AH
Uploaded byAlissa Hooper
116 views

Circle_low res

The document discusses CCAI's work in facilitating international adoptions from China over the past 24 years. It notes that CCAI is highly respected in China for finding homes for abandoned and disabled children and for improving conditions in orphanages. It discusses how the profile of adopted children has changed from mostly healthy girls under 1 year old to now mostly boys and children with medical needs. It shares the story of one family's experience hosting a child from China and how it impacted them. It also shares the story of one family's fundraising efforts to make adoption affordable for them despite their financial struggles.

Embed presentation

Download to read offline
CCAICIRCLE ADOPTEEN AND MORE Know your post adoption options (p. 12) 2017 HERITAGE TOUR DATES FUNDRAISING TIPS For an affordable adoption (p. 6) 21 KIDS! BUT WHO’S COUNTING? The story of two empty-nesters’ decision to adopt (p. 10) OLDER CHILD ADOPTION One CCAI mom shares the struggles and blessings (p. 14) Mabel, Group 2218 2016 EDITION
On April 4, 2016, CCAI co-founders Lily and Josh had the honor to visit with Ms. Gao Xiaobing, newly-appointed deputy minister of the Chinese Minis- try of Civil Affairs, the highest govern- mental agency in charge of China’s social welfare matters. Minister Gao offered high praise for CCAI’s leading role in finding loving homes for China’s abandoned and handicapped children. “Adoption offers orphans hope,”she stated. “What CCAI has been doing is truly admirable.” CCAI has earned its unmatched reputation over the past 24 years through unwavering efforts to improve the living conditions in orphanages, massive humanitarian outreach, ethical and professional adoption practice, and determination to bring permanency to as many orphans as possible. As a result, CCAI is highly respected in China, from top officials to orphanage caregivers. CCAI is highly respected in China Dear CCAI family, When we first started CCAI 24 years ago, 98 percent of the children placed were consid- ered overall healthy girls under 12 months of age. Today, 98 percent are children with various medical needs and more than half are boys. Like the ever-evolving international adoption landscape, China adoption has changed dramatically. The impact of China becoming the world’s second-largest economy has not only lifted millions of people out of poverty and created the largest middle-class popula- tion in the world, but it has also resulted in something absolutely remarkable: a gradual elevation of the status of females, a dramatic decrease of abandonment of girls and a rapid increase of domestic adoption. If you go to China and visit an orphanage today, you will be surprised by the huge and modern facilities and by the overwhelming number of children with special needs. You will find hardly any healthy children in China’s orphanages today. Large numbers of handicapped children have been abandoned as a result of their birth parents’fear of so- cial discrimination and the outrageous medical costs that can easily bankrupt any family. They live in beautiful but loveless facilities, without any hope of a loving family in China. Yet in the past 10 years, thousands of passionate adoptive families have taken a leap of faith to bring healing, hope and permanency to these precious children. There is no doubt that since day one in 1992, every adoptive family has desired to make a difference in an orphan’s life through adoption, but considering today’s adoption environment in China, this rings especially true. Every day we see miracles happen and witness lives transformed, both for children and families. We are so thankful for our amazing adoptive families and feel so blessed to find forever families for two orphans every working day! With love, Josh and Lily facebook.com/ccaifamily @CCAI_Family CCAI_Family CCAIAdoption blog.ccaifamily.org CCAI Family Getsocial 1,894 9,996 136 22 46 21 3 11,890 Adoptionstatistics (asof10/15/16) Chinaadoptions Haiti adoptions 3,633special needs 11,659total boys girls Domestic adoptions Latvia adoptions Ukraine adoptions Bulgaria adoptions Total adoptions A letter from our founders... Our Contributors... Executive editor: Joshua Zhong Managing editor: Sarah Harmon Editor and designer: Alissa Hooper Content curators: Adam Alberti- Powell, Cynthia Berglund, Shelly Burkey, Phyllis Chen, Holly Johnson, Jim and Jean Mulvahill, Lily Nie, Gracyn Travitz, Julie VanDeHey and Xia Zhong
• FREE for China adoptees! •$2,099 age 12 & over •$1,599 age 11 & under 2017 Trip Dates April 9-19 June 11-21 July 16-26 Dec. 24-Jan.3 2017 Heritage Tours Don’t let your family miss out on this incredible experience! Book today at ccaifamily.org/heritagetour • Contact: heritagetour@chinesechildren.org or 303-850-9998 x48 • Forbidden City • Great Wall • CCCWA tour • Tian’anmen Square • Terra Cotta Warriors • Panda reserve • Li River • Cooking class • Orphanage visit • and much more!
“Hosting is we teach t th “Hosting is we teach t th Finding Fu “Hosting was never on our radar. We have three biological kids and one adopted with special needs, so our house is plenty full and lively. Most of my concern with hosting centered around the kids who didn’t end up getting adopted. It seemed unfair to bring them and give them the experience of a family, only to return to the orphanage without the hope of getting a forever family. When God led us to host, I was shocked and tried to turn my back. One day, I was skimming through a blog about China’s Waiting Children. I had read these child descriptions many times in the past and always thought the same thing:“How sweet. I hope someone adopts that child.” This time was different. When I read Fu’s story, my heart started beating out of my chest and I felt an instant connection. I was sitting in the living room with my family and I tried to shut the computer, but my husband noticed… then my daughter noticed and suddenly I was reading his short story to my family. I assumed my husband’s response would be:“How sweet, I hope someone adopts that child.” Instead, he smiled and said let’s pray for him and see what happens. Before I knew it, our daughter came to us with all of her savings saying she felt we were to host him and wanted her money to help bring him here. It turns out we had very little time; the deadline was fast approaching, but God provided every step of the way. That sweet boy we chose for hosting did arrive and captured the heart of our family immediately. My opinion of hosting changed very quickly after I realized what an impact having him in our home would make. Hosting is not just about what we teach them, but about what they teach us. No longer did I doubt the importance of bringing him into our home, even if for only 4 weeks. The hosting experience was priceless. We were so impacted; I now see the value in the host experience for everyone involved. Finding Fu was one of our family’s greatest joys.” 4
s not just about what them, but about what hey teach us.” s not just about what them, but about what hey teach us.” Twice a year, CCAI coordinates hosting for Chinese orphans. For many children, hosting is their only chance at finding a forever family. To learn more about this program and how to become a host family, visit ccaifamily.org/hosting/chinahostingprogram. 5
veradecadeago,Ihadaseedplantedinmyheartfororphans. Since then, my husband and I got degrees (and debt) and had three children. We struggled to make ends meet for years, and we ended up in a place where adoption felt like a fleeting wish that had died in our hearts due to our circumstances. That’s the thing about dreams: often we think they have died, when really they are just hidden away, ready to sprout when the timing is right. One winter day, we decided this was something we simply could not continue to wait around on and my husband and I said YES to adoption. This didn’t change the gravity of our financial situation: the fees associated with adoption are terrifying. They nearly stopped us dead in our tracks. I am a school teacher and my husband is an art director at a design firm—we are truly middle class. We do not have a ton of extra money. But we decided that it is better to risk failing chasing down our dream then spend a lifetime wondering. I committed to fundraising the money we needed. With shaking knees and little knowledge of how to do it, we began. Here’s our fundraising, in brief: • Community garage sale - $2,000 • Tax money and my husband’s side jobs - $5,000 • T-shirt sales - $1,000 • Krispy Kreme fundraiser - $700 • Farm-to-table dinner and auction - $9,000 • Pure Charity fundraiser - $2,000 • Blueberry bumper crop sales - $1,000 Making adoption affordable: Howwediditandyoucantoo O “We decided that it is better to risk failing chasing down our dream then spend a lifetime wondering.” We are only five months into the process and we have raised nearly $20,000, none of which we had before we started. We are blown away that we are here today, two-thirds done with our payments, and now matched with our newest little love. Currently, we have a weekly fruit sale starting, where I have purchased local fruit at cost and am selling boxes of peaches, pears and apples. Hoping to rake in some money with that! Sure, we have maybe $10,000 left, but we have a plan. Success breeds success and now we know that we can do this. We also have learned to invite people along on our journey. Not everyone is called to adopt, but people love to be part of a story that is woven together beautifully. We envision this being our only adoption, but we don’t envision this being the end for helping change the lives of children. Someday soon we hope to be on the other end of this beautiful adventure, helping others along. Friends, this is possible. We have acquired no debt so far, and haven’t even applied for grants yet. This money didn’t fall in our laps. We have worked hard, but it also wasn’t back-breaking work. We are gaining momentum and people are joining in. This journey has taught me how much beauty and hope is in our world. It has shown me how much relationships matter. People are rallying with us and carrying us along, reminding us that we can do this. And you can do this too. ~Julie VanDeHey 6 Check out more of Julie’s fundraising story at blog.ccaifamily.org
