Holt Graduates Celebrating The2011 for the Sake of the Least of These

Holt Graduates Celebrating the2011 For the sake of the least of these

inside Christmas

Fall 2011 in this issue 4 To Clothe, To Feed, Fall 2011 vol. 53 no. 4 Our Vision To Love, To Serve Holt International is dedicated to carrying out God’s New York Times best-selling author and Holt plan for every child to have a permanent, loving family. advocate Donna VanLiere recently returned from India with Christian music group NewS- In 1955 Harry and Bertha Holt responded to the conviction that God had called them to help children ong. “God is here. Among us,” she says. “Dis- left homeless by the Korean War. Though it took guised as an 8-year-old orphan..." an act of the U.S. Congress, the Holts adopted eight of those children. But they were moved by the desperate plight of other orphaned children in 10 Happy Birthday to Korea and other countries as well, so they founded Holt International Children’s Services in order to Dr. David Kim unite homeless children with families who would Children in the slums of love them as their own. Today Holt International Bangalore, India pose for a photo. serves children and families in Bulgaria, Cambodia, 14 Graduates of 2011 China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North With assistance from generous Korea), Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Nepal, the donations, we help children like Philippines, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), 17 Adoptees Today these receive quality nutritional, Romania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, the United A high school graduate shares her college medical and educational support. States and Vietnam. entrance essay You can help fund these services President through the Gifts of Hope catalog Kim S. Brown in this issue. Senior Vice-President Phillip A. Littleton Vice-President of Policy & External Affairs Dear Readers Susan Soon-keum Cox Vice-President of International Programs As I scan the pages of this year’s graduate issue, one name jumps out at me. Kori Stiles. Dan Lauer Vice-President of Finance & Administration Kori was the very first Holt adoptee from China. She recently returned to her birth country Kevin Sweeney Vice-President of Adoption Services on a Holt heritage tour. Adopted in 1994, Kori graduated this year and is currently attend- Lisa Vertulfo ing Fresno Pacific University, majoring in biology. She is one of the many accomplished Senior Advisor David Lim adoptees who grace the pages of this year’s special graduate issue. We are so proud of this Senior Executive year’s graduates and their impressive achievements. Kudos also to their parents for raising Jian Chen bright and talented young adults. Holt International magazine is published quarterly by Holt International Children’s Services, Inc., a In this issue, I notice another child from China. A little boy named Darren. Darren nonprofit, Christian, child welfare organization. While Holt International is responsible for the hasn’t graduated yet. He hasn’t received scholarships or awards. No job offers have come content of Holt International magazine, the viewpoints expressed in this publication are not his way. That’s not to say Darren hasn’t accomplished a lot in his 5 years of life. A kin- necessarily those of the organization. dergartner, Darren can count to 100 and knows 50 Chinese characters. He even knows a Creative Services Director Brian Campbell little English. He loves to smile and dance, can dress himself and brush his teeth. Darren Managing Editor Ashli Keyser is described as curious, always asking questions when faced with new things. He, too, has Senior Writer Robin Munro Graphics Chloe Goldbloom a bright future. Subscription Orders/Inquiries and Address Darren is still waiting for a family. Changes Send all editorial correspondence and changes A lot has changed in the world of international adoption since this year’s graduates came of address to Holt International magazine, Holt International, P.O. Box 2880, Eugene, OR 97402. We home to their families. Children with special needs, older children and boys are now first ask for an annual donation of $20 to cover the cost of publication and mailing inside the United States and in line for adoption. Although advocacy for these children should be a year-long effort, $40 outside the United States. Holt welcomes the this month, especially, we can help change the conversation about the children in need of contribution of letters and articles for publication, but assumes no responsibility for return of letters, families. November is National Adoption Month – a month dedicated to the advocacy of manuscripts or photos. homeless children. You can help children like Darren have a home of their own. Reprint Information Permission from Holt International is required It’s a wonderful thought, imagining that 13 or so years from now, I may scan the graduate prior to reprinting any portion of Holt International issue, once again, and come across Darren’s face among the graduates. A future doctor, like magazine. Please direct reprint requests to editor Ashli Keyser at 541/687.2202 or Kori, perhaps. Maybe a dancer, or a teacher. [email protected].

For more information on how you can help change the conversation this November, go to www.holtinternational.org/NationalAdoptionMonth.shtml

P.O. Box 2880 (1195 City View) Eugene, OR 97402 Ashli Keyser | Managing Editor Ph: 541/687.2202 Fax: 541/683.6175

Holt InternationalHolt / Fall 2011 2 directions One Gift… A Lifetime of Opportunity Give a Gift of Hope today

The graduate issue of the Holt International magazine is always a favorite. We treasure the chance to recognize Holt graduates for their accomplishments. And we admire their efforts. Although their lives began with uncertainty, these children have become vibrant and gifted young adults with many opportunities in front of them. We celebrate this milestone with them.

As we approach the holiday season, our thoughts and prayers turn to the children who don’t yet have stable, loving families. They need our support.

In this issue, we have included our Gifts of Hope catalog, listing items and services you can help fund by giving them as gifts to family and friends. Each gift in our catalog brings hope to children and families around the world. What would it mean in the life of your own child if you not only gave him the toys on his Christmas list, but also toys in his name for toddlers in China? What if, in the name of your sister, you helped provide clothing, cribs and bedding for children in Korea? Or a goat for a struggling family in Ethiopia, providing both nutritious milk and a source of income? Even a small donation can give a girl in India the materials she needs to excel in school – as well as the confidence she needs to complete her education.

The graduate issue of the Holt International magazine is a symbol of Holt’s work. God gave these children the gift of life. Donors like you helped them survive before coming home to their families. And loving parents presented them with opportunities that led them to their gradu- ation day.

This Christmas, you can give this same hope to children around the world. One gift is all it could take to help a family survive. Help a child grow. One gift could change a child’s life forever.

For living proof of what gifts of hope can do, take a look at this year’s graduates.

Merry Christmas! | From all of us at Holt International

Like us on Facebook. Stay tuned in and find out how you can partner with Holt International to impact the lives of over 2,500 children with our P.O. Box 2880 (1195 City View) Eugene, OR 97402 Gifts of Hope catalog. Ph: 541/687.2202 Fax: 541/683.6175 For the ofLeast These Holt International.org 5 - I just returned from a 9-day trip and I to My India. Troy husband would expectYou to me write the of misery the of orphans, but LittlePria (her namewas means four years love) the but size old went there went with members the of Christian group music NewSong. In Bangalore, we visited a care center run by a beautiful, saintly woman named Mary One dinner, night Paul. at NewSong member EddieCarswell and his wife with sat Maryand them Paul told she that twenty generations ago her great, great, this great (do twenty times) grandfather the met apostle Thomas and Thomas shared the truth with him. I will I doubt ever again meet anyone who cantrace their faith journey directly thebackto of one apostles! Ancient documents describe not do Thomas as a dynamic orator likethe apostlequiet a man rather, drew Paul,but who people to the gospel peace of through his saintly ways and themessage of truth. Twenty generations Mary later, sees Paul God dressed as abandoned children and shares hope and with love them. impossiblethat’s to when writing do the about care center Mary runs. Paul walls The are bright, the staff is warm and the children are loved. Very loved. They smile and easily laugh and are quick to wrap their pencil-thin arms around you. A little boy walked andI, grinning. to up Troy said. he nine “I’m Vanej,” “Myname’s years old.” NewSong songs of sang the a couple for children and then the children sang us, for little holding the of one Vanej two microphones and singing loudly. Eighteen months Vanej earlier, was on an outing with his parents was when he somehow sepa rated from them. orphanage The advertised in the papers, on TV and radio, looking his for parents. They traveled said where Vanej livedhe flyers up and put and talked with people on the streets, with results. no In a country billion like much 1.1 of people, it’s finding a needle in talked a haystack. Vanej missing of his mother and his was sister. It heartbreaking, still he but smiled. pixie. a of as we walked eyes Her black were saucer-wide toward her bed and lit her face the up room. I picked and her up realized purchasedI’ve potatoes a sack of that weighed than more did. she - -

