Caroline's Promise News

We want to show you that although adoption of older children has it's challenges, when families are prepared and offered resources, these children can thrive. The following story is from a Caroline's Promise family that has experienced the trials and joys of adoption. "With all of my children - the boys were from Russia adopted in 2003 and the girls from Kazakhstan in 2005 - there were different issues especially during the first year. As with all kids, their adjustment periods were different lengths; but it probably took between six months to a year to work out most of the issues. Their actual adjustment processes were also different. Matthew who was 6 1/2 at the time of his adoption had some of the same behaviors as the little boy in the news. He bit me several times, he hit, and if I recall correctly it seems like he spit some. Some of these issues, in my opinion, are the result of not being able to communicate. Six months after being in a new country he had lost his ...

"My life's greatest privilege and joy is being the mother of my beloved adopted daughter , Lexa , from Kazakhstan. The fact that God chose to entrust me with such and amazing and lovely creation makes me feel so loved by Him that my heart could just burst. But, let's face it, parenting a child, whether adopted or biological, isn't easy. Prior to adopting, I was exposed to many of its challenges through my involvement with Caroline's Promise and other orphan-support organizations. As a single adoptive mother, I did not go into the adoption process with rose-colored glasses about the pre and post adoption challenges. I knew that I would need the support of others to successfully raise my adopted child. Like many adopted children, my Lexa has some degree of speech delay. I really did not realize how verbally behind she was or the social impact of that delay until I enrolled her in day school last fall. I was terribly disappointed by the manner in which the school ...

The Joint Council on International Children's Services has developed creative ways that you can make a difference for orphans in Russia. Consider joining the We are Truth Campaign. Here is a list of a few of the ways you can participate: "1) Sign the letter to President Medvedev and President Obama asking both Presidents to ensure that inter-country adoption continues uninterrupted and to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of children. 2) Blog about your adoption or the adoption of someone you know. 3) Tell Your Truth with a video of successful adoption from Russia. 4) Tell Your Truth with words or photos of successful adoption from Russia." These are just a few of the ways you can make a difference. Visit www.jcics.org/Russia.htm to join.

As part of the Christian Alliance For Orphans we wanted to share with you their thoughts on the story of the 7 year old boy sent back to Russia by his adoptive mother. Here is their post: "The Internet is abuzz - from Yahoo News to NPR to the Daily Beast - with the tragic controversy surrounding a single mother from Tennessee, who sent her adopted Russian son back to Russia, solo on a plane, claiming that he was acting out in ways she could no longer handle. The mother certainly merits the sharp criticism she's earned, and, if we can find it, compassion and prayers as well. She clearly lost grip on the reality of what adoption represents: that is a permanent intertwining of lives, a sacred commitment. Her choice was like that of a new mother imaging she could simply reverse motherhood by taking a crying newborn back to the hospital - just as, sadly sometimes happens. The story highlights a number of important issues. A few of these are: The vital importance of thorough unders...

We at Caroline's Promise are deeply concerned and saddened by the story of the adoptive mom from Tennessee who sent her 7 year old adopted son back to Russia. Although we do not seek to judge her, we are appalled by the way she handled a very difficult situation. It brings to light that adoptive parents often feel frustrated and alone. There are resources available to help families, but perhaps we as the Church are not doing our best to make them available. Over the next few days we hope to highlight the positive stories of adoption of older children and especially children from Russia. Our hope is that people will not be discouraged from adopting and they would not believe the lies of the media that insinuate that all children adopted from Russia "have problems". I feel like this week my eyes have been opened in a fresh way to the spiritual battle for orphans around the world. We have an enemy who seeks to "steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10) and his plans ...

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who joined us on a beautiful, early spring morning a couple weeks ago to participate in the Human Race as members of the Caroline's Promise team. 268 people walked or ran and raised nearly $1800 which will be used to Reclaim Hope for Orphans! ( All the blue t-shirts are the Caroline's Promise team. The T-shirts said, "In the time it took me to to tie my shoes a child became an orphan". That's about 18 seconds, in case you were wondering .) We'd especially like to thank Jennifer Barnes who spent many hours organizing the Caroline's Promise Human Race Team. We're also appreciative to the Volunteer Center of Greensboro for hosting the Human Race. It was very powerful to look around at the thousands of people who gave up their Saturday morning to support the numerous Triad non-profits represented at the race. We'll see you all at the next Human Race hosted in 2011!