Eight years ago Henan Province was dead-last in the annual number of international adop- tions. Last year it rose to #1 in the nation as a result of a crucial partnership with CCAI, and more than 3,000 children with special needs have fulfilled their dream for a loving family! One of the key secrets behind the success is the annual provincial-wide adoption and leader- ship training CCAI sponsors and leads. These trainings help orphanage leaders focus on the ultimate need of orphans under their care—a permanent and loving home. This April, CCAI parents Suzanne Calton, Rick Harris and Blair Whitaker joined Lily, Josh and CCAI Charity Director Xia Zhong to teach and interact with more than 150 orphanage leaders. “We just loved the presentation by adoptive families,”a provincial official told us.“It really helps us to see the true impact adoption has made on these children.” Lily addresses conference attendees CCAIsponsorsannualHenanProvincialAdoptionConference A nonprofit organization would not be successful without the help of a strong board who are not only die-hard believ- ers in its mission, but also eager partici- pants in its services. CCAI has been very blessed to have a passionate board of directors who surround Josh and Lily with love, wisdom and financial support. This April, a few board members joined Josh and Lily to visit some Lily Orphan Care Centers in Henan Province.“This is truly a privilege to see all the beautiful children and see what a wonderful job our caregivers have been doing to love these pre- cious children,”Rick Harris told Lily.“It is so satisfying to know that our donors’finan- cial contribution is making a huge difference here,”added Blair Whitaker. CCAI currently operates six Lily Orphan Care Centers (LOCCs), childcare rooms sponsored and staffed by CCAI to provide and model a high standard of orphan care. CCAIboardmembersvisitLOCCs AdopteeswelcomedatGreatHall In June 2016, 230 adopted children and their parents traveling in China on a CCAI Heritage Tour were invited to the prestigious Great Hall of the People. They were warmly welcomed by high level officials from the CCCWA and the US Embassy. HeartConnection CCAI kicked off a new trip called Heart Connection: A Mission Trip to Serve Orphans in 2016. Five families attended our Heart Connection trips this summer. “The purpose of the Heart Connection Trip is for orphans to get exposure to loving families/ people and to understand what that feels like,” Crystal Conley, CCAI Travel Department Assistant Manager, stated. “Additionally, group members had first-hand experience withchildrenthatdon’thaveafightingchance at adoption by themselves. We had the team members fill out information sheets on the kiddos so we have personal observations for them—that, paired with pictures, greatly increases their chances of finding a forever family.” “We felt profoundly changed and privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of these precious kids’lives,”stated one father who made a Heart Connection trip with his family. “We could not have imagined how transformational this experience would be.” If you and your family are interested in travel opportunities with CCAI, please contact Crystal at travel4@ccaifamily.org or 303-850- 9998 x48. Suzanne Calton shares her family’s story Josh and Lily snapped these photos of orphan service volunteer photographers in China in October 2016 7 Board members visited the CCCWA before making stops to several Lily Orphan Care Centers
At CCAI, we believe that adoption, without reaching out to the children left behind, is meaningless. $533,907.55 contributed to benefit orphans$533,907.55 contributed to benefit orphans 40 orphanage partnerships40 orphanage partnerships 116 children supported in foster care116 children supported in foster care 6 LOCCs funded6 LOCCs funded 27 orphan care trainings27 orphan care trainings 52 children hosted52 children hosted 6,000 orphans’lives impacted6,000 orphans’lives impacted Sight for Shu The generosity of the CCAI Family never ceases to amaze us. After finding out the 7-year-old boy they were hosting was nearly completely blind, Darrell and Holly Johnson set to work. Shu had received cornea transplants at age four, but they were unsuccessful due to the orphange’s inability to provide routine follow-up care. An eye doctor confirmed Shu would be a good candidate for cornea transplants yet again, but there was a major time constraint: if the surgeries needed were not done by Shu’s 8th birthday, the pathways from his retinas to his brain would be fully formed and he would never be able to see. It was then that the Johnsons reached out to family members, friends and CCAI for help. God’s plan was already becoming clear and even strangers were beginning to donate to help Shu. With the help of CCAI Family donations, the $18,000 needed for Shu’s first cornea transplant was raised, the surgery took place and the transplant was successful. This process was repeated a second time for surgery on Shu’s other eye, and $15,000 was raised in 10 days so Shu could see out of both eyes. We cannot begin to thank our families enough. Families like the Johnsons, who dedicated their all to bringing Shu his sight. Families like the hundreds who donated to bring vision to him. And for the countless families who prayed for Shu and his host family along this jouney: you have our deepest appreciation. 8 If you’d like to help support Shu’s ongoing financial needs, please visit ccaifamily.org/Charity/Donation and designate “Sight for Shu”
AnYang AnYang LOCC BaoFeng ChangChun GaoAn GaoMing HangZhou HeFei JiaoZuo KaiFeng KaiFeng LOCC LuoHe LOCC LuoShan LuoYang NanYang NanYang LOCC PuYang TongGu *Lily Orphan Care Center **Adoptees Giving Back Orphan Service Trip Clothes, diaper cream, music player Infant scale Christmas gifts Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Exams and public announcements Hosting Clothes Formula AGBOST mattresses AGBOST washers, TVs, refrigerators Exams Hosting Foster care Clothes, diaper cream, music player, chair, portable hard drive Exams and public announcements Strollers Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Clothes, diaper cream, diapers Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Cribs donated by Chenchen Dunlap Memorial Fund Exams and public announcements Exams and public announcements Hosting Foster care Hosting Foster care Exams and public announcements Birthday party, Christmas gifts, rocking chair, clothes Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Foster care Formula Orphanage Project Donation (RMB) 5219.00 710.00 268.70 73420.00 420.00 451.00 4819.00 8748.00 1693.00 35257.00 35000.00 4800.00 1113.00 37264.00 4247.90 7128.00 1200.00 55202.00 2100.00 5482.00 188030.50 1280.00 4000.00 5100.00 28125.00 3917.50 64845.00 215.00 45134.00 15774.00 7052.00 142700.00 1120.00 28103.00 8800.00 WenZhou WuWei WuYiShan XinHua XinXiang XinYang XuChang ZhengZhou ZhengZhou LOCC ZhouKou ZhuMaDian ZhuMaDian LOCC ZhuZhou Donations Beijing Office Subtotal Formula Piano Formula Playground equipment FirstHug staff salaries Foster care Clothes, diapers FirstHug staff salaries Fruit Remodeling expenses, refrigerator Travel expenses Heart Connection Hosting Foster care Exams and public announcements Music player, shoes, clothes rack, lamp, birthday party, electric clipper, clothes Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Clothes Clothes, infant scale, kitchen, birthday party, shoes Window screens Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Foster care 500 blankets and other supplies Charity office rent Total Donations (USD) 11700.00 8424.00 1700.00 8748.00 20754.00 37557.00 7290.00 196900.00 1851.73 29925.00 12598.50 5522.40 6811.00 85760.00 54292.00 10741.00 593409.00 4410.00 7290.00 3958.00 2461.00 111700.00 4650.00 84695.00 100000.00 164250.00 2485515.73 $1,770.00 $2,000.00 $4,587.37 $36,206.00 $109,279.00 $533,907.55 2016CharityProgramReportOct.2015-Sept.2016 Hosting Orphan care supplies LOCC* expenses First Hug Orphan care sponsorship AGBOST** Sight for Shu Hunan Childcare Training 1% (not pictured): Haiti, Heart Connection, Hope for Orphans DONATETODAY online: ccaifamily.org mail: 6920 S. Holly Circle Centennial, CO 80112 Colorado Gives Day is Dec. 6, 2016! www.coloradogives.org Haiti Hope for Orphans Hunan childcare training Sight for Shu Hosting grants and US expenses 9 39% 24% 12% 7% 7% 7% 2% 1% CCAI is a 501(c)3 tax exempt charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
Answering God’s call: Ourjourneyofadoption By: Jim and Jean Mulvahill After having five biological children, we assumed that our family was complete. It wasn’t until our youngest bio son was 12 years old that we figured out the empty nest was not for us. We loved being parents and spending time with our family. Our two oldest had gone to college and two more were nearing that transition. We knew how fast the high school years sped by; we would blink our eyes and the next two would be gone. Having only one child at home? Well, it sounded so, so, so quiet… and unappealing! Our earlier years were not all rainbows, fairytales and but- terflies. We’ve had our fair share of challenges, which brought us closer to God and caused us to re-dedicate our life priorities. In other words, we found out it wasn’t“all about us”. There is so much more to life. Something so much bigger than the house we live in, the cars we drive, the social circles we travel in, and through our challenges we were forever changed… for the better. Happiness is not accumulated; it is a decision and it is attained through giving and helping others. It was after this transformation that God put adoption on our hearts. We were 48 and 49 years old at the time. Before proceed- ing, we talked to our five birth children. Four of the five loved the idea of adopting a child right away, but our youngest son needed more time to think about it. Within a few months, he was on board and decided adopting a younger sister or two would be a really good idea! Once we got the green light from all of our bio children, we immediately… got a puppy! Yes, we got a puppy. Adopting a child was a big step and maybe getting a puppy would fill the empty place in our hearts and we would no longer desire to adopt. After having the puppy for one month, we knew that wasn’t where God was guiding us. He was guiding us towards adoption. We immersed ourselves into the adoption world! We started off thinking we would adopt from Russia but God quickly showed us that our child was from China! We educated our- selves, asked lots of questions from others who had adopted and went to the early adoption classes. Then we joined yahoo groups, watched TLC shows on adoption, joined Facebook groups and read every book on adoption (the good, the bad and the ugly) we could get our hands on. Sometimes it was scary reading about the hard stuff, but we would read a little, discuss it, pause, feel peaceful and read some more! Everything we did confirmed this was what God had intended for our fam- ily. Our hearts were open and we were ready! We started out in the China non-special needs program, but quickly changed to the special needs program. It felt right to us. We had birth children who did not have any known special needs, I was a registered nurse and we had good health insur- ance so we could provide for a child with a special need. Our adoption began with a precious 16-month-old little girl in 2007. She was born with cleft lip and palate. She needed surgery to close her palate but her biggest need was a family to love her. Within days of adopting her we could see the changes; she smiled, laughed, began to crawl and went from picking a few morsels of food to inhaling whatever we put in front of her. Once she was home, her eyes began to sparkle, her hair became shiny and healthy, she laughed, smiled and she loved us deeply. Once we saw the transformation in her, we knew God was speaking clearly to us, calling us to bring home more children. Photo credits: Kathryn Lee Photography 10
So that is what we did, trusting in Him with each adoption. Since we were older parents, we knew our opportunity to adopt was shorter than it would have been if we were a younger couple. So we moved fast, and with each adoption the blessings flowed! Between July 2007 and December 2013, 13 children joined our family. Having other adopted children at home was very helpful. The adjustment period went relatively smoothly when they saw other children at home who were happy and doing well. They bonded quickly when they saw that the other children at home were loved and that they loved us. Time and time again, we saw God’s miracles within our own home! Health was being restored because of good consistent medical care and good nutrition. Our children loved being loved! They thrived with a family and a home to call their own! Children who couldn’t learn because they had been too busy just surviving were now learning. Children who were too sick could now enjoy focusing on something other than their illness. Children who needed surgeries or regular blood transfu- sions were now getting them. It was and still is a daily blessing for all of us. Did we have challenges? Of course we did and we still do, but by being together through it all, we teach our children what family is all about. We celebrate our victories, problem solve our challenges and mourn our losses… together! Large families are not a fit for everyone, but it is a fit for us! We aren’t sure what God has in store for us next but we look forward to following Him wherever he leads us! Jim and Jean have been married for 35 years. Together, they have 19—soon to be 21—children: five bio and 14 adopted from China (currently in process for two more)! As their family has grown, they have lived in six houses in the Minneapolis area and will soon be moving to Colorado after their next two adoptions are complete. To date, Jim and Jean have three grandchildren and look forward to more in the future.
