2am? :) It's going to be a fun morning tomorrow at 9am getting everyone up!<br />
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<br />
I'm still not able to upload photos so check back for those...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-15210624958787899292014-07-10T09:13:00.001-07:002014-07-10T09:13:53.856-07:00Arriving in ColombiaThe new El Dorado International Airport in Bogota is fantastic. The signs are in both English and Spanish and the immigration process is quick and efficient. I arrived tonight at 11:40pm and was off the plane, through immigration, and at the baggage claim waiting for my luggage by midnight. Of course my bags were the last one off the plane, but it was still relatively quick and easy compared to DFW! The weather is about 50-55 degrees in Bogota at night so make sure you bring a light jacket or sweater. People looked at me like I was crazy in Dallas carrying a jacket in 100 degree weather, but it made a good pillow during the flight and was needed after leaving the airport.<br />
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For those with multiple suitcases or heavy items make sure to grab a luggage cart when you enter the baggage claim area. They are $2 US dollars or $4,000 Colombian pesos. Also be prepared that the immigration and customs folks don't speak English. At immigration I was asked about my profession, purpose of my trip to Colombia, where I would be staying, and the date of my departure. At customs I was asked why I had so many suitcases and the contents of the suitcases. At the security checkpoint between customs and the exit (yes, they will scan ALL luggage and carry ons after customs before you exit) I was asked again about the contents of my suitcases and what types of food items I was bringing. I guess they are not used to seeing 10 lbs of Twizzlers. <br />
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Tomorrow the adventure starts early in the morning with Gladney staff meeting, a trip to the passport office with a Gladney family that completed their adoption yesterday, then off to purchase 160 pairs of shoes. Buenas noches!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-16409647632527306002014-06-30T09:55:00.002-07:002014-06-30T09:55:24.525-07:00Packing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SD6ImBaG87cxPhdRSbOL8YfXZ4K1AVDwfahiImYquGuVAwWITDirWYl0TqFXcCbDQoRuet-y1pefoS6cjNQlEOWKV6GEKhmjfakXPbuMDx_q_o8RHMERfoNmyxdyRQzSm7lo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SD6ImBaG87cxPhdRSbOL8YfXZ4K1AVDwfahiImYquGuVAwWITDirWYl0TqFXcCbDQoRuet-y1pefoS6cjNQlEOWKV6GEKhmjfakXPbuMDx_q_o8RHMERfoNmyxdyRQzSm7lo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Packing is typically not fun, but putting in the toddler size baseball gloves and double-dutch jumps ropes just makes me excited! Later today I'll be going to get my favorite craft: lanyard string for key chains and yarn for friendship bracelets. It was an overwhelming task last year sorting colors and trying to teach dozens of kids how to weave the string, but seeing their joy makes it all worth it! <br />
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My most memorable moment last year occurred during recess when about 10 kids were huddled around me all talking at the same time and asking for more string. It was a couple days into the trip and my fingers were raw from starting 100's of lanyard key chains, the majority of which were made without an actually key ring or hook because we ran out. I had a little soroche (altitude sickness) and a lot of bad attitude. As I sat there feeling sorry for myself I overheard one of the kids nearby talking to his friend. <br />
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"I'm going to ask for more string so I can start another one! I finished this one last night. I memorized where each string goes so that when the sun went down I could finish in the dark since we don't have lights." He was so proud of his accomplishment and the smile on his face was priceless. <br />
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Wow. What a reality check. Here I was having a pity party and this little guy spent the night in the dark and still had a smile on his face! There's no telling what will happen this year or the stories we'll hear, but I'm excited to spend a week with the amazing kids at San Mauricio! I've decided to cut the string to the correct length and sort the colors in advance so hopefully the process is a little more efficient. : )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-43898975526864751172014-06-24T08:27:00.002-07:002014-06-24T08:27:25.805-07:00Getting ready to travel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuW_0nCwpArDt_yaI6BP5PYnvLPMUTT4Y9VsM7IeedSiLIJpW9HwXIqqAUiHv6LAD9PREgUH6CBT0WjysOR8Q_JXHiAcAI0Tcl3VryPt7fy6pdTn273fCVa3oW4PFYK8XldrGz/s1600/Beth-+full+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuW_0nCwpArDt_yaI6BP5PYnvLPMUTT4Y9VsM7IeedSiLIJpW9HwXIqqAUiHv6LAD9PREgUH6CBT0WjysOR8Q_JXHiAcAI0Tcl3VryPt7fy6pdTn273fCVa3oW4PFYK8XldrGz/s1600/Beth-+full+photo.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Thanks for checking out the blog! I'm Beth Whitacre, LBSW-TX, CTA, Intercountry Adoption Caseworker at the Gladney Center for Adoption and am excited to be able to share with you all the amazing things happening in the Colombia program! <br />
<br />
