This summer we hosted four Filipino siblings in preparation for adopting them. We are Michael and Theresa, and this is our second time to adopt. In April 2012, we became instant first-time parents to two lovely sisters, ages 17 and 12. In the two-plus years that we have been their parents, we have had many ‘ups’, a few ‘downs’ and have blended into a very grateful and blessed family.
Always open to new life, through birth or adoption, we knew we were called to adopt again. We wanted siblings and needed children who would be compatible with our now 19- and 14-year old daughters.
After much careful consideration, we found our answer in not two, or three, but FOUR more kids! Although this wasn’t our original plan, it was hard to miss one particular sign.
The children had been brought to the orphanage on the very same day that Michael had first introduced himself to Theresa with the intention of a possible courtship and marriage. So in June of 2014, we welcomed three girls, ages 15, 14 and 11 and one boy, age 12 (now 13), into our home for a month-long visit. Our main purpose in hosting them prior to adoption was to lessen the culture shock for them before being permanently placed in a new home, family, and country. We were also unclear about their English proficiency, so we wanted to give them time to experience the American life and get more comfortable with us before (hopefully) becoming a family.
These are just a few fond memories of their visit:
- Coming off the plane and into the airport, hearing one of our ‘soon-to-be’ daughters ask “Where is the snow?”, in Indiana, mid-June
- Teaching them a little about American money while they enjoyed shopping at a neighborhood garage sale
- Teaching them a little MORE about American money during a last-minute surprise ice cream trip with $20 to spend on the whole gang... and seeing them enjoy their ice cream!
- Watching them become our ‘neighborhood ambassadors’, introducing us, through their friendliness, to nice neighbors we had never met
- Realizing quickly that they were already somewhat ‘Americanized' when they began playing marathon Monopoly games while sprawled on the family room floor
- Appreciating their spontaneous help in washing dishes, preparing meals, grocery shopping and doing laundry
- Seeing our ‘soon-to-be' son feed a little boy at a family picnic, carefully offering him bites of food while holding him gently with his other arm
- Learning from this 'soon-to-be’ son that 'Before when I was in the orphanage, I was small happy, but now I’m large happy!’
When we asked the kids what they thought about leaving, their answer was mostly unanimous:
“We don’t want to leave, but we’re excited to fly in the plane!”
And soon, they will be flying again, to come home for good. We will be traveling to the Philippines to bring them home and begin life as a family, doubled in size!
Hand In Hand began in 1974 when our founder and executive director MaryLee (Fahrenbrink) Lane, was residing in the Philippines and recognized the plight of children living in orphanages. She founded Hand in Hand and eventually expanded adoption services to serve the needs of children in 25 countries around the world!
Nearly every staff member at Hand in Hand is an adoptive parent. Two have already been recognized with Congressional Angel in Adoption awards.
We are dedicated to providing qualified, loving parents to children in our programs, especially those with special needs, older children, and sibling groups. All kinds of families are encouraged to apply to our programs.
We provide extensive pre-adoption education, schedule homeland tours for teens and adults, and also offer summer hosting programs when possible.
In addition, we have a group of social workers who specialize in providing services to U.S. citizens residing abroad, such as military or diplomatic families, those with work assignments, and missionaries.
Our work at Hand in Hand is based upon the standard of best practice. You can expect to be treated with respect and every kind consideration as you pursue the dream of becoming an adoptive parent through Hand in Hand. We care deeply about the children we serve and our adoptive families. When you form your family though an adoption at Hand in Hand, you will become part of our large Hand in Hand family and have the continued support of a wonderful adoption community.
We invite you to contact us to explore the opportunity to adopt your child through Hand in Hand! We host online info sessions monthly. Email Steve Valdez: steve@hihiadopt.org to register and receive your invitation!
