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28
Mar

International Adoption Remains Stalled in Cambodia

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in MLJ Adoptions
MLJ Adoptions, Inc. continually researches the possibility of new programs in countries where there is a need to provide children with homes. MLJ has been watching closely developments in Asia hoping for changes in policies in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Needless to say both countries do not show anything promising in the near future. Special ...
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27
Mar

Choosing to be a Hummingbird

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in MLJ Adoptions
Recently I heard that a friend of mine was stepping down from the Orphan Ministry at his church. When I heard this I was saddened, but understood his motivation. After spending the last 11 years in orphan ministry and the adoption world I have lived the frustration. It is easy to get discouraged when those ...
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24
Mar

Real Hunger is not a Game

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in MLJ Adoptions
After watching The Hunger Games this weekend I can’t help but consider the question, “What is real hunger?” When is the last time I went days without eating or was forced to look through someone’s trash bins to find something to eat? I feel guilty that I live in a society more like the capitol, ...
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22
Mar

African Orphans Are Still in Need Although Ethiopia Adoptions Have Slowed

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in Congo, MLJ Adoptions
We have been watching the current state of affairs in Ethiopia with international adoptions. Sadly, Ethiopia has begun closing orphanages and reducing the number of international adoptions. Those adoptive parents interested in adopting a child from Ethiopia, are seeing a longer process and longer waits for referrals of children. These decisions not only impact and ...
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21
Mar

Perspectives About Transracial Parenting

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in MLJ Adoptions
A couple weeks ago, I was sitting at the top of an indoor play structure with my kids. There were a couple other kids near us, but I wasn’t paying much attention to them. At some point, they disappeared down the curvy tube slide. Not long after, a piercing scream from inside the slide sent ...
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19
Mar

Orphanology: A Perspective on Evangelical Adoption

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in Resources
I love to hear what motivates people to adopt, how they come to the decision to pursue their unique roads to becoming parents or adding to their families. It is with this curiosity that I read Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care by Tony Merida and Rick Morton. Merida and Morton are passionate ...
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13
Mar

Parenting and Commitment

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in MLJ Adoptions
How do adoption and The Biggest Loser intersect? In Season 12 Winner, John Rhodes. John does something that we talk about in MLJ adoption preparation education classes: he commits to being in the best mindset to parent. When questioning John about his role of parent, he is humble. He is open about his and Jill’s ...
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12
Mar

The Clash: American Culture and International Adoption

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in MLJ Adoptions
Conflict of Cultures or Clash of Cultures is evident in international adoption work. It is difficult to explain to someone that has never worked in international adoption, how culture can play such a significant role in the international adoption process. Culture compounded with poverty creates a process that is completely indescribable or fathomable by most. ...
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8
Mar

Why Interim Care?

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in Congo, MLJ Adoptions
I have talked with many prospective adoptive families who have attempted to adopt previously. I have heard horrific stories of families traveling to Ethiopia and Congo only to arrive and the child is so ill that they lie limp in their parent’s arms. I have listened as an adoptive parent explained their story through grief ...
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4
Mar

Adoption Fundraising is About More than Money

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in Resources
Finances are among the most pressing concerns for families pursuing international adoption. Many other relevant topics such as legal challenges, racism and emotional development are covered on this blog and others like it, but nothing makes the blood pressure rise quite as quickly as pondering what this process will do to the old bank account. ...
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28
Feb

Building Attachment Using the Five Love Languages

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in Resources
In the book The Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman’s explains that each of us gives and receives love in different ways. Everyone has a primary love language and it is how you communicate love with others. Dr. Chapman explains that everyone has an "emotional tank" waiting to be filled with love. When a child ...
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