Only 15 days left! This summer I have the unique opportunity to shadow 7 families as they complete the adoption of their Colombian children. July 9-31 I will be trading in my comfortable cubicle for the traffic and high altitude of Bogota, Colombia. In the midst of these adoptions I will also be spending a week with a group of Gladney adoptees as they volunteer at Fundacion San Mauricio. My goal is to blog each night while I'm gone so please check back often and check out the amazing journeys unfolding in Colombia, South America!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-69148893630187118602013-08-03T19:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T08:26:05.702-07:00Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 5<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We had a fun day
today seeing more of Bogotá. Started off with a great trip for mountain
climbing or biking. Super fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beth Whitacre and I both conquered a Colombian mountain
face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVg5q5SgZ0HAg7UNat92TYrHsEBI14AjtnxadyFkqkBJ6RtyOzPbnSRJIDyqOPWkRurpYCETX_so6GjhuftnwtTcy5570Jkz1KshC0ivtI_Mg7FoK9H3BrxJfT6Y0pV-w0jfW/s1600/1146823_10201770738693928_970544141_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVg5q5SgZ0HAg7UNat92TYrHsEBI14AjtnxadyFkqkBJ6RtyOzPbnSRJIDyqOPWkRurpYCETX_so6GjhuftnwtTcy5570Jkz1KshC0ivtI_Mg7FoK9H3BrxJfT6Y0pV-w0jfW/s320/1146823_10201770738693928_970544141_o.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKEeZZ_upLFdJRMUlPH_do-qKmRA4B_lguTpjL14ZV1pu0ehITyY2QsVYY2iLXbw7RJIRiLxlsmXNlDPZKczAeHCGA6L4Gl4KCT83YYVrzVZQ4OtQYCH6scrPKOhabGR0r6X8/s1600/1146305_10201770739293943_1673890817_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKEeZZ_upLFdJRMUlPH_do-qKmRA4B_lguTpjL14ZV1pu0ehITyY2QsVYY2iLXbw7RJIRiLxlsmXNlDPZKczAeHCGA6L4Gl4KCT83YYVrzVZQ4OtQYCH6scrPKOhabGR0r6X8/s320/1146305_10201770739293943_1673890817_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then we had a quick lunch and it was back on the bus to the Salt
Cathedral. Very beautiful and a marvel. We even had an added treat of getting to
see the two Gladney families currently in Colombia taking placement of their children through Gladney's <a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/adoption/international/colombia">Colombia Adoption Program</a>. It was wonderful getting to visit
with them and meet their kids. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqGxPGX7dkVjv4UkneDePH9n2WFCy1FF2UvNcE-iIJDByEtvhhvNL4AvnmqRWLLPjKoP8oDPdD778zSADuMwjuEIJsayIsP1Ki50D3s4F03zKzr9XGVd1A_WAyXDBSdJNiuOc/s1600/965778_10201770735733854_230295249_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqGxPGX7dkVjv4UkneDePH9n2WFCy1FF2UvNcE-iIJDByEtvhhvNL4AvnmqRWLLPjKoP8oDPdD778zSADuMwjuEIJsayIsP1Ki50D3s4F03zKzr9XGVd1A_WAyXDBSdJNiuOc/s320/965778_10201770735733854_230295249_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Part of the tour we actually got to mine for salt. Hard work! I would not have been a successful miner. After the salt cathedral
we headed back to the hotel for dinner. The traditional Colombian soup is GREAT! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
it is off to bed, we are leaving for the airport at 6 am. See ya Monday :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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Angie Parish</div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b06e0e; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">Intake Specialist</span><span style="color: #00703c; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">| Eastern Europe and Latin America</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-82155804317348562212013-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T08:09:01.334-07:00Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Today was super fun. We started off in our
classrooms and made crafts. No "lessons" today. Then we went out for
snack/recess time. The kids were all wanting to make more of the lacing craft
Beth brought. They stood in line and we each had a part in the craft, cutting
laces, getting the lacing started or just keeping the kids entertained while they
waited. After that we headed back to our classes. </div>
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Beth and I surprised our
classes with a dance party. We started off with the chicken dance! The kids
loved it and so did the teachers. Next we did the cupid shuffle and the
macarena (sp?). Then they did a Colombian dance for us it was all so fun.The
teachers even commented that usually the kids would be acting up but they
were all into it and well behaved. Word got out about our party and the orphanage staff
began to stand at the window watching us dance. They had a great laugh I am
sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB12MrZZEhUQ8Bj7yOLtwnSFQbLi9UibSAr04d43xgJUdQopfiYZdv1pjAXPsLUWmbrUPzePk0OXxxJyBXpqttiw0iYt5QI039z0y1HVIaFbScQjCZ496Gk_Y_MRCHXh6A87b7/s1600/1004640_10100370607925724_2057469366_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB12MrZZEhUQ8Bj7yOLtwnSFQbLi9UibSAr04d43xgJUdQopfiYZdv1pjAXPsLUWmbrUPzePk0OXxxJyBXpqttiw0iYt5QI039z0y1HVIaFbScQjCZ496Gk_Y_MRCHXh6A87b7/s320/1004640_10100370607925724_2057469366_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After the dance party we headed to lunch for pizza. Today one of the orphanage girls came up and told us "thanks for the
pizza'. Juanita from the orphanage said this is the only time they get pizza. Once a
year,when we come. To think I was thinking pizza again. She brought me back to