Ever since seventh grade when I learned about Chinese adoptions in depth at school, I struggled to accept my own adoption reality. I did not understand, nor could I believe what seemed to be such harsh truths. I felt like I could not find my way in this complex world; like I didn’t have a place to fit in or belong to. Even as I navigated past what I considered abstract concepts at the time, the understanding and value I placed on interactions and relationships with family members was challenged. I felt lost, alone and confused. Little did I know, I had a safe place that I could always rely on. That safe place was Adopteen. In the summer of 2015, I applied to be a part of the Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip (AGBOST), where I would travel to China for a little less than two weeks with 25 other adoptees, volunteering our time, love and compassion to the Luoyang orphanage. This was the start of something that I now consider one of the greatest things present in my life. I registered for my first Adopteen Midpoint in Atlanta, GA, in January 2016. I created new friendships and bonds and went on new adventures, such as riding horses, rock climbing and ziplining. I was even able to participate in a dance battle with one of my closest friends who went to China with me that past summer! I felt at home here. I could be myself without judgments or stereotypes. I didn’t have to be afraid because everyone understood the way I felt. I wasn’t alone. I consider Adopteen a “savior” in my life. And I know it had a significantly positive impact on me. I wanted to make that impact on other adoptees lives as well, which is why I applied to be an Adopteen committee leader for the summer of 2016 at the Washington, D.C. Conference. Here I was able to further my love, not only for Adopteen as a program, but for the people who are a part of it. I was able to work closely with 10 other committee members and be vulnerable with them. I was able to be honest with campers and tell them my story. But most importantly, I was able to grow as a young, adopted, Asian-American woman. Every time I am with the Adopteen family, I find myself delving further and further into layers of myself that I didn’t even know existed. I realize that I light up in this environment and have some of the best laughs I’ve had in my entire life. I feel whole. I feel like I am a part of something greater than myself. Although I have had my fair share of confusion and uncertainty aboutmyselfandthebeginningofmylife,IbelievethatAdopteen has helped me find my way. Adopteen has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone in one of the most unique, sincere and engaging ways a person could ask for. Adopteen has truly changed my life forever. If it weren’t for Adopteen, I wouldn’t have learned that my adoption is a part of me. It is a part of my truth. It is not something that defines me, but it is something that has influenced the person I am today. I have learned that I am not alone. I have one of the most dependable support systems available to me whenever I am in need, and there is never a doubt in my mind that I will always receive unconditional love from this community. Adopteen will always be a part of me. My Adopteen story By: Gracyn Travitz January 14-16, 2017 Adopteen Midpoint Retreat YMCA Camp Collins Portland, OR June 21-25, 2017 Adopteen Camp-Conference University of Denver Denver, CO June 28-July 8, 2017 Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip (AGBOST) Hunan Province July 17-21, 2017 Adopteen Camp-Conference Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN Gracyn Travitz was born in Hubei province in 1999. She has lived with her parents and older brothers in North Carolina since her adoption in 2000. She plays lacrosse and has been a competitive Irish dancer since fourth grade. She is looking forward to graduating this school year and attending college. 12
LifelongSupport Here at CCAI, we offer multi-dimensional services that meet the needs of children and families, both now and in the future: • Xpress Yourself: An art therapy program for children between 7 and 12 years old • TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention): An attachment- based, trauma-informed intervention designed for children from“hard places” • Adoptween: A bi-monthly get-together for children between 9 and 12 years old • Adopteen: Camp and Conference for teens • Adoptstronauts: For adoptees age 20 and up • Adoptees Giving Back Orphan Service Trip: For adoptees age 15 and up • Joyous Chinese Cultural Center: On-site and distance learning, cultural and emotional support • China Field Trips: Demonstration of Chinese culture for schools and communities to build local support • Heritage Tour: Four trips a year • National and regional reunions Whether you adopted last year or decades ago, CCAI is here to serve and support your family as your children grow and their needs change! “Thecompletionofadoptionisjustthebeginning oftheadoptionjourney. Wearecommittedto supportingandworkingwithfamiliestoensure thelifelongwell-beingofeachandeveryadopted child.”-JoshuaZhong 13
Chen’s adoption story By: Linda Kneeland We started the process to adopt from Haiti in January of 2014. After two years, no progress had been made on the Haitian side of our adoption, and our social worker suggested we take a look at China, considering CCAI’s extensive experience. So I began looking at CCAI’s website, and that’s when I saw Chen’s picture. While we were expecting to be adopting very young boys from Haiti, her picture and story won our hearts. There was very little time until she aged out of international adoption (age 14 in China), but CCAI made it happen. We were home with Chen in exactly three months. After having prayed for her almost hourly right up until when wefirstmet,wewereallstillnervous.Sheavoidedeyecontactand ignored most everything we said. We returned to the orphanage the next day, where they hosted a big send-off party, loading her down with more items and flowers than we could carry. As she was sobbing, I began to wonder why she was being adopted. She had so many friends who were sad to lose her, and we seemed to be the last people in the world that she had any interest in get- ting to know. My husband and I both felt rather certain that when we went to the US Consulate and she was asked if she wanted to be adopted, she would say no. Other older adoptees in our group seemed to accept their parents, even hug- ging them, but when we went out with the other families, Chen walked as far away from us as she possibly could. The first night home, Chen was afraid to go to bed. She had let me hold her hand when she was scared on the plane, so I sat by her bed and held her hand. She clung to me and lay very still. After about an hour, I laid down on the floor. I ended up lying there, holding her hand, until 5 am. She has now been home five months, and I still kneel by her bed and hold her hand after the lights are out. Though she doesn’t say any- thing, it clearly means a lot to her. I had no plans to do this, but it turned out to be essential to our bonding. I could tell even in China that Chen wanted my time and atten- tion. This summer we did almost everything together and I spent nearly every waking moment with her. When I took her to activi- ties, I stayed and watched. I spoke to her all day, in gentle tones, telling her all the things I wanted her to know, even if she couldn’t understand me. I am a runner, and she loves riding her bike, so she rides along with me as I run. When I work on my lesson plans in my office, she works beside me on puzzles. We hike, shop, bake, play, clean house and read together. I see it as making up for as much of the last 14 years as possible before she gets older and is no longer as interested in my undivided attention. Several short months from our first encounters, Chen is now completely different. She is friendly, happy, loving, hardworking, adapting well and a very typical teenager. She fits in almost as though she has always been here. I give God all the credit and glory for what He has done in her life. Hundreds of people have been praying fervently for us, and I am so grateful! By His grace we survived the heartache of blatant rejection, and love Chen with all our hearts. We have enrolled Chen in plenty of activities to channel her energy, help her learn skills and make positive memories. Kids at our Christian school and church have loved and accepted her. In addition to her friends, I really could not measure the impact of her four older siblings. They all love her and she has a great deal of respect for them. This gets a little personal, but I have had to forgive Chen mul- tiple times for how she treated us at the beginning. Of course, I totally understand that she wanted to reject us before we could reject her, and she had learned to put up defensive, prickly walls. Only after thousands of loving, kind acts that just kept coming consistently did she begin to trust us. I guard my heart from bitterness and choose to passionately love her every moment of every day. Every child is dif- ferent and this adop- tion has taught me that when you adopt, regard- less of age, it is impor- tant to give your child as much love and attention as you would a newborn. No matter what, I have learned that the most vital thing is to draw on the Lord, calling on Him and following His lead- ing. In this adoption, we have felt as though we have been given an impossible task, and each day, God has graciously shown us that with Him, truly, all things are possible! My theme verse in China and after has been: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8 14
JoyousChineseCulturalCentercelebrates20years! The Joyous Chinese Cultural Center (JCCC) offers Chinese cultural education to individuals of all ages. • Dance and language classes • Children’s birthday parties Contact us today! 303-221-6688 • school@chinesechildren.org “JCCC has impacted our family in the fact that from the time Roane was two, he had an innate love and interest in Chinese anything. He picked up words here and there, but what does a parent do to encourage learning Mandarin when I do not speak it? I didn’t even know where to begin. Then I found JCCC: a school that not only could teach Mandarin, but was affordable for a single working mom. The teachers were exceptional too. If it wasn’t for JCCC, Roane’s talent in Chinese language would fade and he would grow up with me only having a what-if. Now, we will have“He did it” because of JCCC. PLEASE DON’T EVER GO AWAY. Parents like me who do not have access to Chinese programs would not have the chance to expand their child’s abilities in a language not readily available for study in schools. Roane is going to grow up becoming a speaker of Mandarin. I have JCCC to thank for this.”-Shannon Minger “JCCC has helped me learn so much and want to dig deeper into my rich culture. I am planning to go back to China for a Heritage Tour through CCAI next summer. I have gone to JCCC’s summer camp for three years now and I am definitely planning on going back.”-Camri Chun Farnworth • Educational outreach • Field trips • Senior day trips • Summer camps Photo credit: Mitchell Brinkhuis
CELEBRATING 25 years 12,000 lives Sept. 4-8, 2017 Register at dazzlingdestinations.com 6920 S. Holly Circle Centennial, CO 80112-1018 Stay in touch! Please keep your emailupdated with CCAI so wecan contact you with thelatest news and events!mail@ccaifamily.org Save the date! For our annual reunion June 24, 2017 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 5377 DENVER, CO NONPROFIIT ORG

