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DOB: November 12, 2002
 We've all heard it said: the only constant in life is change. We know change will occur. Sometimes change is welcome. Other times change in life – big or small – is hard to embrace. We get into the habit of doing things a certain way and struggle when circumstances change. We attempt to stay positive, and with prayer and patience, we try to make it through. It's tough and frustrating. But somehow, we always manage to come out the other side, maybe even better off than when we started.
But, still, the facts stay the same. Change can be difficult.
Now, imagine for a moment what change must be like for a child. How might a child be affected by ongoing instability and uncertainty? Children, even young children, can sense change in their lives. They know when something is different. They are deeply affected by change. And yet, at the same time, children are resilient. They are brave and strong. But change is tough, even for them... read more about Bethany
Adopting a Waiting Child
Holt's Waiting Child program has children with special healthcare needs, older children, and sibling groups who all need loving, forever families...
Learn more about Holt's Waiting Child Program.
Help give children with special needs a permanent, loving family. |
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Philippines
On December 19th, a tropical storm caused extensive damage and fatalities in parts of Cagayan de Oro. The Reception and Study Center for Children – one of Holt's partner agencies -- in Cagayan de Oro needs major repairs and replacement furniture. Holt's other partner – Bethany Christian Home in Bukidnon – was not affected. Cherrie Dela Rosa, executive director of Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, traveled to Cagayan de Oro the first week of January to provide critical incident stress debriefing and trauma counseling. We are grateful to learn that the children in our care in the Philippines are safe and unharmed.
Haiti
 Francois Thomas, one of the first hired staff members at the Holt Fontana Village in Haiti, passed away on January 6th of a stroke. Hired by Peter Fontana, Francois provided support as a driver and maintenance man. Considered a "Jack of all Trades," he was a highly valuable and well-liked member of Holt's Haiti team. Francois leaves behind a wife and two children. Holt sends prayers to his family. He will be missed.
Attention Holt 2012 Graduates!
Deadline for photos of Holt adoptees who are graduating from high school and college is July 1 2012, for the Summer issue of the magazine. Go to the Graduate Submission Form online to submit graduate information or contact Ashli Keyser.
Wanted: photos that make you smile.
We're always looking for great photos of adopted children enjoying life with their families and friends. We publish these photos in a variety of Holt publications including Holt International magazine, our website, Holt e-newsletter and our annual calendar. Upload digital photos online by clicking here (please send the highest resolution photos available).
You can increase the likelihood that we'll use your photo by including a story as well. Is there a topic you'd like to share with other adoptive families, adoptees, donors or families considering adoption? Holt needs stories about adopting through Holt, adult adoptee thoughts and experiences, and sponsor or donor stories. E-mail for guidelines, or send stories (250 to 1,000 words) or ideas to editorial@holtinternational.org
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Holt's Vision Statement |
Holt International Children's Services is dedicated to carrying out God's plan for every child to have a permanent, loving family.
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Why Holt Adoptee Camp is So Special....AND FUN!
A message from Michael Tessier, youth services manager and camp director:
Hey, everyone. I wanted to give you an opportunity to learn about camp straight from the mouths of our biggest participants. What follows is an interview I conducted – with an adoptee on camp leadership staff – that will hopefully help you learn more about the program.
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Michael: Hey Tracy! You and I worked closely this summer, but the readers aren't familiar with you yet. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Tracy: Well, my name is Tracy, and I grew up in Sharon, Massachusetts – a small suburban town with only 3-4 other Asian Americans in my school. I have a younger brother who is also adopted, Robbie. I am currently acting, and lived in LA after college. I am now living in Atlanta with my husband, and pursuing my acting career here.
M: Awesome! And you volunteered with camp this summer, too! What was your position and what did you do?