reality. Thanks for pizza anytime ...<o:p></o:p></div>
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After lunch we had a presentation for the kids. They did several dances and dressed in Colombian ponchos and skirts. It was
great. Then they asked us to perform the chicken dance with them so we did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was followed by some moving words from <a href="http://gladneypresident.org/">Frank Garrott</a>, Gladney's President, about how we love being with the kids and love Colombia. </div>
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Then it was free play time
with the kids until it was time to go.We did get to go to the baby room today
and play with them for a bit. Very fun.They are so adorable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Time to go. The kids ran out of
their classrooms and met us with hugs and kisses. It was an emotional time for
our kids and for the orphanage kids. Some were crying, asking us not to leave. All I
could do was give extra hugs and get on the bus. The ride was
quiet. </div>
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Angie Parish</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="color: #b06e0e; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">Intake Specialist</span><span style="color: #00703c; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">| Eastern Europe and Latin America</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0Colombia4.570868 -74.297332999999981-11.426224999999999 -94.95162999999998 20.567961 -53.643035999999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-48059837980858482932013-08-01T18:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T07:20:34.129-07:00Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Today began a little rough ...we were
given a new driver who wasn't sure what hotel we were at. He went to
the wrong one so he arrived to pick us up and hour late. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnAuyA1tk-CKqrNrRIwt5rd7WY0d4QMx2M1KSpn2K8zhng05KCaIXTMbPeyZrA7zJ3c1rTWjUBG_2NISgRWfdWchrmHs0bJINcwBXrsrUWOJKeC7fJVPBYGRRMh4MnmfUX-pB/s1600/1001726_10100370607556464_1569675397_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnAuyA1tk-CKqrNrRIwt5rd7WY0d4QMx2M1KSpn2K8zhng05KCaIXTMbPeyZrA7zJ3c1rTWjUBG_2NISgRWfdWchrmHs0bJINcwBXrsrUWOJKeC7fJVPBYGRRMh4MnmfUX-pB/s320/1001726_10100370607556464_1569675397_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>After we got to the orphanage we immediately went to our
classrooms and got to "teaching". Today my class did tissue paper fish
and then we did a USA puzzle. The kids really enjoyed both but especially the
puzzle. They were asking what state we were each from and then pointing to it; asking how to say it etc. </div>
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Lunch was interesting for the teens...white
rice (they all loved), a salad of tomatoes, corn and beans and some potatoes
with a ranch/alfredo like sauce, and think a pork chop ...with some kind
of sauce. Of course I loved it all but the teens seemed a little
wary. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6R232h66X_F6uWogaoo2Hbc5DBKLQtbu-b6POqGcKxvGOxsuGviEhthylaBNZpr0d_7B_3GLAahWGPBLdmTU7RPsSLNdic0OzT0bvs9o9QQLLefH48_akrNHlLNO-ZcdkLKl/s1600/IMAG1689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6R232h66X_F6uWogaoo2Hbc5DBKLQtbu-b6POqGcKxvGOxsuGviEhthylaBNZpr0d_7B_3GLAahWGPBLdmTU7RPsSLNdic0OzT0bvs9o9QQLLefH48_akrNHlLNO-ZcdkLKl/s320/IMAG1689.jpg" width="180" /></a>After lunch we went out side to play for the afternoon. Today I
brought nail polish. I think I painted 12-13 sets of nails and some
toes. Beth Whitacre, Intercountry Adoption Caseworker, had her lacing craft which was a big hit and then of course there is
always soccer and basketball going on. Our snack was chocolate chip cookies form the
on-site bakery and apples along with some wonderful Colombian coffee. </div>
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Tonight we
are headed to Pizza Hut for dinner and then back to the hotel for some needed
rest. The kids at orphanage are full on and want total
attention understandably . . . lots of hugs and a few kisses too. One little guy told
me I was a clown -- Joe Smith had to translate for me. It was so fun playing with him
on his roller blades, chasing him, spinning him, etc. </div>
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When we leave they all ask are
you coming tomorrow. It will be hard to tell them tomorrow is goodbye. REALLY
HARD!</div>
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Angie Parish</div>
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<span style="color: #b06e0e; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">Intake Specialist</span><span style="color: #00703c; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">| Eastern Europe and Latin America</span></div>
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Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0Colombia4.570868 -74.297332999999981-11.426224999999999 -94.95162999999998 20.567961 -53.643035999999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-68150558740656844182013-07-31T23:30:00.000-07:002013-08-01T08:09:19.767-07:00Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqAtcy49GWGfplIQqPCVtM-MPTgD_ETiGfHJ7r8v8LmT_M6rrbffL7HU6n17xmx7oBz4ebUQ60TY2CXguQZVZBOFXxvoDeOT80VdI0fC17Y_kIbVwYiOBAcvhqVzWyTqr0M8N/s1600/Colombia+Teen+Service+Trip+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqAtcy49GWGfplIQqPCVtM-MPTgD_ETiGfHJ7r8v8LmT_M6rrbffL7HU6n17xmx7oBz4ebUQ60TY2CXguQZVZBOFXxvoDeOT80VdI0fC17Y_kIbVwYiOBAcvhqVzWyTqr0M8N/s400/Colombia+Teen+Service+Trip+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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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. <o:p></o:p><br />
