While I pack my bags, I cannot help but wonder how I will be changed by the Orphan Summit VIII. I have attended hundreds of conference, seminars, sessions, and classes on adoption and orphan care. I have hosted and presented at many of these conferences and classes and yet I am continually amazed at how there is always something to learn. Sometimes the speaker will ignite in me a new passion or reignite an old passion that has grown weary. My expectations are high for the Orphan Summit VIII.
I have worked in orphan care and adoption for the past fifteen years and dedicated my profession and personal advocacy to these causes. While many feel that this must be completely rewarding, it comes with a cost. The cost may be time with your family, hurtful words from others, financial restraints and stress; however I know that the final reward is all worth it. Whether this reward is another child being united with their family or a reward in heaven, I know it is worth it. I also have learned that I must be careful with my entire team at MLJ Adoptions as while they all understand the rewards of our work, they too can feel immense stress, work lots of hours and find that they are burned out. While I wish everyone could attend I will have the largest number of MLJ Adoption team members ever to attend a conference together at the Summit.