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Thomas gave himself that dying for love, the at a spear. end of He loved and fed the people India of as if feeding God himself and his missing him. His desire grew stronger and his longing deeper. apostle. His life reveals that came he to know Christ best through to ancient records, Thomas traveled farther than any other of theof these least of brothers mine, of According did you me.” for always. Remember, tellI the you truth. Whatever did you one for and the spread gospel. “Go Thomas. Be brave. I am with you with Jesus gave he them a simple directive—Go into all the world andbelieve.” And Thomas did. last The time the apostles were “Go ahead,” he said. “Touch them. said. he real. “Go “Touch They’re ahead,” Stop doubting hands like a magician proving there was nothing his up sleeves. His reunion with Christ is laid in out his John Jesus 20. out held we know the way?” We can’t be too hard can’t Thomas.on Even weknow the We the wis way?” the a head-shakinghis nature It’s doubt. That’s of head. disease. doubtful, said, “… We don’t know where areyou going, don’t doubtful, can so how We said, “… alive!”came to Thomas shook Thomas and said, news! He’s “Great the Thomas, always where I am place going.” confused, always flung off his grave clothes three the other days later, apostles 14, Jesus was14, speaking know and the Heaven of said, way to “You mind Thomas’ at and nerves. When Christ was crucified, then nips the hard at heels was belief. problem. In of John Thomas’ That the until dead the saw he scars on His nail-pierced hands. Doubt is true, either a diabolical that or he’s liar clinically or insane. who made it clear it believe that made would not who he Jesus risen had from Thomas. A choice hasfor to Christbe made…believe what says sion field. Remember He was the of one Thomas? twelve apostles est among and us question doubt and scratch our heads. comes to the except Father This through is a crucial me.” moment 'Will you help me? Will you offer me any bread?'” any me offer you Will me? help you 'Will middle of a slum with outstretched hands. He doesn’t speak but we know what he is saying... saying... is he what know we but speak doesn’t He hands. outstretched with a slum of middle group NewSong. “God is here. Among us,” she says. “Disguised as an 8-year-old orphan with withered legs, standing in the the in standing legs, withered with orphan 8-year-old an as “Disguised says. she us,” Among here. is “God NewSong. group New York Times best-selling author and Holt advocate Donna VanLiere recently returned from India with Christian music music Christian with from India returned recently VanLiere Donna advocate Holt and author best-selling Times York New These Least Holt International / Fall 2011 6 garbage…not litter…garbage. garbage…not with piled streets and explosion abomb from rubble charred the like looked that areas” “shopping passing 124 miles, those in poor of the We poorest saw the bone. the to soaked day, getting their went about others while atruck beneath herself tucked woman One roofs. tarp under huddled together of people Clusters soup. muddy thick, to turned roads dusty the and traveled, we as rain to Taj It began the see to Mahal. asix-hour drive!) (but 124 miles of adistance traveled we day of sightseeing, our On windows. the off eyes our We took alot never breath heldon them. and our riding people three-to-five with motorcycles and scooters mals, ani rickshaws, cars, with chaotic six-lane roads, really are roads Two-lane different. is India Guatemala—but and China from say, you.” lives whose see “I staff, her and director, orphanage the for Roxanna, by cared are boys these of Both in. sleep to abed him gave and him fed They up. him cleaned and boy nameless little this in took Thepoor. orphanage no who doubt were very parents, for his great too were needs his that assume “And only can They he can’t told me. speak.” giver “He’s blind,” acare him. beneath ground the feeling playground, of the corner the Hesat in orphanage. the to 9 or delivered 10 was Two flat. head day, around is earlier, aboy ofthe back his days the throughout over him rolls staff the although And couldn’t walk. face. He face to He couldn’t from speak. moving eyes his crib, his them.” Bless them. Love of them. “Take care echoes. face oflife her God,” the are children “These effect. trickle-down the in fully believing Paul, Mary to back smile that trace only Ican smiling. Hewas Unbelievable! smiling. sounds…and gurgling making for us, clapped and giver care of shoulder his onto the Hesnuggled gone. face is of his The rest one eye. with him leaving Arjun, mauled Adog infant. she smiled. properly. quite healed But still, it and never arm brokenher She had recently disease. bone brittle she had that explained it and was felt disjointed arm tiny Her www.holtinternational.org/gifts support, our need to continue will agencies They strong. partner and our together support, families educational and struggling keep to work nutritional ·Through Pria holds Paul, Mary Director, ·VCT donors generous by provided support educational from benefiting girls with stands 5,Pg. Donna I have visited other foreign countries—our own children are are children own countries—our foreign other I have visited lay in legs withered 8-year-old an with Pune, in orphanage an In a 12-month-old Arjun, baby We see to weren’t prepared - - - across the sea whose name we can’twe name whose sea isn’t pronounce news the on the across radar. onour That orphan registered never home her away has in tucked herself who keeps widow the and cause much of aruckus doesn’t shelter at food adowntown seeking The man homeless him. it’s miss that to ways easy quiet such in us to comes God because problem, of our that’s and part people We anoisy are plate. the up to step will else someone surely because follow at all or brave, don’t we or giving kind be nudge to us hearts our when But pay it to off? years five it takes if TV, one. get we Who cares donations? those without children those to What happen would donations. sponsorship Holt International the through orphanage nearby the by provided services nutrition and educational the from benefit slum that in others several and home that in weren’t of The it. children aware they else, anything needed they If bright. were faces their and organized home was their clean, were clothes or But sofa. their TV beds, tor, chairs, else…no table, refrigera nothing and people four housed that We room a“home,” enter hand. to asix-by-eight heads our ducked held out and his at acorner stood old man an while beaming, us, out of home her held it and up to kitten brought anewborn girl little out bath another of abucket, his up he at took as us smiled boy Alittle alleyways. and streets the roaming donkeys and ens chick pigs, goats, dogs, with or plastic wood of metal, scraps by held together of rubble amass different, are The slums those. 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doing something, and

or browse or through the

Franklin, Tennessee Tennessee Franklin,

GIFTS HOPE

Read Donna’s latest book,Read Donna’s “The Christmas Note,” a story of forgiveness, hope and redemption. Visit donnavanliere.com for more information.