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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!<br />
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Angie Parish</div>
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<span style="color: #b06e0e; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">Intake Specialist</span><span style="color: #00703c; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 1pt;">| Eastern Europe and Latin America</span></div>
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Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0Colombia4.570868 -74.297332999999981-11.426224999999999 -94.95162999999998 20.567961 -53.643035999999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-66691949243590140792013-07-31T17:00:00.000-07:002013-07-31T17:00:03.814-07:00Adoption Stories by Gladney - We are a Gladney Family<span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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:</span><br />
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<a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/images/we-are-a-gladney-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/images/we-are-a-gladney-family.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/blog/adoption-stories-gladney-we-are-gladney-family">http://adoptionsbygladney.com/blog/adoption-stories-gladney-we-are-gladney-family</a>
</span><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-60852694690490788812013-07-30T23:00:00.000-07:002013-07-31T07:22:01.877-07:00Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0RVlnMDPqpQvnuZpx0ooiiFaRIsN9jtNqaVIyp_OHAMea6lZ5pTM8clhFl8xHVaDOtSOWu1O_AtoW3M4Iqkg8xeM8-5XU6p6FP3z0N0mFbZVNH_stm0Xddp2LfW_1cbgCe1N/s1600/625431_10100368734679724_1608133146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0RVlnMDPqpQvnuZpx0ooiiFaRIsN9jtNqaVIyp_OHAMea6lZ5pTM8clhFl8xHVaDOtSOWu1O_AtoW3M4Iqkg8xeM8-5XU6p6FP3z0N0mFbZVNH_stm0Xddp2LfW_1cbgCe1N/s320/625431_10100368734679724_1608133146_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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Patricia loved them and counted out
in English with her class the number of books that I brought. It was great! </div>
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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.</div>
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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!</div>
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Angie Parish</div>
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<span style="color: #b06e0e; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; letter-spacing: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Intake Specialist</span><span style="color: #00703c; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; letter-spacing: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">| Eastern Europe and Latin America</span></div>
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Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com1Colombia4.570868 -74.297332999999981-11.426224999999999 -94.95162999999998 20.567961 -53.643035999999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-90744522473404427862013-07-02T12:28:00.000-07:002013-07-02T12:28:00.047-07:00Questions about Older Child Adoption<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">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 <a href="mailto:angie.parish@gladney.org">angie.parish@gladney.org</a>. Can't wait to answer your questions!</span><br />
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<img alt="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." src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1013883_10151637595653991_685764427_n.jpg" />Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-78884902897950262492013-05-28T20:00:00.000-07:002013-05-28T20:00:05.307-07:00Mother of 5 From Colombia Radio Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/WCWk6d3k"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/images/Collage%20-%20Colombia%20-%20low.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Click photo to hear interview)</div>
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The interview starts out in Spanish but hang in there because it's translated. </div>
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Visit Gladney's <strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; clear: left; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/adoption/international/colombia" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #535353; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Colombia Adoption</a></strong> section for more information on adopting from Colombia. Also, check out Gladney's <strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; clear: left; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://achildtolove.org/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #535353; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">A Child to Love</a></strong> website for Colombian children waiting for a forever family. Are you that family?</div>