More Related Content

PPTX
Mgt 431 green genes final powerpoint 2
byLucas Carreiro
 
PDF
Sept 2009 Tapestry
byOregon City Evangelical Church
 
PDF
Sept 2009 Tapestry Master
byOregon City Evangelical Church
 
PDF
Sept 2009 Tapestry
byOregon City Evangelical Church
 
PDF
New Horizons V3 I20
byRotary Club of Freshwater Bay
 
PDF
Missionaries
byEllenego
 
PPT
Send a child to camp presentation
byLinda Berry - Robinson
 
PDF
Kingdom Partners 2014 Impact Report
byWorld Help
 
Mgt 431 green genes final powerpoint 2
byLucas Carreiro
 
Sept 2009 Tapestry
byOregon City Evangelical Church
 
Sept 2009 Tapestry Master
byOregon City Evangelical Church
 
Sept 2009 Tapestry
byOregon City Evangelical Church
 
New Horizons V3 I20
byRotary Club of Freshwater Bay
 
Missionaries
byEllenego
 
Send a child to camp presentation
byLinda Berry - Robinson
 
Kingdom Partners 2014 Impact Report
byWorld Help
 

What's hot

PDF
Kingdom Partner 2015 Impact Report
byWorld Help
 
PDF
Kingdom Partners 2016 Impact Report
byWorld Help
 
PPTX
2018 home projects
byLouise ZoBell
 
PDF
Lifeline
byBrenda Lozano
 
PDF
October Newsletter for Church & Website
byMaureen Cooke
 
PDF
2015-09-Cambodia-news
byRobin Bun
 
PDF
Hard Copy July 2016 Color 3
byNorma Nashed
 
PDF
Habitat for Humanity Lakeside Fall/Winter 2013 newsletter
byhabitatlakeside
 
PDF
Newly Released Dagah: The Great Fish is a Whale of a Tale!
byflashnewsrelease
 
PPTX
Dominican Starfish Foundation 2018 Home Building Projects
byLouise ZoBell
 
PDF
Orphan’s Promise 2019-2020 Annual Report
bydrewfriedrich
 
PDF
svdp_ar12
byElysa Hamlin
 
PDF
SaC field work trip 2016-7 Report for sponsors pdf
byAnaihita Singh
 
PDF
Cornerstone Newsletter Fall 2020
byCstoneSchoolsDC
 
PDF
8 2011 Common-Language-Soccer
bySteven Larson
 
DOCX
VolunteerPacket2016
bynoah salinas
 
PDF
Dominican Starfish Foundation Home Building Projects 2018
byLouise ZoBell
 
PDF
Navigator February2015
byXavier High School
 
PDF
Inside Swords Fall 2017
bySwords to Plowshares
 
PDF
Getting on top of things at green school
bycommsgreenschool
 
Kingdom Partner 2015 Impact Report
byWorld Help
 
Kingdom Partners 2016 Impact Report
byWorld Help
 
2018 home projects
byLouise ZoBell
 
Lifeline
byBrenda Lozano
 
October Newsletter for Church & Website
byMaureen Cooke
 
2015-09-Cambodia-news
byRobin Bun
 
Hard Copy July 2016 Color 3
byNorma Nashed
 
Habitat for Humanity Lakeside Fall/Winter 2013 newsletter
byhabitatlakeside
 
Newly Released Dagah: The Great Fish is a Whale of a Tale!
byflashnewsrelease
 
Dominican Starfish Foundation 2018 Home Building Projects
byLouise ZoBell
 
Orphan’s Promise 2019-2020 Annual Report
bydrewfriedrich
 
svdp_ar12
byElysa Hamlin
 
SaC field work trip 2016-7 Report for sponsors pdf
byAnaihita Singh
 
Cornerstone Newsletter Fall 2020
byCstoneSchoolsDC
 
8 2011 Common-Language-Soccer
bySteven Larson
 
VolunteerPacket2016
bynoah salinas
 
Dominican Starfish Foundation Home Building Projects 2018
byLouise ZoBell
 
Navigator February2015
byXavier High School
 
Inside Swords Fall 2017
bySwords to Plowshares
 
Getting on top of things at green school
bycommsgreenschool
 

Viewers also liked

PPTX
Sistema urinario
bykarlassoto
 
PPTX
Historia Y Metodologia
bydanny_007_mendezs
 
PPT
Presentacion modalidad 2011
byIEM TÉCNICO LUIS ORJUELA
 
PDF
May16 - Sellstate - RIS Real Estate Magzine
bySuzanne Walters
 
PDF
Catalogo de cursos
byUNA Centro Local Yaracuy
 
PDF
Diseño Publicitario
byÁngela Tijerina
 
PPTX
Gafetense sofre desaire em casa
byESECS
 
PDF
IJTK-6800
byBiba Jasmine
 
PPSX
Les outils de la propriété industrielle
byRéseau Création Orléans Loiret
 
PDF
Jessica Swendsen
byJessica Swendsen
 
PDF
CV -UmerAslam
byUmer Aslam
 
PPTX
Seminario 3.
byedunavrod
 
XLS
Grupo alberto,johana,paulo,victor,roger esan resumen finanzas corporativas
byJohana Sanchez
 
