Blog

in Haiti

MLJ is happy to share that our first two adoptive families have completed their adoptions from Haiti and brought their children home! This is a milestone for these families, as well as for MLJ as an agency. We could not be happier! Adoption from Haiti by U.S. families has been popular for many years in ...

21

Nov

Imus, Umus and Other Ways to Incorporate Birth Culture

by Angela Simpson, BSW

While attending a luau in Hawaii, I heard a friend say, “If you go over there, you can smell our dinner cooking underground.” I was very confused by his statement; little did I know that I was about to witness the unearthing of our dinner for the evening. I had never heard of an “earth ...

18

Nov

Photo of the Week

Someone’s ready to have an awesome Thanksgiving break! If you would like your child to be featured as our Photo of the Week, please email info@mljadoptions.com.

16

Nov

The Value of Resources

by Lydia Tarr

in Resources

What is the value in the adoption support resources that are sent to families upon starting the adoption process? Is it just useless information and needless reading that is sent to adoptive families? The resources provided by adoption agencies at the beginning of a family’s adoption process are easy to ignore; there is so much to ...

14

Nov

My Trip to Samoa

in Samoa

As a program director working in international adoption, most of my daily routine keeps me anchored to my computer, assisting adoptive parents with their adoption process and working with foreign attorneys. So it is a real pleasure when I have the opportunity to travel to the countries we serve. Recently my travels took me to ...

11

Nov

Photo of the Week

Our annual Africa party is this Saturday the 12th, from 1-3PM! Come and enjoy some food, crafts, dancing and fun! RSVP here. If you would like your child to be featured as our Photo of the Week, please email info@mljadoptions.com.

9

Nov

MLJ’s Second Family Receives a Referral from Burkina Faso!

in Burkina Faso

Adoption agencies celebrate several milestones that adoptive families achieve during their international adoption processes, and one of the most anticipated ones is when a family is matched with a child in need. Personally, one of the most exciting calls that I make to adoptive parents is calling them to share that they have been matched with ...

7

Nov

What’s the Big Deal About Birth Order?

by Karlene Edgemon, MS, LSW

As a budding young psychology student in the ‘70s, I remember reading The Birth Order Book: Why You Are The Way You Are by Dr. Kevin Leman and thinking “Wow, that explains so much!” As the oldest child in a large Catholic family, I now had an excuse for being an over-achieving, conscientious, cautious, perfectionistic, ...

4

Nov

Photo of the Week

It’s almost the weekend- time for an old fashioned backyard leaf party! If you would like your child to be featured as our Photo of the Week, please email info@mljadoptions.com.

31

Oct

Adopt from Burkina Faso! Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

in Burkina Faso

Throughout the history of international adoption, many families have had a strong desire to adopt from Africa. With changing adoption laws, it can be difficult to predict which African countries will be options for families seeking to begin their adoption journeys. In November 2014, MLJ Adoptions opened our Burkina Faso program to help meet the ...

28

Oct

Photo of the Week

We hope your Halloween weekend is as fun and full of adventure as this little guy’s! If you would like your child to be featured as our Photo of the Week, please email info@mljadoptions.com.

26

Oct

What Happens Once We’re Matched with a Child from Samoa?

by Jen Gavin

in Samoa

Receiving a referral is no doubt one of the most anticipated milestones during the adoption process. But what comes next? For families adopting from Samoa, we’ve provided a snapshot of what happens once you are matched with a child. Identifying and referring the Children: In Samoa, the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) is responsible for identifying ...

24

Oct

It’s Time for MLJ’s Africa Party!

in Events

MLJ Adoptions International hosts several events throughout the year to celebrate international adoption and to bring adoptive parents and children together in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. One of MLJ’s most popular events is our Africa party, which will be held this year on November 12th. We are excitedly preparing to celebrate with parents who have ...

21

Oct

Photo of the Week

Welcome home to these four adorable siblings from Ukraine, who joined their forever family last month! If you would like your child to be featured as our Photo of the Week, please email info@mljadoptions.com.

19

Oct

Frequently Asked Questions about Adopting from Ukraine

in Ukraine

When families consider which countries they are interested in adopting from, the country of Ukraine is at the top of families’ lists for many reasons. In fact, U.S. families adopted over three hundred children from Ukraine in 2015¹. If you’re considering adopting from Ukraine, you probably have some questions, hopefully we’re able to answer a ...

18

Oct

Become a Part of the Adoption Community: Attend an Initial Information Session!

in Events

When I want advice on cooking, clothing or cars, I usually know who to reach out to. For cooking questions, I call my mom. For clothing questions, I call a friend. For car questions, I call my dad. I am thankful to be in a network of people who can answer most of my questions. ...

14

Oct

Leave your Comment on the Proposed Regulations!

in Adoption News

Recently, the Department of State proposed new regulations that, if passed, will significantly and negatively impact international adoption. Read Familiarize yourself with the legislation at Regulations.gov to learn what is at stake. You can read more about our concerns about the proposed regulations on our blog. Leave a Comment by November 7th! Share your family’s personal testimony about ...

14

Oct

Photo of the Week

It’s the weekend- time to go outside and explore! If you would like your child to be featured as our Photo of the Week, please email info@mljadoptions.com.

12

Oct

Adopting a Sibling Group

by Lydia Tarr

Many families, when contemplating their adoption journey, may decide to adopt siblings. Each family seeking to adopt a sibling group will have their own reasons for making that decision. Some reasons might include the perception that it is easier to complete your family all at one time (adding a second child can be less expensive ...

11

Oct

Ten Tips for Traveling with a Toddler