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<br />Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-22800264765956151962013-05-10T14:55:00.001-07:002013-05-13T09:21:15.714-07:00Bringing Hope and a FutureGladney Center for Adoption's Colombia program has a lot going on!<br />
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<ul>
<li>Through our regular <a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/adoption/international/colombia" target="_blank">Colombia Adoption Program</a>, several families are traveling this month to meet their children face-to-face for the first time and go through the adoption process in-country. </li>
<li>Many children have been adding to Gladney's waiting child website - <a href="http://achildtolove.org/" target="_blank">A Child to Love</a>. </li>
<li>Through <a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/adoption/international/colombia-camp-program" target="_blank">Gladney's Hope Exchange Program</a>, families have an exciting opportunity to brighten the life of a child living in an orphanage, and experience the culture first hand! </li>
<li>In July, Gladney adoptees will travel with staff to Colombia for a <a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/services/family-services-adoptee-trips" target="_blank">Service Trip</a>. They will work and play with children living in an orphanage in Bogota, Colombia. They will also be providing shoes for these beautiful children.</li>
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<a href="http://www.groundtocupcoffee.com/bannerlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.groundtocupcoffee.com/bannerlogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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You can help our adoptees raise humanitarian aid funds for their service project by purchasing coffee, tea, or special drinks from the <a href="http://www.groundtocupcoffee.com/online-store/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=COFFEE&Screen=PLST" target="_blank">Gladney Ground To Cup coffee</a> store!</div>
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How will you get involved?</div>
Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-11554841012709125612013-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:002013-04-15T11:38:09.160-07:00One Dad's Perspective on AdoptingGladney's Hope Exchange Program is all about find that one perfect family for that one beautiful child. While this Camp will be held in Colombia in the Summer of 2014, Gladney has had great success with other camps held in the United States.<br />
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Read this dad's story on how they adopted their son from one of <a href="http://fwbusinesspress.com/fwbp/article/1/230/Opinion/The-best-thing-I-have-ever-done.aspx" target="_blank">Gladney's Bright Future Camps</a> several years ago. This story was recently published in the Fort Worth Business Press.<br />
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Find out more about Gladney's <a href="http://adoptionsbygladney.com/adoption/international/colombia-camp-program" target="_blank">Hope Exchange Program</a>! Maybe you'll be able to say that this is '<a href="http://fwbusinesspress.com/fwbp/article/1/230/Opinion/The-best-thing-I-have-ever-done.aspx" target="_blank">The best thing I have ever done</a>'.<br />
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<br />Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36363380.post-69240236417701105652013-03-22T12:35:00.001-07:002013-03-22T12:35:47.882-07:00Waiting Children<span style="background-color: white; color: #535353; font-family: GothamBook, arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Right here in the US, and in the countries we work with, there are children waiting to be adopted. At Gladney we are committed to helping find stable, loving homes for as many of these children as possible. Because to us they are not just children waiting to be adopted, each one is special and unique; each one is A Child to Love.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.achildtolove.org/sites/all/themes/actl/images/doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.achildtolove.org/sites/all/themes/actl/images/doll.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #535353; font-family: GothamBook, arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Start your adoption jou</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #535353; font-family: GothamBook, arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">rney by checking out the Adoptable Children on <a href="http://achildtolove.org/" target="_blank">A Child to Love</a> or by creating an </span><a class="big-link" data-animation="fade" data-reveal-id="myModal" href="http://www.achildtolove.org/user/register" style="background-color: white; color: #535353; cursor: pointer; font-family: GothamBook, arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">account</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #535353; font-family: GothamBook, arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> today. Your account will give you access to the many waiting children in Colombia just dreaming of a family to call their own.</span>Gladneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456312969069996354noreply@blogger.com0