We are here toWe clothe, to feed, to to serve. love, took It the death We likeWe to spin things like didn’t the here. We fact that The through the Gifts Hope of catalog. families in India, and other countries serves, Holt www.holtinternational.org/gifts catalog in this issue. Go online to see you can how children help and By Donna VanLiere | VanLiere Donna By of theof these. least of doors that truth enters. we May all be the an For open sake door. are saying... “Will Will me? help you offer you any me bread?” hisof beloved friend Thomas to for realize that is it through these infant with speak, they we know half but what They don’t a face. ever takes after. whatever do it We’ll to deal with the harsh real and we realize that not doing anything is orphan with withered legs flat and a head as and stone, a year-old and dissolved, so we spun so gets she it her man and lives happily hearts—“Whatever the for do you these, least of unto do you me” hard we try. God is here. Among us. Disguised as an 8-year-old sible for not knowing not sible for his plight? Little Mermaid get the didn’t prince rather but returnedto the sea ity our of existence. the But words Christ of stillour at bang away a hardthat’s truth spin that, can’t matter no how We to swallow. or inor the pages the of weekly tabloid, can so how we feel respon Robin's Story

I Will Find You A Family When Lijen Lamb was 6 years old, Jian Chen made her a promise. “LiJen,” she said, “I will find you a family.” Three years later, she made good on that promise. Ten years later, Jian would play another significant, though unexpected, role in LiJen’s life.

“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.” – Chinese proverb

Tacked to the wall in the office of Jian Chen, Holt’s director of programs for China, is a photo of 9 girls. None are sisters by birth, but some are sisters through adoption. Four of them once lived in the same orphanage in Nanchang. One is deaf. One is blind. One is the first child with a special need adopted through Holt from China. At the center stands a girl in a wedding dress. Beside her stands Jian, beaming. These girls are her life’s work.

Jian first met LiJen Lamb, the bride, in the early 1990s. China had only recently opened for international adoption, and Jian’s career with Holt had only just begun. Often, when traveling on business, Jian would visit the orphanages Holt partnered with, meeting the children she would help find families for. On one visit to the Nanchang Orphanage, the director brought this shy little girl over to her. “If you ever want to help a child,” she said, “help this one.”

A Canadian couple had recently adopted LiJen’s closest friends, and many of the children remaining at the orphanage had serious special needs. “She was the only one who could walk around,” says Jian. “She was very sad all the time.”

The Canadian family had intended to adopt LiJen as well. “The staff there told me, ‘Oh, when you get adopted you can have all kinds of things – a family, they’ll love you. That it’s just this kind of magical place that you’ll feel like, ‘Oh, I’ll be loved,’” LiJen recalls. When her adoption fell through, she was devastated.

With characteristic resolve, Jian told her, “LiJen, I will find you a family.”

Although outwardly confident, Jian knew what she was up against. “It was very rare to adopt older children when she was adopted,” she says. Both now and then, most families wanted to adopt a healthy infant girl. And in the early 1990s, one thing China had in abundance was healthy infant girls needing families. At 6 years old, LiJen was past her prime for adoption.

“Usually you’d see babies being adopted. So I thought, ‘Oh, my chances are kind of low,’” LiJen recalls.

Jian came up with a plan. When in China, Jian often stayed in the same hotels as the adoptive families traveling to pick up their children. So Jian began taking LiJen along on her business trips. While Jian talked to the families, LiJen would sit quietly at her side, folding origami. “Parents started to ask, ‘Who is that little girl?’” Jian says.

On one trip, a family asked to record LiJen on video. “They wanted to inspire other people at church to adopt kids,” LiJen says. Once home, the couple shared the video with their sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jim DeLange. “We really hadn’t considered adoption because, especially at that time, you thought infants,” says Ann, who with three boys at home, felt done raising babies. “After seeing LiJen, my thought was, why shouldn’t we? God just took it the rest of the way from there.”

Jian’s plan had worked. After three years of advocating for her, Jian had helped find a family for LiJen.

Holt InternationalHolt / Fall 2011 8 Holt International.org 9 - daughter, LiJen, at age 9 in China. Like us on Facebook to keep up-to-date Holt happen on country and ings, updates read stories like this one! LiJen Lamb, Ellie Dixon (LiJen’s cousin), and Talia Panida Lamb. Chen stands at the center. From left: Miranda and Lilly Wolpert, LiJen, her cousin, sisters-in-law and friends on her wedding day. day. wedding friends her sisters-in-law and on cousin, her LiJen, Zana Ying Lamb, Kate Springstead, Jian Chen, Hope Springstead, Springstead, Hope Chen, Jian Springstead, Kate Lamb, Ying Zana Eight of the girls were adopted from China, one from Thailand. Jian Jian from Thailand. one from China, adopted were girls the of Eight Opposite Page, Jian Top: Chen, Holt’s director of programs for China, Top: Jian Top: and LiJen on a Holt heritage tour of China in 2008. Bottom: with LiJen in China in 1996. Bottom: Ann and Jim DeLange with their - - - - Chinese proverb Senior Writer

those who are destined to meet meet to destined are who those

tangle, but it will never break.” – break.” will it never but tangle, “An invisible red thread connects connects thread red invisible “An “There’s not really not “There’s a great future kidsfor in the think orphanage. I don’t I would Looking the 9 beautiful of at photo girls, all adopted, like Jian says, “It’s a red LiJen never asked Jian all of why the kids, picked she her to take on trips. But At Jian’s suggestion, Jian’s At LiJen emailed later the brothers, offering to Ying help with “The parentsyears bride’s connect said, you all ago, ‘Jian, your Twelve it’s fault! Jian also recognized Ying’s parents, Steveand Cindy Lamb, adopted had who “All this“All time I was trying says Jian. “When to her find I saw her,” for a home When the tour with up met adoptive families in Guangzhou, Jian spotted a girl He never did. until Not the LiJen day decided go to herself. let During thesummer 2008, of LiJen returned to China heritage on a Holt tour. Although disappointed first before, LiJen’s from hug real her father it made for stance. The thread may stretch or or stretch may thread The stance.

