News From Our Families
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POST-ADOPTION RESOURCE CENTER
Adoption Talk Series 2007-2008
"Hello: Thanks for providing such an interesting menu of adult presentation about adoption! Please count me in for all the monthly parents' presentations.... Thanks again! I look forward to September 18th's presentation about Adoption Issues @ School."
POST-ADOPTION RESOURCE CENTER
Support Group
"Hi. Thanks for the wonderful meeting, support, FAS material, and the book title. You have been great. We really felt good to be a part of the meeting, and came home realizing punishing by taking things away is doing no good. It doesn't even seem to affect her, except she sometimes gets angry. We will try more positive rewards. Thank you again for caring so much.
POST-ADOPTION RESOURCE CENTER
Programs for Children
"Thank you for being so kind on the phone. It means so much when people reach out and help others. We look forward to attending some of the [Post-Adoption Resource Center] sessions. I spoke with my daughter about all of the ideas you had. She had the biggest smile on her face. She even mentioned that she was thankful for your ideas in her prayers.
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Sunday March 23, 2007, Simsbury CT
"We had such a nice time yesterday at the restaurant and the church. Thank you and everyone else who put such a great effort into making a fun and enjoyable time."
"Just wanted to weigh in on the events of yesterday - the Browns had a simply marvelous time! Everyone was friendly, the food was great (especially for a buffet) and the entertainment just plain fun. I was afraid that the timing wouldn't work for our two-year-old, Rachel, due to her nap schedule. But she had a ball! We watched her in the inflatable (she had an ear-to-ear grin), as she danced the tail of the dragon and as she tried out the crafts so generously shared. Although she laughed & ran until I scooped her up to leave, she was asleep before we'd driven a mile. ;o> I really can't think of a thing that I'd change. Count us in for the next round! Let me know how I can help."
"We meant to email you closer to the event, so the photos [you sent] served as a reminder to thank you and the LSS staff for a very fun afternoon... Thanks again for your hard work! "
- Martha & Jim McKerley
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 17, 2007, Worcester, MA
"I would like to share my experience with you regarding Saturday's event at Nancy Chang's for the Chinese New Year! My husband and I had a fantastic time. We are so lucky and blessed to be included in these events put on by Lutheran Social Services. We are prospective adoptive parents. We are hoping to adopt from China. We are currently waiting on the last of our paperwork. Ever since signing with LSS, we have been included in parenting classes, summer barbeques, holiday parties and now a celebration of the Chinese New Year. Nancy Chang's is a great little restaurant. The atmosphere is wonderful. The food was fantastic. We were given a little room out back with easy access to the buffet. The wait staff was excellent. Not an easy task with the amount of young ones and adults in the crowd!
Shortly after eating, we witnessed a performance of Chinese women singers. They were so talented. The songs were very uplifting in tone. They shared with us some Chinese dancing and colorful costumes. There were also small children that sang songs and played instruments. We were so impressed by the entire show! It was first rate! We enjoyed talking with other families that have gone to China before us. We loved seeing the little ones with their parents. There is nothing better than getting together with people who have chosen the same path. There was quite a bit of bonding that afternoon.
Despite not having our little one home, we find that it's imperative to participate in these events and we will continue to do so once our child is home. It's a wonderful way for the children to connect with their heritage and culture. The children loved playing with each other and exchanging neat New Years gifts. At the very end as we were leaving, the little ones all got red lucky envelopes with money tucked inside. A very traditional way of celebrating the Chinese New Year. We can't wait to see what next year will have in store for us! Thanks for including us! "
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