Blog

23
Sep

The Power of Nurturing Touch

At 3:00AM this morning I heard my two year old daughter whimpering in her sleep and I knew a cry would follow shortly. I quietly stepped into her room and placed my hand on her back. She relaxed and drifted back to a peaceful sleep. Amazing what a simple touch can do. Children who have ...
15
Sep

Life on the Congo River: NPR feature

Last week, NPR Morning Edition featured a 5-part series on the Congo River. The series starts at Kisangani (Stanleyville), the beginning of the navigable portion of the river, and continues to Kinshasa, the Capital of The Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, the main narrator for the story, the 3,000 mile long river ...
2
Sep

Parenting Transracially

Do or will you parent transracially? One of the most challenging things to do as a parent of transracially adopted children is to help them see themselves for who they are, as well as, understand how others perceive them and will treat them because of their own biases and prejudices. Especially if you’re a white ...
1
Sep

Having a Family

God created my family and I am so glad that I have them. My dad, my mom, my brothers and my sisters all care for each other, because that is what a family does for each other. I am proud of my family because they help me through everything – friends, homework, and a lot ...
30
Aug

The Most Vulnerable Orphans

I love my job… and I especially love working with the children! It is such an incredible feeling to see children coming home to loving families. Even more wonderful is when I have the opportunity to witness the changes in the lives of the children – how they blossom with the love, security and opportunities ...
17
Aug

You're Invited to the 2010 Adoption Picnic

We hope you can join us for our third annual MLJ Adoption Picnic! The picnic is a great opportunity for adoptive parents to meet others who have adopted and share stories, support, food, and fun. It is an opportunity for your children to meet other kids who may have a similar experience. For prospective adoptive ...
10
Aug

"Amazing Grace": book review

Last night our family started a new tradition; we read a bedtime story together. As a teacher I get many books through Scholastic, so we have a good collection at home for Story to read as she gets older. Since my job focuses on developing reading skills in children I figure I can share this ...
6
Aug

Why Adopt Internationally?

“Why should I adopt internationally when there are so many children in need of a family in the United States?” As adoption professionals, this is a question that arises often in our practice. To be honest, it’s a question that I had before my eyes were opened to the international orphan crisis. There are many ...
2
Aug

Be Informed

The question came from my ten year-old, in my lap as usual. She put her lips to my ear, so not to disturb the other movie patrons, “Would you ever do that, Mama? Give me back?” I felt my heart plummet through the floor and I hugged her really tight, whispering back in her ear, ...
23
Jun

Ideas to Throw an Adoption Shower

All parents should be showered for the arrival of their new child. Adoption showers are my favorite to give. I love the “textures” and “layers” that can be added to this special party. Get an idea of the travel date or the date that the baby is being escorted/arriving home and plan the shower for ...
20
Jun

The Child That Was Not Adopted

The child that was not adopted will grow up without the love and guidance of parents, without the security and identity of family, and always feeling like the last kid picked for dodgeball. The child that was not adopted has little hope. Depending on his or her country, he or she may have had little ...
15
Jun

A Father to the Fatherless

God has given me a heart for children. I use this gift every week as I serve in my church’s children’s ministry. Each week I look forward to seeing the children and teaching them about God. It brings me great joy to see how much the kids learn. Yet, I feel that God has a ...
11
Jun

DRCongo Adoption News

In response to a recent posting by another US adoption group indicating they are experiencing delays and disappointments with their DRC adoption program and as a result are no longer accepting adoption applications for Congo, MLJ Adoptions, Inc. would like to provide you with the following update: MLJ Adoptions, Inc. is not experiencing changes or ...
10
Jun

Congo Adoption Program Updates

Our adoption program in the Democratic Republic of Congo was launched in October 2009. The popularity of this program is related to the availability of infants, the quick process compared to other international adoption programs, and travel is not required by adoptive parents. With the popularity of the program, however, we have found as the ...
3
Jun

Hope for Congo

This October 2nd I will be running 5K in honor of my daughter’s first mother. I am not a runner. I’ve never been a runner. I am not even sure how to run. But, as we wait for our daughter to arrive home I’ve been using running in order to de-stress during the adoption process. ...
27
May

Lessons From the Connected Child

This book was written by staff at the Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University for parents who have welcomed home children from other countries, troubled backgrounds, and/or with special behavioral or emotional needs. The text begins with changes that can be expected when an adopted child is welcomed into a family. It outlines ...
Page 81 of 84