Bright Futures Camp Postponed

The China Bright Futures Camp, which aims to assist the adoption of older children from China, had been scheduled for October 2008, but is now postponed to February of 2009, at CCAA's request.

The China Bright Futures Camp is designed to bring prospective adoptive parents to China to interact with physically healthy 7 to 14 year-olds for a week. Gladney will send experienced social workers to do an assessment on the site. This helps prospective adoptive parents and children participating in the camp to be better prepared if they decide to move forward with the adoption.

For prospective parents who are interested in adopting an older child but could not travel, the assessment of those children by well trained professionals will prove valuable and helpful when a decision is made.

Beijing Gardens

China prepared for the Olympics for a long time, and we hope you have enjoyed watching the games.

One of the amazing things done to prepare for the games was the sculpting of gardens in Beijing and other cities. We thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures of them, which follow below.

Gladney Adoptee Revisits China

Andy Rather was adopted thirteen years ago when he was little. This summer, Andy and his parents – Hank and Susan Rather – revisited China. They were greeted warmly. Andy saw his original Chinese name in the red banner at the entrance of the building.

Andy set up a blog and for this very special trip, and invites you to visit. Below are two more pictures from Andy’s trip.




Andy gives the Director of Zhangjiajie Social Welfare Institute a big hug.



Andy with some old friends at the Zhangjiajie Social Welfare Institute

Making a Difference

Here in the United States it is sometimes easy to forget the fortunate lives we lead. With referrals in China taking place at a very slow rate, it is also easy for waiting families to feel discouraged.

For a little dose of inspiration, please visit the blog of Rebecca Wu, a student at Duke University.

Rebecca volunteered this summer at the Tianjin Children’s Home in China as part of H.O.P.E., a humanitarian aid project of the Gladney Center. Rebecca's stories of friendship and daily interactions with children give us all the strength and optimism to persevere for the children that need the love of a family more than anything else in the world.