Sistema urinario
bykarlassoto
 
Historia Y Metodologia
bydanny_007_mendezs
 
Presentacion modalidad 2011
byIEM TÉCNICO LUIS ORJUELA
 
May16 - Sellstate - RIS Real Estate Magzine
bySuzanne Walters
 
Catalogo de cursos
byUNA Centro Local Yaracuy
 
Diseño Publicitario
byÁngela Tijerina
 
Gafetense sofre desaire em casa
byESECS
 
IJTK-6800
byBiba Jasmine
 
Les outils de la propriété industrielle
byRéseau Création Orléans Loiret
 
Jessica Swendsen
byJessica Swendsen
 
CV -UmerAslam
byUmer Aslam
 
Seminario 3.
byedunavrod
 
Grupo alberto,johana,paulo,victor,roger esan resumen finanzas corporativas
byJohana Sanchez
 

Similar to Circle_low res

PDF
85 broads for_v3
bysheenaliving
 
DOC
Home At Last: A Contemporary View On Adoption
byJudith Bell
 
PDF
Unplanned Pregnancy and Adoption
byTurningPointAddictionTreatment
 
DOCX
Informative speech adoption
byAshlyn Isom
 
DOCX
Starting a Family: The Adoption Process for Gay and Lesbian Couples
byAllyson Lindsey
 
PDF
Essay On Adoption
byPaper Writer Service
 
PDF
The Adoption Process for Gay and Lesbian Couples
byAllyson Lindsey
 
PDF
Wide horizon for children project
byDeisi Mireles
 
DOCX
Running Head FOREIGN ADOPTION Foreign Adoption An.docx
bycharisellington63520
 
DOCX
Running Head FOREIGN ADOPTION Foreign Adoption An.docx
bywlynn1
 
DOC
Domestic Adoption: Now Is the Time to Adopt Locally
byJudith Bell
 
PDF
Summer 2013 Newsletter
byCHOICESIncOhio
 
PDF
F Openadopt
byBirth Mom Missions/ Liberty Dallas/ Girls4RonPaul
 
PPTX
Alone or loved
by17jsmith
 
PDF
Type of Adoption Financial Assistance Resources
byJudith Bell
 
PPTX
practical-sample-presentation In senior high
byLizellRagasa
 
DOC
How to show community support for adoption
byJudith Bell
 
DOCX
Running Head ADOPTION .docx
bytoddr4
 
PPTX
Dowell PowerPoint Presentation
byMelanieDowell2
 
PDF
Nadav Zeimer | What to Know about Fostering to Adopt
byNadav Zeimer
 
85 broads for_v3
bysheenaliving
 
Home At Last: A Contemporary View On Adoption
byJudith Bell
 
Unplanned Pregnancy and Adoption
byTurningPointAddictionTreatment
 
Informative speech adoption
byAshlyn Isom
 
Starting a Family: The Adoption Process for Gay and Lesbian Couples
byAllyson Lindsey
 
