8 Adoption Facts That Will Surprise You

More than 1/3 of Americans have considered adoption, but no more than 2% have actually adopted.

 

The question to ask is WHY???



 

On this Orphan Sunday, if you are not called to adopt (and not all people are!), would you prayerfully consider what you may be able to do to raise the percentage of adopting families?  Statistically, we know there are those willing to adopt.  Help them do so by removing barriers.

 

***Host adoption/orphan care events so that the need is made known.
***Add adoption related books, videos, materials, etc. to your church library
***Offer prayer support for adopting families throughout the adoption journey.
***Financially support adopting families.
***Create an adoption-friendly culture within your church and children's ministries.
***Establish a support group for fostering and adopting families
***Offer education regarding transracial families, special needs & HIV+ adoption, R.A.D. and attachment/bonding issues, etc.
***Research and make a list of available resources to help adopting families:  grants, loans, attachment therapists, physical/occupational/speech therapists, support groups, etc.


A fantastic resource to familiarize yourself with is the WRAPPING AROUND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES booklet.  This short read is a gem and wonderful guide to follow.  Read now!

Many would-be adoptive families are often deterred from ever beginning the process for fear of what life may look like after bringing a child into their home.  Often if they have unsupportive family or friends, they feel isolated and alone.  Instead, the church needs to let both perspective and in the trenches adoptive families know that they are not alone!  The church will WRAP around them with prayer and practical help.  An easy way to remember the needs of adoptive families:

 

W - wrestle in prayer

R - respite

A - acts of service

P - promises of God 

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Prayer - Dear God, may Your CHURCH rise up, move, and act on behalf of the orphan.  Lead us in how you would have us support those considering and journeying through adoption.  Help us to better W.R.A.P. around adoptive families.  Amen.

ONE DAY. ONE VOICE. ONE PURPOSE

 

 

 ONE DAY. ONE VOICE. ONE PURPOSE.

 

Tomorrow, Sunday, November 4th, internationally, churches will be participating in Orphan Sunday.  The goal is to unite the church to carry out God's mandate to care for the very least of these.  Through foster care, adoption, and global orphan care initiatives, we can all be involved in caring for orphans. 

 

Is your church participating?  If not, check out the map to locate an event nearby to attend.  Or... consider talking to your church leadership about showing the short video above, holding a special prayer time, or reading Scripture that pertains to the care of and God's heart for orphans.  Possibly, spend some time in your Sunday School or Small Group brainstorming on ways you can collectively advocate for and serve the orphans in your community and globally.  There are many resources available on the Orphan Sunday website.  Whether you are holding an event tomorrow, desire to plan one for the future, or just want to spend some time to personally learn more, take advantage of this wealth of resources.  You'll find numerous videos, Bible studies, sermon outlines, songs, facts, materials, etc. 

 

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Prayer - Dear God, I thank you for all of the churches participating in Orphan Sunday, the staff and volunteers planning the events, and those that will be in attendance.  Father, I pray that you move mightily among your people.  Stir hearts and hands to action!  Amen.



Why Adopt?

Many adoptive families get asked this question, and families considering ask it as well...  Why Adopt?  The answer varies from person to person.  In my case, the answer would have been different depending upon the time in my life you asked me.

I knew in my early teens that I had a God-given desire to adopt children.  However, as a teenager, it was kind of my platform or my social justice issue.  I despised racism and hated the division between the preps, rednecks, and African Americans at my school.  Rebel flags irked me to no end, and I was determined to show people someday through my own family that "Red and Yellow, Black and White, They are precious in His sight.  Jesus loves the little children of the world."

Fast forward to my junior year of college.  Three weeks before his graduation, Jon and I begin dating.  Low and behold on our very first date, we talked about our individual desires to adopt children.  Yep... sealed the deal right then, and I married that man a couple years later.  Thus, my new answer to "Why Adopt?" was to build our family of course!  During the first year of our marriage, I started hinting at when would we start our family.  Jon got me a kitten.  A year later, the same discussion, and another kitten.  Year 3... no cats allowed!!!!  We began going to adoption conferences and seminars, but our ages seemed to be the big strike against us.  Oh well... God had other grand plans, and we were blessed with the birth of our wonderful baby boy.  Caleb Scott has been such a gift and a tremendous blessing in our lives.

It didn't take long after Caleb was born for my subtle hints to become earnest pleas to start the adoption process.  Thus, began a difficult time.  I couldn't understand why both Jon and I shared God's heart for the orphan and desired to adopt but couldn't agree on the timeline.  I was ready to go, and Jon continued to say wait.  There were many tears cried!!! Jon was having his own wrestling match with God, and in my impatience and frustration, God was also working in my heart as well.  He was helping me to see what my answer should be when asked "Why Adopt?"