regardless of time, place or circum or place time, of regardless Robin Munro | Munro Robin term,” she says. “I’m veryterm,” says. she “I’m blessed. I really family.” my love have beenhave to people support have go who to able college… I wouldn’t long- me older kidsolder stay and in work the orphanage they once reach adulthood. mightstill be where heralmost found she 20 yearsWith ago. options, few many says. “You don’t get LiJen that in help, the believes don’t orphanage.” Without Jian’s says. she “You thread runs through all these of people – with humanity, care love, and religion.” incredibly felt she special because it. of “I remember her full I had she attention,” It’s everyone’s fault,” she quipped she everyone’s in fault,” response.It’s fromOhio, from he California. LiJenyearA and later, twoJosh adop brought Holt Jian all says, laughing. yourIt’s fault,’” “Everyone in the party whole is connected. her transition. Josh responded immediately, and they started corresponding – she tive families together in marriage. ed us with LiJen and we said we would never her go until let has she her husband! college-age brothers, Josh and Dave. twice introduced before. She LiJen family, to including Ying’s whole Ying’s two adopted13. at inthe White Swan Hotel, I was in Ying tears.” was 5 when they met. was She director to move her. Ying serious had needs, they but were all physical. Jian convinced the orphanage had no mental problems,” says Jian mental no theirhad of problems,” first meeting. belong “She there.” didn’t older boysolder with cerebral smiled, she “When palsy. her, I looked and at I realized she been housed with children severe had who special needs – many them of much maker life in – this LiJen’s time, unintentionally. recognizedshe from same LiJen's orphanage in Nanchang. Like LiJen, Ying had Once again, would she travel with Jian. And again, once Jian match would play he’s not going not go.’” me to let he’s her. “He knelt downher. and really says. was she “It like, embraced Gosh, my ‘Oh me,” Holt International / Fall 2011 10 this extraordinary man. man. extraordinary this of compassion and devotion the to alegacy way, all asmall are we In behalf. onyour efforts his by life, his by graced been has life your that you should know personally, David know to fortune who havegood not adoptees had the those apriority. considered should be of adoption issues life-long the that teaching on adoption, Convention Hague of the drafting the advocate during forceful and a powerful He was for adoptees. heritage and ture can’tThey wait.” whiskers. have white will on what children done, should be the agree governments and adults until wait have to children say, David heard I’ve “If urgency. often with respond to – and respond to responsibility our and of children needs the of children. onbehalf victories and challenges adversity, through led honor he has follow as an to it and is contagious, are commitment and vision His friend. and me. to acomfort always was personality generous and warm his and of times, up, anumber Isaw David growing me. Iwas to When unknown was that Ahistory Korea. in began asaucer on[my] was head.” there like “looked grow-outs the that recalls David and out, of growing process the in was hair My me more look Korean. make to back coal dyed had been that hair and eyes families. adoptive their U.S. to the to who came of wave children first the were they wavers,” indicating “first the themselves call Some David. celebrate to country the around from coming adoptees generation first were guests of the Many Kim. H. Susan Soonkeum Cox | Adoptees the from around the country come to Eugene, Oregon to celebrate the 80 Graced his by Legacy Happy Birthday, David Kim. Kim. David Birthday, Happy For of us. of many lives the touched personally he has years, the Over Kim. for David my regard not in alone I am of cul importance the acknowledge to commitment the and camps heritage tours, motherland pioneered has David about passion with talk him to I’ve listened David. from Ilearned advocacy and about adoption Much of what Ibelieve teacher, mentor awonderful David, work with to at Holt of been my years has blessings important most of the One that of my history blanks the in fill to who helped father. and David my It mother was Iknew before David I knew face, sad around with girl alittle Iwas that old. Heremembers 4years Iwas when Korea in Kim met David I first Saturday, September 22, 2011. Approximately 300 people gathered in Eugene to celebrate the 80 the celebrate to Eugene in gathered people 300 2011. 22, Approximately Saturday, September Christmas. Go to www.holtinternational.org/gifts Go Christmas. this need in to a child Hope of a Gift by giving children of needs urgent to the You Kim. David wait,” respond can’t says “Children can Vice President of Affairs Policy and External or look through the catalog in this issue. issue. this in catalog the through look or th birthday of Dr. David Kim th birthday of Dr. David of Dr. David birthday -

Live Simply So that Others May Simply Live A Holt adoptee volunteers at Ilsan

My name is Robert Daze and I am an adopted Korean-American. My heart was set on meeting my birth mother. The file had been opened and the first initial contact had been made. I signed up to volunteer at Holt Ilsan for the summer of 2011 in the hopes that I would be able to meet her while volunteering. The final puzzle pieces of my identity as an adopted Korean- American would finally fall into place. Yet this meeting did not come to pass, for little did I know that something greater was in store.

Recounting my experience in Korea will never give it complete justice, for human words can- not fully express the experience I had at Ilsan. It is one of those things that must be done in action – love in action. My volunteer duties consisted of various “activities” to engage the residents in mutual bonding moments. I often took the residents off the Holt premises and indulged their pal- ettes with ice cream and Coke. Having my Bachelor’s degree in dance from Santa Clara University, I was asked to teach the residents a weekly dance class. I did everything I could to assimilate myself to their daily lives. Being a premedical student, I was asked to escort some of the residents to the local hospital. Coming face to face with some of the more severe cases of cerebral palsy and mental retardation opened my eyes to my future as a doctor. But more importantly, the experience I gained in Korea transcended that of medicine. I began to see the residents beyond the scope of their disabilities. The recognition of each person’s humanity and human dignity was the end-all for me. The sense of humility that became ingrained in my experience was instrumental in shaping my identity as a Korean-American – these were my people. My activities extended beyond the normal set schedule, as I could not part myself from the residents. The epiphany came when some of the younger male residents began to call me “older brother.”

The hardest day for me was the day I boarded the plane back to the United States. It is a day I will never forget. The brother I never had, Gyu, wrote me a letter that stated, “Robert, my brother. Thank you. I love you. Come back soon.” Even in the simplest of sentences this message carried maturity far beyond his years. I left Ilsan crying, as one of my other brothers begged me not to leave. The relationships I built at Ilsan were not a consequence of my volunteer commitment. They were grounded in something deeper. I came to the realiza- tion that these people were not just residents at Holt – they were my family. A family who I was destined to meet. A family whose bonds will never be broken. A family who I will love forever.

This trip was not about volunteering, but rather, a homecoming. I originally signed up for Holt to help others. Little did I know that this wish would not be fulfilled as I thought; for in coming to Korea, they were the ones that helped me. I may not have gotten what I wanted, but I got something I truly needed.

When I got back home to America, my friends would praise me for my heroic deed of volunteering in Korea. But in fact, I was no hero. The true heroes are the men and women who work at Holt Ilsan. The works of charity and compassion exuded by the housemothers and staff are timeless examples of what it means to be selfless. They were the ones changing diapers, feeding the residents, cleaning up the messes – they are the ones fighting the good fight.

Even though every journey must come to an end, I rest assured that this was only a step towards something greater. A chapter of my life has been written—written by the ones I love. I came to Korea to find my mother, but instead I found my family. They have walked

into my life and left their footprints on my heart. I am forever indebted to my family for Holt International.org helping me become the man I am today. I know I was meant to come to Ilsan. And I know that one day, I shall return. Till we meet again.