Essay On Adoption
byPaper Writer Service
 
The Adoption Process for Gay and Lesbian Couples
byAllyson Lindsey
 
Wide horizon for children project
byDeisi Mireles
 
Running Head FOREIGN ADOPTION Foreign Adoption An.docx
bycharisellington63520
 
Running Head FOREIGN ADOPTION Foreign Adoption An.docx
bywlynn1
 
Domestic Adoption: Now Is the Time to Adopt Locally
byJudith Bell
 
Summer 2013 Newsletter
byCHOICESIncOhio
 
F Openadopt
byBirth Mom Missions/ Liberty Dallas/ Girls4RonPaul
 
Alone or loved
by17jsmith
 
Type of Adoption Financial Assistance Resources
byJudith Bell
 
practical-sample-presentation In senior high
byLizellRagasa
 
How to show community support for adoption
byJudith Bell
 
Running Head ADOPTION .docx
bytoddr4
 
Dowell PowerPoint Presentation
byMelanieDowell2
 
Nadav Zeimer | What to Know about Fostering to Adopt
byNadav Zeimer
 

Circle_low res

  • 1.
    CCAICIRCLE ADOPTEEN AND MORE Knowyour post adoption options (p. 12) 2017 HERITAGE TOUR DATES FUNDRAISING TIPS For an affordable adoption (p. 6) 21 KIDS! BUT WHO’S COUNTING? The story of two empty-nesters’ decision to adopt (p. 10) OLDER CHILD ADOPTION One CCAI mom shares the struggles and blessings (p. 14) Mabel, Group 2218 2016 EDITION
  • 2.
    On April 4,2016, CCAI co-founders Lily and Josh had the honor to visit with Ms. Gao Xiaobing, newly-appointed deputy minister of the Chinese Minis- try of Civil Affairs, the highest govern- mental agency in charge of China’s social welfare matters. Minister Gao offered high praise for CCAI’s leading role in finding loving homes for China’s abandoned and handicapped children. “Adoption offers orphans hope,”she stated. “What CCAI has been doing is truly admirable.” CCAI has earned its unmatched reputation over the past 24 years through unwavering efforts to improve the living conditions in orphanages, massive humanitarian outreach, ethical and professional adoption practice, and determination to bring permanency to as many orphans as possible. As a result, CCAI is highly respected in China, from top officials to orphanage caregivers. CCAI is highly respected in China Dear CCAI family, When we first started CCAI 24 years ago, 98 percent of the children placed were consid- ered overall healthy girls under 12 months of age. Today, 98 percent are children with various medical needs and more than half are boys. Like the ever-evolving international adoption landscape, China adoption has changed dramatically. The impact of China becoming the world’s second-largest economy has not only lifted millions of people out of poverty and created the largest middle-class popula- tion in the world, but it has also resulted in something absolutely remarkable: a gradual elevation of the status of females, a dramatic decrease of abandonment of girls and a rapid increase of domestic adoption. If you go to China and visit an orphanage today, you will be surprised by the huge and modern facilities and by the overwhelming number of children with special needs. You will find hardly any healthy children in China’s orphanages today. Large numbers of handicapped children have been abandoned as a result of their birth parents’fear of so- cial discrimination and the outrageous medical costs that can easily bankrupt any family. They live in beautiful but loveless facilities, without any hope of a loving family in China. Yet in the past 10 years, thousands of passionate adoptive families have taken a leap of faith to bring healing, hope and permanency to these precious children. There is no doubt that since day one in 1992, every adoptive family has desired to make a difference in an orphan’s life through adoption, but considering today’s adoption environment in China, this rings especially true. Every day we see miracles happen and witness lives transformed, both for children and families. We are so thankful for our amazing adoptive families and feel so blessed to find forever families for two orphans every working day! With love, Josh and Lily facebook.com/ccaifamily @CCAI_Family CCAI_Family CCAIAdoption blog.ccaifamily.org CCAI Family Getsocial 1,894 9,996 136 22 46 21 3 11,890 Adoptionstatistics (asof10/15/16) Chinaadoptions Haiti adoptions 3,633special needs 11,659total boys girls Domestic adoptions Latvia adoptions Ukraine adoptions Bulgaria adoptions Total adoptions A letter from our founders... Our Contributors... Executive editor: Joshua Zhong Managing editor: Sarah Harmon Editor and designer: Alissa Hooper Content curators: Adam Alberti- Powell, Cynthia Berglund, Shelly Burkey, Phyllis Chen, Holly Johnson, Jim and Jean Mulvahill, Lily Nie, Gracyn Travitz, Julie VanDeHey and Xia Zhong
  • 3.
    • FREE forChina adoptees! •$2,099 age 12 & over •$1,599 age 11 & under 2017 Trip Dates April 9-19 June 11-21 July 16-26 Dec. 24-Jan.3 2017 Heritage Tours Don’t let your family miss out on this incredible experience! Book today at ccaifamily.org/heritagetour • Contact: heritagetour@chinesechildren.org or 303-850-9998 x48 • Forbidden City • Great Wall • CCCWA tour • Tian’anmen Square • Terra Cotta Warriors • Panda reserve • Li River • Cooking class • Orphanage visit • and much more!
  • 4.
    “Hosting is we teacht th “Hosting is we teach t th Finding Fu “Hosting was never on our radar. We have three biological kids and one adopted with special needs, so our house is plenty full and lively. Most of my concern with hosting centered around the kids who didn’t end up getting adopted. It seemed unfair to bring them and give them the experience of a family, only to return to the orphanage without the hope of getting a forever family. When God led us to host, I was shocked and tried to turn my back. One day, I was skimming through a blog about China’s Waiting Children. I had read these child descriptions many times in the past and always thought the same thing:“How sweet. I hope someone adopts that child.” This time was different. When I read Fu’s story, my heart started beating out of my chest and I felt an instant connection. I was sitting in the living room with my family and I tried to shut the computer, but my husband noticed… then my daughter noticed and suddenly I was reading his short story to my family. I assumed my husband’s response would be:“How sweet, I hope someone adopts that child.” Instead, he smiled and said let’s pray for him and see what happens. Before I knew it, our daughter came to us with all of her savings saying she felt we were to host him and wanted her money to help bring him here. It turns out we had very little time; the deadline was fast approaching, but God provided every step of the way. That sweet boy we chose for hosting did arrive and captured the heart of our family immediately. My opinion of hosting changed very quickly after I realized what an impact having him in our home would make. Hosting is not just about what we teach them, but about what they teach us. No longer did I doubt the importance of bringing him into our home, even if for only 4 weeks. The hosting experience was priceless. We were so impacted; I now see the value in the host experience for everyone involved. Finding Fu was one of our family’s greatest joys.” 4
  • 5.
    s not justabout what them, but about what hey teach us.” s not just about what them, but about what hey teach us.” Twice a year, CCAI coordinates hosting for Chinese orphans. For many children, hosting is their only chance at finding a forever family. To learn more about this program and how to become a host family, visit ccaifamily.org/hosting/chinahostingprogram. 5
  • 6.
    veradecadeago,Ihadaseedplantedinmyheartfororphans. Since then, myhusband and I got degrees (and debt) and had three children. We struggled to make ends meet for years, and we ended up in a place where adoption felt like a fleeting wish that had died in our hearts due to our circumstances. That’s the thing about dreams: often we think they have died, when really they are just hidden away, ready to sprout when the timing is right. One winter day, we decided this was something we simply could not continue to wait around on and my husband and I said YES to adoption. This didn’t change the gravity of our financial situation: the fees associated with adoption are terrifying. They nearly stopped us dead in our tracks. I am a school teacher and my husband is an art director at a design firm—we are truly middle class. We do not have a ton of extra money. But we decided that it is better to risk failing chasing down our dream then spend a lifetime wondering. I committed to fundraising the money we needed. With shaking knees and little knowledge of how to do it, we began. Here’s our fundraising, in brief: • Community garage sale - $2,000 • Tax money and my husband’s side jobs - $5,000 • T-shirt sales - $1,000 • Krispy Kreme fundraiser - $700 • Farm-to-table dinner and auction - $9,000 • Pure Charity fundraiser - $2,000 • Blueberry bumper crop sales - $1,000 Making adoption affordable: Howwediditandyoucantoo O “We decided that it is better to risk failing chasing down our dream then spend a lifetime wondering.” We are only five months into the process and we have raised nearly $20,000, none of which we had before we started. We are blown away that we are here today, two-thirds done with our payments, and now matched with our newest little love. Currently, we have a weekly fruit sale starting, where I have purchased local fruit at cost and am selling boxes of peaches, pears and apples. Hoping to rake in some money with that! Sure, we have maybe $10,000 left, but we have a plan. Success breeds success and now we know that we can do this. We also have learned to invite people along on our journey. Not everyone is called to adopt, but people love to be part of a story that is woven together beautifully. We envision this being our only adoption, but we don’t envision this being the end for helping change the lives of children. Someday soon we hope to be on the other end of this beautiful adventure, helping others along. Friends, this is possible. We have acquired no debt so far, and haven’t even applied for grants yet. This money didn’t fall in our laps. We have worked hard, but it also wasn’t back-breaking work. We are gaining momentum and people are joining in. This journey has taught me how much beauty and hope is in our world. It has shown me how much relationships matter. People are rallying with us and carrying us along, reminding us that we can do this. And you can do this too. ~Julie VanDeHey 6 Check out more of Julie’s fundraising story at blog.ccaifamily.org
  • 7.
