Packing

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! 

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. 

"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. 

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. : )

Getting ready to travel

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! 

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!

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 5

We had a fun day today seeing more of Bogotá. Started off with a great trip for mountain climbing or biking. Super fun!

Beth Whitacre and I both conquered a Colombian mountain face.

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 Colombia Adoption Program. It was wonderful getting to visit with them and meet their kids. 

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! 

Now it is off to bed, we are leaving for the airport at 6 am. See ya Monday :-)

Angie Parish

Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 4

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.  

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.

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 ...

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.

This was followed by some moving words from Frank Garrott, Gladney's President, about how we love being with the kids and love Colombia.  

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.

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.  

Angie Parish

Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 3

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

When we leave they all ask are you coming tomorrow. It will be hard to tell them tomorrow is goodbye. REALLY HARD!

Angie Parish

Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 2

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

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

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

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

Angie Parish

Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Adoption Stories by Gladney - We are a Gladney Family

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

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

Gladney Teen Service Trip in Colombia - Day 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angie Parish

Intake Specialist| Eastern Europe and Latin America

Questions about Older Child Adoption

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

Mother of 5 From Colombia Radio Interview

(Click photo to hear interview)

The interview starts out in Spanish but hang in there because it's translated.  

Visit Gladney's Colombia Adoption section for more information on adopting from Colombia.  Also, check out Gladney's A Child to Love website for Colombian children waiting for a forever family.  Are you that family?

Bringing Hope and a Future

Gladney Center for Adoption's Colombia program has a lot going on!

• Through our regular Colombia Adoption Program, 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.  
• Many children have been adding to Gladney's waiting child website - A Child to Love.  
• Through Gladney's Hope Exchange Program, families have an exciting opportunity to brighten the life of a child living in an orphanage, and experience the culture first hand!  
• In July, Gladney adoptees will travel with staff to Colombia for a Service Trip.  They will work and play with children living in an orphanage in Bogota, Colombia.  They will also be providing shoes for these beautiful children.

You can help our adoptees raise humanitarian aid funds for their service project by purchasing coffee, tea, or special drinks from the Gladney Ground To Cup coffee store!

How will you get involved?

One Dad's Perspective on Adopting

Gladney'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.

Read this dad's story on how they adopted their son from one of Gladney's Bright Future Camps several years ago.  This story was recently published in the Fort Worth Business Press.

Find out more about Gladney's Hope Exchange Program!  Maybe you'll be able to say that this is 'The best thing I have ever done'.

Waiting Children

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.

Start your adoption journey by checking out the Adoptable Children on A Child to Love or by creating an account today. Your account will give you access to the many waiting children in Colombia just dreaming of a family to call their own.

US to Colombia to US

Based on Gladney’s successful US based Bright Futures Camp,the Hope Exchange Camp offers a fun-filled week of camp activities including sightseeing and the opportunity for children awaiting adoption to spend time with a loving prospective adoptive family. Being in Colombia offers some additional benefits to both parents and children. 

By going to Colombia, families can spend more time with their child before placement and have the opportunity to experience Colombian culture first hand –- both of these experiences will help build a strong foundation and bond. Additionally, because the children remain on familiar turf, they experience less culture shock and feel more at ease with prospective parents.

What an exciting opportunity to brighten the life of a child living in an orphanage, and experience the culture first hand!

For planning purposes, families must have submitted their application by February 1, 2014. There is a lot to do, but Gladney has experts to guide you through every step of the process. The first step is to get more information about the camp by contacting Judy Hayes via email or 432.563.3344.  Don't miss this unique opportunity!

Welcome to Gladney's New Colombia Adoption Intern

Every semester Gladney is blessed to have wonderful interns working with us.  They are full of passion and eager to learn about the adoption process.

This semester, we are pleased to welcome Meg into the Colombia adoption program.  Take a look at what she has to say about her first week at Gladney - Day in the Life of a Gladney Intern.

Giving Back

I recently had the opportunity to become a "godmother" to a young teenage boy in a Colombian orphanage.  My friend and I purchased gifts for him so he would have Christmas gifts.  It was fun to shop for him and we hoped that he would like and be blessed with the presents we chose.

Little did I know that I was the one that would be blessed by my "godson".  This week I received a picture of him opening his gifts as well as a beautiful letter thanking us for remembering him on this very special day.  This precious teenage boy will probably never be in a forever loving home and that is a heart-breaking thought.

There are so many children, like my godson, who need loving homes. Gladney's Colombia adoption program has a regular adoption program, a Hope Exchange Camp program, and a Colombia national program.   If you are interested in adopting one of these precious children from Colombia, please get started today by requesting Gladney's Online Information Packet.

Holiday Card Artwork

Gladney recently had a Holiday Card Contest.  We asked all of our Gladney "babies" to send in their artwork depicting their holiday tradition.  Here is Juan Pablo's wonderful artwork.

Juan Pablo, now 12 years old, was adopted from Gladney's Colombia Program.

Gladney staff is committed to assisting families interested in adopting from Colombia. To learn more about adopting from Colombia, please request one of Gladney's free, comprehensive Adoption Information Packets. Make your request on-line or by calling 1-800-INT-ADOP.

According to Wikipedia, Christmas Eve is the most important day of the Christmas season for Colombians.

Friends and families get together to pray the last Novena.  At midnight they open the presents and party.  The children get to stay up late to play with all those new presents.  Little is done on December 25 because of all the celebration that occurred the night before. 

As you start pursuing an adoption through Colombia, think about how you will incorporate your child's culture and traditions into your family. Adopting through the Hope Exchange Program will allow you more of an opportunity to find out about these traditions while in Colombia.

Check out Gladney's Colombia Office

Beth Whitacre, Gladney's Intercountry Adoption Caseworker, recently traveled to Colombia for several visits.  While there she videoed the Colombia Office where Lucy Martinez, Gladney's in-country representative, works.

Fun With the Kids While in Colombia

Just heard about this fun place for the kids in Bogota!  It's called Divercity.  It's described as a kids park that is set up to let children experience adult activities like driving a car, putting out a fire (okay I've never done that!), and other different occupations.

They start out with a small amount of play money that they can use to play games.  When they run out of money, they have to get jobs to earn more money.

This could be a fun way to spend an afternoon in Colombia while you're in-country during the Hope Exchange Camp.

If you've been, please share your review of the place.

Divercity

Calle 183 No. 45-03 Local 201 Piso 3 | Centro Comercial, Santafe, Bogota, Colombia

This photo of Divercity is courtesy of TripAdvisor