By Robert Daze | Santa Ana, California

11 from the family the from Holt International / Fall 2011 12 forever families, just as our girls waited so many years earlier. years many so waited girls our as just families, forever for waiting who are children playedwith and walked We of us. for talked, all experience moving adeeply such was This children. needs for special orphanage aChristian at Village, Shepherd’s Children’s Field working Beijing, in few days first our cities. birth their visiting and Fuzhou; to returning China; major in sites visiting orphanage; an in working time some spending things: four to down trip the narrowed They time. this journey their it was do, to since wanted they what girls We the college. asked entered oldest girls our before go to need we’d decided we discussion, and of prayer years onehomes. of– near our lives. onour hand Father had his the However, once again, homes. respective our to back journeyed and felt we satisfied, that, With relationship. of our extent the be would this for Karen’s. –except thoughts 12-year-olds as of our any not in was girls baby our moment, imagining At that invited!” is May of 2007! Everyone in Mitzvah lives. our work in recent of God’s culmination the and beautiful, truly was The for service us. blessing aJewish sang Phil, husband, her she and so daughters, our upon blessing Hebrew aspecial pray to wanted Jewish, being home. Karen, trip our and families our daughters, our over blessing aspecial pastor, prayed Steve, together. coming was plan God’s well. as help one could another daughters our grew, and daughters our as each other support could we realized we Soon, feelings. their process how help would we them older, get discussed they and as ask might daughters our what questions We imagined blood. than that’s abond –and stronger families of ten afamily forming was God that then each other. We not realize did China. in daughters of our Father, thread the and forever. afamily, us make would that –aplan for lives our plan different had a very Lord But the trip. of our duration for the each other know We only would we that thought China. in The Fuzhou 10 Love; With China, From To Karen,

On June 23, 2011, we met in Chicago for our trip to China. After a year of preparation, it was finally a reality! We spent areality! finally it was of preparation, ayear After China. to for trip our 2011, 23, June Chicago met On we in about five After homeland. their visit back to daughters our of taking possibility the discussing began we passed, time As daughters and parents –both meet we years, two Every reunion. family abi-annual into turned letter Robin The Round We daughters. on our thought pictures and updates letter, including Robin aRound through touch in keep to We decided for Paulina’s Bat Cincinnati in meet “May, all 2007! We announced, will Karen room, hotel crowded the satwe in As Our ways. wentseparate our all we and ended, journey our before service have aspecial to decided we evening, One with as well as daughters our with bonded we few weeks, next the Over daughters. our received quickly very we China, In of one thread the threads: common two by united all one Jewish, Christian, of us -nine families of ten We agroup were daughters up our pick to traveling parents, adoptive soon-to-be We of 1995. all November were We in Hong Kong, met in Finally, we returned to Fuzhou, in Fujian Province, where 16 years earlier we adopted our our adopted we earlier 16 where years Province, Fujian in Fuzhou, to returned we Finally, girls. We stayed in the same hotel as before, and retraced our steps – this time, with our our with time, –this steps our retraced and before, as hotel same the We in stayed girls. daughters walking beside us. us. beside walking daughters ‘Ou, Shaou Wu and Song Xi. As our group divided to visit the three orphanages, anxi orphanages, three the visit to divided group our As Shaou Xi. ‘Ou, Song Wu and ety began to build for all of us. We were each going to a place that we had never seen seen had we aplace never to that We of us. each going for were all build to began ety before – a place our daughters had once called home, of. but had had once called no –aplacedaughters memory before our The next day, we traveled back to Fuzhou to meet up with our group, and share our our share and group, our up with meet to Fuzhou day, to back The next traveled we experiences. We all had been so blessed! so We had been all experiences.

At the orphanage, we met with the directors, and visited some of the children. children. of some the visited and directors, the met we with orphanage, At the Jian in daughters’ orphanages, our to back us took journey our there, From - For memory’s sake, we then traveled to Guangzhou and visited the last few adoption stops. As we traveled back to the USA, we were all so thankful for our trip to China! We knew that God set this into motion many years ago, and He saw it to completion in July 2011, as we all returned safely home.

None of us would have imagined that such an eclectic group of people would meet in a foreign land, spend nearly three weeks together, and become a forever family. But God did. He imagined, designed and set it into motion 16 years ago, and we are forever thankful for His guidance and direction in our lives.

Sadly, Karen died of breast cancer in October of 2006. She did not get to see her daughter Paulina’s Bat Mitzvah. Many of us nevertheless traveled to support Paulina on her special day. We knew Karen would have been proud to know that we were there. Karen believed in family, and wanted us as her extended family. We may not have realized at the time how much we needed each other, but Karen did. She did not get to return to China with us, but she did go back a second time – to adopt her youngest daughter, Bayla. Both girls traveled with us on our return trip to China.

Karen had a dream for us to be a family, and we have been a family – a family brought together by God and our Chinese daughters.

Sixteen years ago, we all met in Hong Kong. Ten sets of parents, along with two grandmothers, one big sister, and a friend. We all came from various occupations, states, and situations. However, we now had three common threads: God, our Father, our Chinese daughters, and our Fuzhou Family.

“A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

Mindy Heitkamp | Shiloh, Illinois

Places Remembered in the Heart Holt Heritage Tours

www.holtinternational.org/tours Holt International / Fall 2011 14 CONGRATULATIONS! Class Bach, Nathaniel Bach, Amich, Taylor— autism. with children with work to Plans Phi. Kappa Phi Pathology; Cavendish, Mindy— (Philippines) Chicago. in University Loyola at psychology in major to Plans piano. plays and composes arts, martial in champion 3-time Fu, Catiggay, Alex— NJ. Brunswick, New in University Rutgers at biochemistry and ogy Cassin, Julius— (China) Ashland. in University Oregon Southern at art in major to Plans award. Band Sousa Phillip John band, Busso, Elizabeth— States) (United Brookings. in University State Dakota South attend to Jillian— Bryan, (India) international at studies of University Wisconsin–Milwaukee. in major to Plans dance). Indian South classical millennia-old, Sirhianna— Brand, (India) IL. Carterville, in College Logan A. John at nursing in major to Plans society. art America, of Leaders Business Future Athletes, Ashley— Bockhorn, PA. (Korea) Reading, in College Albright at justice and crime in major to Plans trips. mission church field, and track Nathaniel— Bach, (Korea) acareer. or college on deciding until workforce the join to Plans court. homecoming Christian— Armstrong, Catiggay, Alex (Korea) (Korea)

Galloway, NJ; Plans to major in molecular biol molecular in major to Plans NJ; Galloway, Sioux Falls, SD; National Honors choir. Plans Plans choir. Honors National SD; Falls, Sioux (Vietnam) San Mateo, CA; 2nd degree black belt in Kung Kung in belt black degree 2nd CA; Mateo, San Scotch Plains, NJ; choir, select men’s choir, Bandon, OR; National Honor Society, jazz Steeleville, Fellow IL; cheerleading, Christian Madison, WI; Bharatanatyam (devotional, WI;Madison, Bharatanatyam Beaufort, SC; M.S.Beaufort, in Speech/Language Evansville, IN; service club, football, club, football, IN;Evansville, service Bockhorn, Ashley Cavendish, Mindy Cavendish, of -

Brand, Sirhianna Dahl, Evan Dahl, Chow, Jade Chow, (Korea) University. State Dakota South at art or music in major to Plans Dahl, Evan— States)(United relations. public or affairs public healthcare, in acareer having Plans recipient. Scholarship on Honorary Anderson Cindy Britt ofSchool & Advertising Public Relations recipient, scholarship College Board-National Senior Honor Society, Mortar recipient, Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma-Honor Society, Hope Scholarship the of University Tennessee; HONORS: Order of Omega-Greek Cowan, Allison— (China) York. New in College Ithaca at performance piano in major to Plans group. youth and music drawing, competitions, playing piano for church services Lynda— Chryst, (Korea) Christie, Rachel— Eugene. in College Community Lane at criminology study to Plans editor. Chow, Jade— (China) Brookings, SD;Brookings, marching, and concert pep band. Eugene, OR; cheerleading, photography, yearbook 2011 E. Strondsburg, PA; journaling, piano, tennis, tennis, piano, PA; journaling, Strondsburg, E. Springfield, TN;Springfield, B.S. in Communication from Des Moines, IA; Attending La Salle University. University. Salle La Attending IA; Moines, Des Bryan, Jillian Bryan, Davis, Robby Davis, Christie, Rachel Christie,