    Eight years agoHenan Province was dead-last in the annual number of international adop- tions. Last year it rose to #1 in the nation as a result of a crucial partnership with CCAI, and more than 3,000 children with special needs have fulfilled their dream for a loving family! One of the key secrets behind the success is the annual provincial-wide adoption and leader- ship training CCAI sponsors and leads. These trainings help orphanage leaders focus on the ultimate need of orphans under their care—a permanent and loving home. This April, CCAI parents Suzanne Calton, Rick Harris and Blair Whitaker joined Lily, Josh and CCAI Charity Director Xia Zhong to teach and interact with more than 150 orphanage leaders. “We just loved the presentation by adoptive families,”a provincial official told us.“It really helps us to see the true impact adoption has made on these children.” Lily addresses conference attendees CCAIsponsorsannualHenanProvincialAdoptionConference A nonprofit organization would not be successful without the help of a strong board who are not only die-hard believ- ers in its mission, but also eager partici- pants in its services. CCAI has been very blessed to have a passionate board of directors who surround Josh and Lily with love, wisdom and financial support. This April, a few board members joined Josh and Lily to visit some Lily Orphan Care Centers in Henan Province.“This is truly a privilege to see all the beautiful children and see what a wonderful job our caregivers have been doing to love these pre- cious children,”Rick Harris told Lily.“It is so satisfying to know that our donors’finan- cial contribution is making a huge difference here,”added Blair Whitaker. CCAI currently operates six Lily Orphan Care Centers (LOCCs), childcare rooms sponsored and staffed by CCAI to provide and model a high standard of orphan care. CCAIboardmembersvisitLOCCs AdopteeswelcomedatGreatHall In June 2016, 230 adopted children and their parents traveling in China on a CCAI Heritage Tour were invited to the prestigious Great Hall of the People. They were warmly welcomed by high level officials from the CCCWA and the US Embassy. HeartConnection CCAI kicked off a new trip called Heart Connection: A Mission Trip to Serve Orphans in 2016. Five families attended our Heart Connection trips this summer. “The purpose of the Heart Connection Trip is for orphans to get exposure to loving families/ people and to understand what that feels like,” Crystal Conley, CCAI Travel Department Assistant Manager, stated. “Additionally, group members had first-hand experience withchildrenthatdon’thaveafightingchance at adoption by themselves. We had the team members fill out information sheets on the kiddos so we have personal observations for them—that, paired with pictures, greatly increases their chances of finding a forever family.” “We felt profoundly changed and privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of these precious kids’lives,”stated one father who made a Heart Connection trip with his family. “We could not have imagined how transformational this experience would be.” If you and your family are interested in travel opportunities with CCAI, please contact Crystal at travel4@ccaifamily.org or 303-850- 9998 x48. Suzanne Calton shares her family’s story Josh and Lily snapped these photos of orphan service volunteer photographers in China in October 2016 7 Board members visited the CCCWA before making stops to several Lily Orphan Care Centers
  • 8.
    At CCAI, webelieve that adoption, without reaching out to the children left behind, is meaningless. $533,907.55 contributed to benefit orphans$533,907.55 contributed to benefit orphans 40 orphanage partnerships40 orphanage partnerships 116 children supported in foster care116 children supported in foster care 6 LOCCs funded6 LOCCs funded 27 orphan care trainings27 orphan care trainings 52 children hosted52 children hosted 6,000 orphans’lives impacted6,000 orphans’lives impacted Sight for Shu The generosity of the CCAI Family never ceases to amaze us. After finding out the 7-year-old boy they were hosting was nearly completely blind, Darrell and Holly Johnson set to work. Shu had received cornea transplants at age four, but they were unsuccessful due to the orphange’s inability to provide routine follow-up care. An eye doctor confirmed Shu would be a good candidate for cornea transplants yet again, but there was a major time constraint: if the surgeries needed were not done by Shu’s 8th birthday, the pathways from his retinas to his brain would be fully formed and he would never be able to see. It was then that the Johnsons reached out to family members, friends and CCAI for help. God’s plan was already becoming clear and even strangers were beginning to donate to help Shu. With the help of CCAI Family donations, the $18,000 needed for Shu’s first cornea transplant was raised, the surgery took place and the transplant was successful. This process was repeated a second time for surgery on Shu’s other eye, and $15,000 was raised in 10 days so Shu could see out of both eyes. We cannot begin to thank our families enough. Families like the Johnsons, who dedicated their all to bringing Shu his sight. Families like the hundreds who donated to bring vision to him. And for the countless families who prayed for Shu and his host family along this jouney: you have our deepest appreciation. 8 If you’d like to help support Shu’s ongoing financial needs, please visit ccaifamily.org/Charity/Donation and designate “Sight for Shu”
  • 9.
    AnYang AnYang LOCC BaoFeng ChangChun GaoAn GaoMing HangZhou HeFei JiaoZuo KaiFeng KaiFeng LOCC LuoHeLOCC LuoShan LuoYang NanYang NanYang LOCC PuYang TongGu *Lily Orphan Care Center **Adoptees Giving Back Orphan Service Trip Clothes, diaper cream, music player Infant scale Christmas gifts Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Exams and public announcements Hosting Clothes Formula AGBOST mattresses AGBOST washers, TVs, refrigerators Exams Hosting Foster care Clothes, diaper cream, music player, chair, portable hard drive Exams and public announcements Strollers Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Clothes, diaper cream, diapers Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Cribs donated by Chenchen Dunlap Memorial Fund Exams and public announcements Exams and public announcements Hosting Foster care Hosting Foster care Exams and public announcements Birthday party, Christmas gifts, rocking chair, clothes Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Foster care Formula Orphanage Project Donation (RMB) 5219.00 710.00 268.70 73420.00 420.00 451.00 4819.00 8748.00 1693.00 35257.00 35000.00 4800.00 1113.00 37264.00 4247.90 7128.00 1200.00 55202.00 2100.00 5482.00 188030.50 1280.00 4000.00 5100.00 28125.00 3917.50 64845.00 215.00 45134.00 15774.00 7052.00 142700.00 1120.00 28103.00 8800.00 WenZhou WuWei WuYiShan XinHua XinXiang XinYang XuChang ZhengZhou ZhengZhou LOCC ZhouKou ZhuMaDian ZhuMaDian LOCC ZhuZhou Donations Beijing Office Subtotal Formula Piano Formula Playground equipment FirstHug staff salaries Foster care Clothes, diapers FirstHug staff salaries Fruit Remodeling expenses, refrigerator Travel expenses Heart Connection Hosting Foster care Exams and public announcements Music player, shoes, clothes rack, lamp, birthday party, electric clipper, clothes Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Clothes Clothes, infant scale, kitchen, birthday party, shoes Window screens Staff salaries Staff summer uniforms Foster care 500 blankets and other supplies Charity office rent Total Donations (USD) 11700.00 8424.00 1700.00 8748.00 20754.00 37557.00 7290.00 196900.00 1851.73 29925.00 12598.50 5522.40 6811.00 85760.00 54292.00 10741.00 593409.00 4410.00 7290.00 3958.00 2461.00 111700.00 4650.00 84695.00 100000.00 164250.00 2485515.73 $1,770.00 $2,000.00 $4,587.37 $36,206.00 $109,279.00 $533,907.55 2016CharityProgramReportOct.2015-Sept.2016 Hosting Orphan care supplies LOCC* expenses First Hug Orphan care sponsorship AGBOST** Sight for Shu Hunan Childcare Training 1% (not pictured): Haiti, Heart Connection, Hope for Orphans DONATETODAY online: ccaifamily.org mail: 6920 S. Holly Circle Centennial, CO 80112 Colorado Gives Day is Dec. 6, 2016! www.coloradogives.org Haiti Hope for Orphans Hunan childcare training Sight for Shu Hosting grants and US expenses 9 39% 24% 12% 7% 7% 7% 2% 1% CCAI is a 501(c)3 tax exempt charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
  • 10.
    Answering God’s call: Ourjourneyofadoption By: Jim and Jean Mulvahill After having five biological children, we assumed that our family was complete. It wasn’t until our youngest bio son was 12 years old that we figured out the empty nest was not for us. We loved being parents and spending time with our family. Our two oldest had gone to college and two more were nearing that transition. We knew how fast the high school years sped by; we would blink our eyes and the next two would be gone. Having only one child at home? Well, it sounded so, so, so quiet… and unappealing! Our earlier years were not all rainbows, fairytales and but- terflies. We’ve had our fair share of challenges, which brought us closer to God and caused us to re-dedicate our life priorities. In other words, we found out it wasn’t“all about us”. There is so much more to life. Something so much bigger than the house we live in, the cars we drive, the social circles we travel in, and through our challenges we were forever changed… for the better. Happiness is not accumulated; it is a decision and it is attained through giving and helping others. It was after this transformation that God put adoption on our hearts. We were 48 and 49 years old at the time. Before proceed- ing, we talked to our five birth children. Four of the five loved the idea of adopting a child right away, but our youngest son needed more time to think about it. Within a few months, he was on board and decided adopting a younger sister or two would be a really good idea! Once we got the green light from all of our bio children, we immediately… got a puppy! Yes, we got a puppy. Adopting a child was a big step and maybe getting a puppy would fill the empty place in our hearts and we would no longer desire to adopt. After having the puppy for one month, we knew that wasn’t where God was guiding us. He was guiding us towards adoption. We immersed ourselves into the adoption world! We started off thinking we would adopt from Russia but God quickly showed us that our child was from China! We educated our- selves, asked lots of questions from others who had adopted and went to the early adoption classes. Then we joined yahoo groups, watched TLC shows on adoption, joined Facebook groups and read every book on adoption (the good, the bad and the ugly) we could get our hands on. Sometimes it was scary reading about the hard stuff, but we would read a little, discuss it, pause, feel peaceful and read some more! Everything we did confirmed this was what God had intended for our fam- ily. Our hearts were open and we were ready! We started out in the China non-special needs program, but quickly changed to the special needs program. It felt right to us. We had birth children who did not have any known special needs, I was a registered nurse and we had good health insur- ance so we could provide for a child with a special need. Our adoption began with a precious 16-month-old little girl in 2007. She was born with cleft lip and palate. She needed surgery to close her palate but her biggest need was a family to love her. Within days of adopting her we could see the changes; she smiled, laughed, began to crawl and went from picking a few morsels of food to inhaling whatever we put in front of her. Once she was home, her eyes began to sparkle, her hair became shiny and healthy, she laughed, smiled and she loved us deeply. Once we saw the transformation in her, we knew God was speaking clearly to us, calling us to bring home more children. Photo credits: Kathryn Lee Photography 10
  • 11.
    So that iswhat we did, trusting in Him with each adoption. Since we were older parents, we knew our opportunity to adopt was shorter than it would have been if we were a younger couple. So we moved fast, and with each adoption the blessings flowed! Between July 2007 and December 2013, 13 children joined our family. Having other adopted children at home was very helpful. The adjustment period went relatively smoothly when they saw other children at home who were happy and doing well. They bonded quickly when they saw that the other children at home were loved and that they loved us. Time and time again, we saw God’s miracles within our own home! Health was being restored because of good consistent medical care and good nutrition. Our children loved being loved! They thrived with a family and a home to call their own! Children who couldn’t learn because they had been too busy just surviving were now learning. Children who were too sick could now enjoy focusing on something other than their illness. Children who needed surgeries or regular blood transfu- sions were now getting them. It was and still is a daily blessing for all of us. Did we have challenges? Of course we did and we still do, but by being together through it all, we teach our children what family is all about. We celebrate our victories, problem solve our challenges and mourn our losses… together! Large families are not a fit for everyone, but it is a fit for us! We aren’t sure what God has in store for us next but we look forward to following Him wherever he leads us! Jim and Jean have been married for 35 years. Together, they have 19—soon to be 21—children: five bio and 14 adopted from China (currently in process for two more)! As their family has grown, they have lived in six houses in the Minneapolis area and will soon be moving to Colorado after their next two adoptions are complete. To date, Jim and Jean have three grandchildren and look forward to more in the future.