T: It was my first time at Holt camp! I originally applied to be a counselor, but then I became leadership [staff managing the counselors]. Being around that many adoptees was amazing – it was an amazing time in my life. As leadership, we were in charge of training and supervising the counselors. We helped design the overall curriculum of the camps and helped find new ways to support camper identity. It was amazing being a part of this community of adoptees. I found myself being a counselor, mentor and sister to the campers and counselors. I will remember the experience for the rest of my life.... read more
Learn more about adoptee camp, click here
Join us on Facebook! |
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Click the icon to go to Holt's Facebook page. Then click "Like" at the top of the page to keep up-to-date on Holt happenings, country updates and read stories from Holt families! |
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What Holt Supporters Say About Volunteering and Sponsoring at Winter Jam!
Well, we are just two weeks into Winter Jam 2012 and already set to beat all records! Volunteers are signing up and generous supporters – with a heart for Holt's mission – are making that special commitment to sponsor a child in need! Here are a few of their comments:
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"Had an AWESOME time at Winter Jam 2012 - Raleigh, NC - last night!!! Seriously guys, you should all consider signing up to volunteer at least once with Holt International...it's so worth it! You get to enjoy the show for free, get to pick out your seats before they let the general public in, AND you get a free CD to enjoy! As a bonus, you get to feel good about helping these kids out! Pray about it!" -- Eric and Deb Battle
"After being at Winter Jam last year and seeing all the wonderful things that God could do through this organization, I had to sign up! Thank you for what you do and giving us this opportunity to help serve Christ with you!"-- Amy Williams
"My family has sponsored 3 children through Holt. The most recent is a beautiful little girl. My daughter asked for this as one of her Christmas presents. She went to the Holt table and picked her out at a the Newsong concert in Marion, IL in December. I feel honored to be able to help your organization." --Joy Butler
"I've served overseas for a total of 4 years. I love children and I've seen the poverty and need. I would love to help Holt International find volunteers and sponsors to help these children lead a joyful life." -- Rebecca Ulrich
Children like Rachel need a sponsor! For $30 a month you can help! Sponsor Rachel today
OR volunteer at a concert!
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| The Children Still Need Us
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Two years ago – on January 12th, 2010 – I walked into Holt's office with a heavy heart. News reports of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti were difficult to watch. 230,000 people had lost their lives. Millions more were left homeless and struggling to survive.
Today, the tremendous need remains. Two years have passed, but little has changed in Haiti. Buildings are still in shambles. Families are still without homes. Children aren't getting enough to eat.
Haiti is still in a state of emergency.
I ask you to pray that God's healing hand be on the sick, hungry and helpless children and families, and that He would continue to bring the people of this devastated country peace, courage and strength. We, as an organization, are grateful that God has used us these past two years to bring hope to the people of Haiti..... read more
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Sign Up For a Holt Heritage or Motherland Tour!
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Holt was the first agency to pioneer the concept of heritage tours for international adoptees. With adult adoptees in leadership positions and on our staff and board, Holt is uniquely qualified to offer a special homeland experience for adoptees and their families.
Holt-Bethany Korea Adult Adoptee Tour -- This tour is designed specifically for Korean adult adoptees to visit Korea as a group, and to share the commonality of their adoption experiences. Recognizing that those who now share in your lives also benefit from sharing your early beginnings, adoptees are welcome to bring their spouse or partner, adult children, adoptive parents or siblings, or other significant friends or loved ones age 21 and older. Click here for more information about the Korea tour.
China Heritage Tour -- On Holt's upcoming 2012 family tours, in addition to many sightseeing and education activities around China, adoptees will also be given an opportunity to participate in a special day camp! The day camp will be facilitated by young adult adoptees. Camp activities will be similar to those at Holt camps in the U.S. Adoptees will experience self-discovery and fun within a community of other adoptees, while also exploring issues of adoption, race and identity development. Click here for more information about the China tour.
Korea Heritage Tour -- This tour is open to all Korean adoptees and adoptive families. Adoptees can review their adoption file with a social worker and discuss any questions they may have about their roots; adoptees may also be able to visit their birth city or orphanage (if applicable), meet their foster family, or (for adult adoptees) initiate a birth family search. We also plan to visit Holt-Korea and the Ilsan center. Click here for more information about the heritage tour to Korea. |
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