Dietsche, Thomas Dietsche, Busso, Elizabeth Busso, Amich, Taylor Amich, Chryst, LyndaChryst, York City. (Korea) City. York New in Arts Visual of School at therapy illustration/art in major to Plans scholarship. Fr. Rucki scholarship, School Elementary River Toms South scholarship, TREA Roll, Honor B.A.T.S., High Barnabas Emily— Evanowski, Vermont. of University center, student ALANA the of director assistant inInternational Social Sciences. Currently theHonor Society – leadership/counseling; higher education, 4.0, Pi Gamma MU ofUniversity Vermont, emphasis in studies interdisciplinary Erb, Maria— National (Korea) Guard. the join may and college, Moorpark attend to Plans School. High DiTomaso, Patrick— NY. (Korea) Loudonville, in College Siena at biology in major to Plans scholarship. Presidential/Dean’s lence, excel academic outstanding for award President’s Roll, Honor high training, fitness violin, letter), Varsity and award Athlete Dietsche, Thomas— (Korea) Eugene. in Oregon of University the at marketing &sports administration business in major to Plans candidate. Baccalaureate International High School, International Robby— Davis, (Korea) Burlington, VT; Master's in degree Education from Eugene, OR; soccer (sophomore & junior year), &junior (sophomore soccer OR; Eugene, Simi Valley, Village Glen from Graduated CA; Albany, NY; tennis (Raider award, Scholar Scholar award, (Raider NY; tennis Albany, Beachwood, NJ; orchestra, tennis, St. Cassin, Julius Christian Armstrong, Cowan, Allison Cowan, DiTomaso, Patrick DiTomaso, -

Erb, Maria Evanowski, Emily Froese, Tanner Grise, Joshua Hale, Lydia Hall, Lauren

Hall, Sylvia Halverson, Grace Halverson, Isaac Hodge, Whitney Holm, Julia Juengel, Micah

Kerr, Marie Lin Klein, Isadora Kostner, Lindsay Lehmann, Benjamin Lohuis, Christina Lohuis, Janice

Lohuis, Joseph Martin, Melanie McCall, Jordan McPeak, Elizabeth Miller, Benjamin Norris, Caleb

Froese, Tanner—Athena, OR. B.S. in English with emphasis in church vocalist. Plans to major in international business/market- Klein, Isadora—Colfax, CA; Collaboration of the Fine Arts-ballet journalism, minor in biblical studies from Corban University. ing at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. (Korea) & violin, mixed martial arts & Taekwondo. Plans to attend college Magna Cum Laude. Sports editor for Hill Top news, active in Halverson, Isaac—Grovetown, GA; National Honor Society, Beta for ASL. She currently has a massage business called “Hands of sports, outreach for youth “salt," editor for College Web News, club, drama, chorale, debate team, impromptu and extempo- Mercy.” (Romania) 4-year Ford scholar. Studied abroad in Germany for a semester. raneous speaking, extreme Taekwondo (also instructor), Latin Kostner, Lindsay—Merritt Island, FL; varsity soccer, varsity track, (Korea) club, Science Olympiad, youth group and camp counselor. Plans Best Citizen, 2010 4A all-state girl’s soccer first team, 2010 Grise, Joshua—Lexington, KY; Graduated with high distinction, to study pre-law at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. (Korea) Prudential Spirit of Community award, mission trips to Nepal, cultural society, violin, erhu. Plans to attend Pitzer College. Hodge, Whitney—Williamsburg, KY; cheerleading, art club, Thailand, Ethiopia and Egypt, Take Stock in Children scholarship. (Korea) UNITE club, National Honor Society, student government, colonel Plans to major in health/exercise science and/or physical educa- Hale, Lydia—Eugene, OR; International High School graduate, pride award, visual art award. Plans to major in biology & pre- tion at Bryan College in Dayton, TN. (Philippines) French immersion with local & state honors, Drama Thespian (1st med at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. (Korea) Lehmann, Benjamin—Sonora, CA; film, photography, ROP medi- in State), concert choir (2nd in State), captain of Petanque team, Holm, Julia—Brookings, SD; choir, competitive dance, FFA. Plans cal. Plans to major in fine arts at Columbia College in Columbia, National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate, outstanding to major in equine management at Ellsworth Community College. CA. (Korea) senior research paper award. Plans to major in international (China) Lohuis, Christina—Gettysburg, PA; track & field, National Arts

relations at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. (Korea) Holt International.org Juengel, Micah—Tulsa, OK; National Honor Society, student Honor Society. Plans to major in cosmetology at Paul Mitchell Hall, Lauren—Bellevue, NE; Planning to attend University of government, soccer, band, cross country, academic team. Plans Vision Academy in Ambler, PA. (Korea) Nebraska in Omaha. (Korea) to major in international business at Oral Roberts University in Lohuis, Janice—Erdenheim, PA; Associate's degree in photogra- Hall, Sylvia—Bellevue, NE; B.A. in Art History from University of Tulsa. (Korea) phy. 1st place and Best of Show in photography contest for Fall Nebraska. (Korea) Kerr, Marie Lin—Cedar Hill, TX; B.S. in Business Administration, 2010. Plans to pursue a career in graphic design. (Korea) Halverson, Grace—Grovetown, GA; National Honor Society, Beta emphasis in international business from Northwood University club, French club, art club, varsity volleyball, track and cheer- in Cedar Hill, golf scholarship, golf (4 years in NAIA division). leading, cotillion dance club, chorale, art museum teen council, Currently living in the Netherlands. (China)