  • 12.
    Ever since seventhgrade when I learned about Chinese adoptions in depth at school, I struggled to accept my own adoption reality. I did not understand, nor could I believe what seemed to be such harsh truths. I felt like I could not find my way in this complex world; like I didn’t have a place to fit in or belong to. Even as I navigated past what I considered abstract concepts at the time, the understanding and value I placed on interactions and relationships with family members was challenged. I felt lost, alone and confused. Little did I know, I had a safe place that I could always rely on. That safe place was Adopteen. In the summer of 2015, I applied to be a part of the Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip (AGBOST), where I would travel to China for a little less than two weeks with 25 other adoptees, volunteering our time, love and compassion to the Luoyang orphanage. This was the start of something that I now consider one of the greatest things present in my life. I registered for my first Adopteen Midpoint in Atlanta, GA, in January 2016. I created new friendships and bonds and went on new adventures, such as riding horses, rock climbing and ziplining. I was even able to participate in a dance battle with one of my closest friends who went to China with me that past summer! I felt at home here. I could be myself without judgments or stereotypes. I didn’t have to be afraid because everyone understood the way I felt. I wasn’t alone. I consider Adopteen a “savior” in my life. And I know it had a significantly positive impact on me. I wanted to make that impact on other adoptees lives as well, which is why I applied to be an Adopteen committee leader for the summer of 2016 at the Washington, D.C. Conference. Here I was able to further my love, not only for Adopteen as a program, but for the people who are a part of it. I was able to work closely with 10 other committee members and be vulnerable with them. I was able to be honest with campers and tell them my story. But most importantly, I was able to grow as a young, adopted, Asian-American woman. Every time I am with the Adopteen family, I find myself delving further and further into layers of myself that I didn’t even know existed. I realize that I light up in this environment and have some of the best laughs I’ve had in my entire life. I feel whole. I feel like I am a part of something greater than myself. Although I have had my fair share of confusion and uncertainty aboutmyselfandthebeginningofmylife,IbelievethatAdopteen has helped me find my way. Adopteen has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone in one of the most unique, sincere and engaging ways a person could ask for. Adopteen has truly changed my life forever. If it weren’t for Adopteen, I wouldn’t have learned that my adoption is a part of me. It is a part of my truth. It is not something that defines me, but it is something that has influenced the person I am today. I have learned that I am not alone. I have one of the most dependable support systems available to me whenever I am in need, and there is never a doubt in my mind that I will always receive unconditional love from this community. Adopteen will always be a part of me. My Adopteen story By: Gracyn Travitz January 14-16, 2017 Adopteen Midpoint Retreat YMCA Camp Collins Portland, OR June 21-25, 2017 Adopteen Camp-Conference University of Denver Denver, CO June 28-July 8, 2017 Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip (AGBOST) Hunan Province July 17-21, 2017 Adopteen Camp-Conference Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN Gracyn Travitz was born in Hubei province in 1999. She has lived with her parents and older brothers in North Carolina since her adoption in 2000. She plays lacrosse and has been a competitive Irish dancer since fourth grade. She is looking forward to graduating this school year and attending college. 12
  • 13.
    LifelongSupport Here at CCAI,we offer multi-dimensional services that meet the needs of children and families, both now and in the future: • Xpress Yourself: An art therapy program for children between 7 and 12 years old • TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention): An attachment- based, trauma-informed intervention designed for children from“hard places” • Adoptween: A bi-monthly get-together for children between 9 and 12 years old • Adopteen: Camp and Conference for teens • Adoptstronauts: For adoptees age 20 and up • Adoptees Giving Back Orphan Service Trip: For adoptees age 15 and up • Joyous Chinese Cultural Center: On-site and distance learning, cultural and emotional support • China Field Trips: Demonstration of Chinese culture for schools and communities to build local support • Heritage Tour: Four trips a year • National and regional reunions Whether you adopted last year or decades ago, CCAI is here to serve and support your family as your children grow and their needs change! “Thecompletionofadoptionisjustthebeginning oftheadoptionjourney. Wearecommittedto supportingandworkingwithfamiliestoensure thelifelongwell-beingofeachandeveryadopted child.”-JoshuaZhong 13
  • 14.
    Chen’s adoption storyBy: Linda Kneeland We started the process to adopt from Haiti in January of 2014. After two years, no progress had been made on the Haitian side of our adoption, and our social worker suggested we take a look at China, considering CCAI’s extensive experience. So I began looking at CCAI’s website, and that’s when I saw Chen’s picture. While we were expecting to be adopting very young boys from Haiti, her picture and story won our hearts. There was very little time until she aged out of international adoption (age 14 in China), but CCAI made it happen. We were home with Chen in exactly three months. After having prayed for her almost hourly right up until when wefirstmet,wewereallstillnervous.Sheavoidedeyecontactand ignored most everything we said. We returned to the orphanage the next day, where they hosted a big send-off party, loading her down with more items and flowers than we could carry. As she was sobbing, I began to wonder why she was being adopted. She had so many friends who were sad to lose her, and we seemed to be the last people in the world that she had any interest in get- ting to know. My husband and I both felt rather certain that when we went to the US Consulate and she was asked if she wanted to be adopted, she would say no. Other older adoptees in our group seemed to accept their parents, even hug- ging them, but when we went out with the other families, Chen walked as far away from us as she possibly could. The first night home, Chen was afraid to go to bed. She had let me hold her hand when she was scared on the plane, so I sat by her bed and held her hand. She clung to me and lay very still. After about an hour, I laid down on the floor. I ended up lying there, holding her hand, until 5 am. She has now been home five months, and I still kneel by her bed and hold her hand after the lights are out. Though she doesn’t say any- thing, it clearly means a lot to her. I had no plans to do this, but it turned out to be essential to our bonding. I could tell even in China that Chen wanted my time and atten- tion. This summer we did almost everything together and I spent nearly every waking moment with her. When I took her to activi- ties, I stayed and watched. I spoke to her all day, in gentle tones, telling her all the things I wanted her to know, even if she couldn’t understand me. I am a runner, and she loves riding her bike, so she rides along with me as I run. When I work on my lesson plans in my office, she works beside me on puzzles. We hike, shop, bake, play, clean house and read together. I see it as making up for as much of the last 14 years as possible before she gets older and is no longer as interested in my undivided attention. Several short months from our first encounters, Chen is now completely different. She is friendly, happy, loving, hardworking, adapting well and a very typical teenager. She fits in almost as though she has always been here. I give God all the credit and glory for what He has done in her life. Hundreds of people have been praying fervently for us, and I am so grateful! By His grace we survived the heartache of blatant rejection, and love Chen with all our hearts. We have enrolled Chen in plenty of activities to channel her energy, help her learn skills and make positive memories. Kids at our Christian school and church have loved and accepted her. In addition to her friends, I really could not measure the impact of her four older siblings. They all love her and she has a great deal of respect for them. This gets a little personal, but I have had to forgive Chen mul- tiple times for how she treated us at the beginning. Of course, I totally understand that she wanted to reject us before we could reject her, and she had learned to put up defensive, prickly walls. Only after thousands of loving, kind acts that just kept coming consistently did she begin to trust us. I guard my heart from bitterness and choose to passionately love her every moment of every day. Every child is dif- ferent and this adop- tion has taught me that when you adopt, regard- less of age, it is impor- tant to give your child as much love and attention as you would a newborn. No matter what, I have learned that the most vital thing is to draw on the Lord, calling on Him and following His lead- ing. In this adoption, we have felt as though we have been given an impossible task, and each day, God has graciously shown us that with Him, truly, all things are possible! My theme verse in China and after has been: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8 14
  • 15.
    JoyousChineseCulturalCentercelebrates20years! The Joyous ChineseCultural Center (JCCC) offers Chinese cultural education to individuals of all ages. • Dance and language classes • Children’s birthday parties Contact us today! 303-221-6688 • school@chinesechildren.org “JCCC has impacted our family in the fact that from the time Roane was two, he had an innate love and interest in Chinese anything. He picked up words here and there, but what does a parent do to encourage learning Mandarin when I do not speak it? I didn’t even know where to begin. Then I found JCCC: a school that not only could teach Mandarin, but was affordable for a single working mom. The teachers were exceptional too. If it wasn’t for JCCC, Roane’s talent in Chinese language would fade and he would grow up with me only having a what-if. Now, we will have“He did it” because of JCCC. PLEASE DON’T EVER GO AWAY. Parents like me who do not have access to Chinese programs would not have the chance to expand their child’s abilities in a language not readily available for study in schools. Roane is going to grow up becoming a speaker of Mandarin. I have JCCC to thank for this.”-Shannon Minger “JCCC has helped me learn so much and want to dig deeper into my rich culture. I am planning to go back to China for a Heritage Tour through CCAI next summer. I have gone to JCCC’s summer camp for three years now and I am definitely planning on going back.”-Camri Chun Farnworth • Educational outreach • Field trips • Senior day trips • Summer camps Photo credit: Mitchell Brinkhuis
  • 16.
    CELEBRATING 25 years 12,000 lives Sept. 4-8, 2017 Register at dazzlingdestinations.com 6920 S. Holly Circle Centennial, CO 80112-1018 Stay in touch! Please keep your emailupdated with CCAI so wecan contact you with thelatest news and events!mail@ccaifamily.org Save the date! For our annual reunion June 24, 2017 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 5377 DENVER, CO NONPROFIIT ORG