15 Holt International / Fall 2011 16 Stone, WendyStone, Peters, Kyle Peters, Western Oregon University in Keizer. (Korea) Keizer. in University Oregon Western at enforcement law in major to Plans club. weightlifting DECA, Anthony— Pratt, States) (United school. nursing attend to (4 Plans years). dance and ing cheerlead Scholars, Collegiate of Society National Corvallis. in University State Oregon from option health allied pre-therapy Megan— Phillips, (Korea) City. Sioux in Tech Iowa Western at studies general in major to Plans school. high local from ship scholar College, Community Tech Iowa Western the from ships Kyle— Peters, (Thailand) GA. Dahlonega, in University &State College Georgia North at affairs international in major to Plans captain. team Raider officer, executive company Caleb— Norris, (Korea) states. other and TN in events youth for shows playing competitions, arts fine in awards many won “Skyhook,” band rock Christian in keyboard plays government, student Miller, Benjamin— (Korea) program. post-graduate University’s Columbia attend to Plans camp. 2011 adoptee Holt summer the for Director Assistant Temple from in violin in performance Philadelphia. University McPeak, Elizabeth— (Thailand) Missouri. Neosho, in College Crowder at technology construction in 2011.in major to Plans McCall, Jordan— (Thailand) NC. Boone, in State Appalachian at management &tourism hospitality in major to Plans ball. volley varsity (captain), basketball varsity tournament), all Melanie— Martin, PA. (Korea) in University Haven Lock at education/history secondary in major to Plans scholarship. aWarrior of Heart NHS, Lohuis, Joseph— Shepard, Myles Shepard, Ida Grove, IA; Mock Trials, recipient of 2scholar of recipient Trials, Mock IA; Grove, Ida Cumming, GA; JROTCEagle Scout, 1st lieutenant, Keizer, OR; football, baseball, track, Honor Roll, Roll, Honor track, baseball, football, OR; Keizer, Gettysburg, PA; varsity basketball captain, VP, captain, basketball PA; varsity Gettysburg, Nevada, MO; in tennis, 4-year letterman MVP Lebanon, OR; B.S. in exercise sport science, science, sport exercise in B.S. OR; Lebanon, Raleigh, NC; varsity soccer (captain, MVP, (captain, soccer varsity NC; Raleigh, Mt. Juliet, TN; Graduated with honors, Mickleton, NJ; Master's of Music degree Swearingen, Lisa Swearingen, Soule, Rebekah Soule, Phillips, Megan - - - - Syring, Andrew Syring, Spino, Tyler Spino, Pratt, Anthony Pratt, (China) CA. in University Pacific Fresno at biology/pre-med in major to Plans team. state girl’s for selected (all-region), &soccer goft program, Baccalaureate Kori— Stiles, NJ. Castle, New and Point Carneys in University Wilmington and ness administration/accounting at College Salem Community busi in major to Plans scholarship. national USA Epilepsy UCB scholarship, academic Careers to School award, monetary band marching scholarship, Foundation Epilepsy NJ of State club, Honor Society, Golden Eagles, club, multicultural REBEL, LMTI Spino, Tyler— N.Y. in (India) College Community County Herkimer at work yearbook, honor student. Plans to major in social sciences/social Soule, Rebekah— (Korea) Intervarsity. with Guatemala to trip a mission complete to Plans campus. on Intervarsity for leader team music and study Bible University–Sonoma State California from biology Myles— Shepard, (China) Edinburg. in American Texas-Pan of University at biology in major to Plans attendance. perfect student, distinguished as graduated club, art club, science paper, Business Professionals of America, feature editor of news school award, Gold TSA National Association, Student Technology Scoggin, Elizabeth— (Korea) CA. in University Clara Santa at biology in major to Plans excellence. academic for award President’s Society, Honor Rathkey, Daniel— (Korea) IL. in College Elmhurst at business music in major to Plans projects. band, junior leadership, Harmony and Diversity,church mission Raecker, Anne Elizabeth— (Korea) Pennsville, NJ; band, marching band, concert/pep Anthem, AZ; top 10 of class in International International in 10 class of top AZ; Anthem, Elk Grove, CA; B.A. in environmental studies & studies environmental in B.A. CA; Grove, Elk Bloomville, NY; soccer, basketball, peer tutor, Portland, OR; varsity cross country, National National country, cross varsity OR; Portland, Edinburg, National TX; Honor Society, Cedar Falls, IA; swimming, orchestra, orchestra, swimming, IA; Falls, Cedar Valderrama, Jeremy Stiles, Kori Stiles, Raecker, Elizabeth Anne - - Rathkey, Daniel Rathkey, Stillwell, Melissa Stillwell, Stone, Wendy— (Vietnam) Lincoln. in Design Hair of College at esthetics Stolz, Holly— concentration in and Exercise Movement Sciences. (Philippines) Stillwell, Melissa— Community College.Community (Korea) major in early development childhood and Southwest attend to Plans Life). Young America, of Leaders Community Careers (Family FCCLA club, Spanish Club, Key Kids), Christian in Living Zava, June— (Korea) Austin. in Texas of University at film and television radio, in major to Plans President’s List, Dale Vision Carnegie Award, Special Olympics. team, Academic County All advocate, autism trip, missions Mexico trip, missions Kenya Club, Beta National Society, Honor Art National Society, Honor National film, director-class softball, Young, Christine— (Korea) Phoenix. in Arizona of University Plans lacrosse. to attend varsity 4-year Spanishnational honors, Leslie— Wankowicz, at engineering TCC—Centralstudying (Korea) Worth, TX. Fort University, Christian Texas at regiment ROTC Force Air the join Will teer, Holt International volunteer, Katrinarelief efforts. Hurricane ble, baseball, soccer, chess club, Adopt-a-Street program volun VerNisie, Rory— (Korea) NC. in University Elon at poverty relations/global national inter in major to Plans team. leadership Christian Quest soccer, lacrosse, Democrats, Young UN, Model Society, Honor Art National Vermeulen, Elaina— (Philippines) CA. Saratoga, in College Valley West attend to plans coach, agymnastics as employed Currently band. Team worship City trips, missions Guatemala program, explorers fire Roll, Honor Valderrama, Jeremy— (Korea) NE. in College State Wayne at lighting law/theatre in major to Plans Scout. Eagle music, Syring, Andrew— (Korea) TN. Athens, in science exercise in major to Plans Society. Honor Swearingen, Lisa— (Guatemala) Ashland. in University Oregon Southern at services sociology/social in major to Plans (co-captain). soccer cross-country, track, president, Lincoln, NE; varsity cheerleader. Plans to major in in major to Plans cheerleader. varsity NE; Lincoln, Germantown, TN;Germantown, team, bowling CLICK (Christ Days Creek, OR; class salutatorian, student body body student salutatorian, class OR; Creek, Days Forth Worth, TX; JROTC, top band wind ensem wind band top JROTC, TX; Worth, Forth Kearney, trials,vocal mock NE; theatre, speech, Walnut Creek, CA; B.S. in Kinesiology with a with Kinesiology in B.S. CA; Creek, Walnut Ooltewah, TN; soccer, Beta Club, National National Club, Beta soccer, TN; Ooltewah, Norcross, GA; varsity basketball, varsity varsity basketball, varsity GA; Norcross, Sterling, MA; National Honor Society, Phoenix, National AZ; Honor Society, San Jose, CA; theatre, soccer, Taekwondo, Taekwondo, soccer, theatre, CA; Jose, San Stolz, Holly Stolz, Scoggin, Elizabeth Scoggin, - - -

Holt International.org - - - 17 Norcross, Georgia Christine and her brother, Sean. - - - Zava, June ing a brother with autism causes to me see life differently. I am keenly aware students of in school my march who to the a different of beat drummer. compassion I have them for and want to understand their view life. of In so doing, I not onlylearn them, about I learn but myself. about more By expanding social my circles, I expand understanding my of the world. Because hardships my of andstruggles, I canconfidently that a passionsay I have combating for society’s ignorance. lessonsMy life’s shown have that me single-minded think ing and influence does create a healthy not I know world. means it towhat be different means and it I know to what be misunderstood. learned I have I am to who accept instead alwaysof looking to be something I am not. Because this, of learnedI have to think differently and to view deeper into others instead judging of them based on surfaceappear ances. I believe journey, Because life’s my of I am uniquely equipped to contribute to the diverse learning environment theat University Texas. of affects social interac- tion and communica tion skills. Other kids wereharsh andunwill ingto hisaccept dif ferences. I despise the hardships my brother experienced. I still do notunderstand why people to have fit a social to be mold accepted. impactThe being of Asian in a Caucasian culture and hav Christine| Young - - Young, ChristineYoung, Wankowicz, Leslie VerNisie, RoryVerNisie, Accepting Who I am Who Accepting essay entrance college her shares graduate school A high ber society. of And this, for I resented heritage. my Mybiological Korean parents were engageda whenI made surprise appearance this onto earth. for Theygave up me and I wasadoption right adopted into a very away, southern, Caucasian family in Georgia the at four months. age of I was raised speaking only English, I was yet treated differ entlybecause looks. my of Other thanthe ink birth on my certificate, never any I had had connection to Korea. I have sometimes wished I could fit in and be like all the other kids matched who their parents on annual Christmas cards. look I on the couldn’t Why outside the the sameon wayI felt inside? Kindergarten kids only not ridicule physical attributes, but mental and social differences as well. My brother has autism and often appears socially inept. In school, was he “that kid” that everyone picked on. This enraged My brother me. has always trouble had making friends. Autism is a disorder that Kindergarten students are cruel. Justdown right vicious. inHowever, their defense, they most likely mean to not do be. They are just being brutally honest. I can personally attest to this. memories The own my of kindergarten days are still vivid — snack time, naptime, circle time and a kid named were gathering We Bobby. our belongings by the backpack cubbies. Bobby was shorter than with me, guts. of a lot As we were getting our backpacks, pulling me, looked he at up the corners his of eyes skinny to almond-shaped match my eyes. weird; I felt ever had fun one made no before. It me of was then that I realized I did look like not peers. my I did Yes, “know”wasI different, didI know but not that differences my were “funny” to others. Bobby was just stating the obvious. He merely characterized the differences between peers my and I. Their eyes were almond-shaped, not their hair was not black, and their skin was brown. not I was an adopted mem Vermeulen, Elaina updates Les Whittle Retires Lisle Veach, international coordinator for China. “From his position as China Country Director in 1996, to supporting and advising our staff and adoptive families—no matter the capacity—he If you’ve adopted a child from China, you may have had the pleasure of meeting Les Whittle. A has served children and families all these years, always representing the very best of Holt.” popular member of Holt’s overseas China staff, Les began his career with Holt in 1994, helping to escort adoptive families from Hong Kong to Nanning to meet their children. “We met Les and The entire Holt staff wishes Les and his wife well as they begin this next chapter of their his wife, Vivienne, for coffee when we arrived in China,” says Everett Stiles, father of the first Holt lives. We will always be grateful for him, and his selfless service to Holt’s children and families. adoptee from China, Kori. “He was and is a competent and caring man.” Les began his retirement in October. Accompanying many families on their adoption journeys, Les “I’m really at a loss,” says Stiles. “Les is a wonderful man. He gave adoptive families a sense of has always been appreciated for his insight into the adoption process, as well as his sense of humor calm as they traveled through an unknown country. It was great to have that kind of individual to and ability to relieve the apprehension of anxious new parents. comfort us. If Les is ever needed at Holt again, I’m sure he will certainly answer the call. He’s just that kind of person.” “Whenever Holt’s China team or adoptive families reminisce about how far Holt’s China program has grown from its early beginnings, stories about Les inevitably will be retold,” says Les (far right) with the rest of the Holt China team.

Holt Adoptee Camp for July 15-19, 2012, Corbett— Naomi adoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is July 18) neighborhood California Holt Adoptee Camp for Wisconsin July 29-August 2, 2012, Dobbins— Holt Adoptee Camp for adoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is August 1) July 29-August 2, 2012, Wautoma— adoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is August 1) Georgia calendar Holt Adoptee Camp for July 23-27, 2012, Hampton— adoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is July 26) Get the Info For Holt Adoptee Camp information contact: Steve Kalb at Iowa [email protected] or go to: Holt Adoptee Camp for www.holtinternational.org/camp July 22-26, 2012, Okoboji— adoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is July 25)

- For Day Camp information contact: Michael Tessier at Nebraska [email protected] or go to: Gala Dinner and Auction to benefit chil April 21, 2012, Omaha— www.holtinternational.org/camp/daycamp.shtml dren in Holt’s care in Southeast Asia. Embassy Suites – La

Vista. 5:30 PM For Events information contact: Sandi Mehl at [email protected] New Jersey Holt Adoptee Camp for August 5-10, 2011— adoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is August 9) For Holt Heritage Tour information contact: Lisle Veach for China tours: [email protected] Oregon Gala Dinner and Auction to benefit Katy Bogart for Korea tours: [email protected] February 4, 2012, Eugene— children in Holt’s care in Southeast Asia. The Eugene Hilton Kourtni Rader for Holt-Bethany Korea Adult Adoptee tour: Hotel. 5:30 PM [email protected]

waiting children These and other children need adoptive families “Darren,” China Born, 07.20.06 “Jason," Northeast Asia Born, 02.03.07 This delightful, extroverted little boy This adorable little boy with a great currently lives with a foster family. While smile was born at 34 weeks. He was diag initially shy when meeting new people, - nosed with Down syndrome at birth and Darren warms up to them very quickly. has a VSD and ASD of his heart for which He loves to smile, play with toys and he received surgery in 2007. That same dance. Diagnosed with spinal meningo - year, Jason was transferred from a foster cele, a form of spina bifida, Darren had family to a care center. His housemother reparative surgery in 2006. He recently reports that he always wakes up smil Darren entered kindergarten and knows how to - ing. Jason receives early education and count from 1 to 100. He also knows a musical, physical and speech therapy. few simple English words. Darren fol - This amazing little boy needs a family lows directions well, can dress himself comfortable with his diagnosis and who and brush his teeth. He’s a picky eater. can provide him with any therapies or His favorite food is dumplings. This cutie medical care that he may need. Eligibility needs a family who is comfortable caring requirements may be flexible. Read more for his physical needs and can provide about Jason, here: http://holtinterna him with a loving environment in which - tional.org/blog/2011/08/what-grandma- to grow and develop. would-have-loved

“Naomi,” Southeast Asia Born, 06.26.05 Naomi started school in 2011 and is said to be a very bright child. She, however, lacks self-confidence and needs a lot of encouragement. Naomi is HIV-positive and is responding well to medication. She is described by her caregivers as generous Naomi and caring and is mostly independent in her self care needs. The right family will understand the medical and social rami - fications of HIV, and be able to advocate appropriately. In addition, they will need to be very patient with the transition home. She will need a calm, understand - ing and encouraging family to help her thrive. Jason Like us on Facebook to keep Scan the code to read up-to-date on Holt happenings, more about Jason on country updates your mobile device. and information about the Waiting Child of the Week!! Scan the code to For more information on adopting these and other waiting get there on your children, contact Erin Mower at [email protected] mobile device. www.holtinternational.org/waitingchild/photolisting Post Office Box 2880 Eugene, OR 97402

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A year of SMILES... 2012

ONLY $10 (price includes shipping) Order yours online today at: holtinternational.org/calendar The 2012 Holt International calendar features adopted children from around the world. Every calendar you purchase will benefit children who still need families of their own.