I had to come to realize the spiritual aspect of adoption.  Adoption in its purest and simplest form is a reflection of what God has done for me.  Adoption is REDEMPTION!  It is being welcomed into a family and being loved unconditionally.  It is being given an inheritance and a name.  WOW!!!! 

Adoption is where the broken and beautiful collide.  It is messy... it is amazing!  It is my story, and God is the Author.  I'm thankful that my loving Father adds new pages each day.  As the pen touches the page, I want the writing always to be able to say that I'm living out James 1:27 with boldness and zeal.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  ~ James 1:27

 

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Prayer - Dear God, Be with those who are both privately and publicly asking the question, "Why Adopt?"  Turn their hearts to you and open their eyes to your WORD.  Amen.



November is Adoption Awareness Month

It's no secret that adoption is near and dear to my heart.  Therefore, being that November is Adoption Awareness Month, I have decided to use my little space in the blogosphere to purposely share about adoption.  Throughout the month, I will share personal stories, but I also hope to point you in the direction of some wonderful resources.  Stick around... you may get a question answered, learn some new facts, or be introduced to a helpful book, poignant song, purposeful organization, dedicated ministry, or incredible event.  There is SOOOOO very much I desire to share!

I'd also like to encourage you to join me in specific prayer each day.  I believe in the power of prayer and have confidence in my God who hears.  Take time this month not only to speak to God but to really listen intently to His voice. 

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Prayer - November 1st

God, please break my heart for what breaks yours!

Beloved Books (review)

Did you listen to audio books growing up?  I think I had a few children's books with accompanying records that made a funny, magical sound each time I was to turn the page.  Then, I believe, the times they changed.  My younger sister had books and tape cassettes that did the same.  Enter 2012...  surely with all the high tech goodies on the market my three littles wouldn't be interested in "listening to a story" on CD without even a book mind you.  WRONG!!!

 

 

Beloved Books was created to share wholesome, life-affirming books and audio resources with Christian families.  Their collections include missionary stories, classic allegories, historical fiction, and beloved series.  My kiddos were totally enthralled and enamored with the Sugar Creek Gang Volume 1 CDs we had the opportunity to review.

 

The past month has found our family crammed in the van for many back and forth trips from TN to KY.  Depending on where we go, we log 3-3.5 hours one way.  That just so happened to be the perfect amount of time to listen to one complete story.  After the first story, the kids were hooked.  They were the ones that emphatically reminded me to grab the CDs when loading the van.  Oh we forgot necessities like pajamas and toothbrushes on occasion and the ever important DSi charger, but never the Sugar Creek Gang Volume 1 CDs.

Produced by Moody Press, Volume 1 of the Sugar Creek Gang CDs includes 12 CDs with the following stories:

• The Swamp Robber
• The Killer Bear
• The Winter Rescue
• The Lost Campers
• Chicago Adventure
• The Secret Hideouts

In each of these stories, written by Paul Hutchins beginning in 1939 and later dramatized by Paul Ramseyer, the kids were entertained by a gang of boys:  Bill Jenkins, Poetry, Dragonfly, Big Jim, Little Jim, and Circus.  These boys have great adventures including:  fishing, swimming, a robber, a bear, bullies, befriending an eccentric Old Man, great rescues, etc.  Amid all the action, the characters faith grows by leaps and bounds.  They openly share the love of Christ, pray for one another, pray for their enemies, lead others to Christ, and truly learn to follow Christ in their day to day lives.  These are definitely characters I want my children to be drawn to and emulate. 

One caution... even though the CDs are very overtly Christian, have wonderful messages, inspiring characters, and important life lessons, I do encourage parents to listen along with their children.  Because we did our listening in the van, I was a captive audience as well.  Thankfully so, because my 6 and 7 year olds needed some things explained to them.  For example, they had no idea what an alcoholic was and couldn't understand the behaviors of Circus's or Tom Tilne's Dad.  We had several conversations following the introduction of those characters.  Also, being from the Independent Christian Church background, our theology doesn't align completely with the Sinner's Prayer, so we were able to discuss the plan of salvation on as well.

I do recommend the Sugar Creek Gang series.  My children were great fans and they were definitely a God-send to us during our times of travel.  I appreciate their wholesome Christian stories, and I do foresee more listening in our future. 

If you want to try out the first full story without buying a whole volume, you may purchase the complete "Swamp Robber" for only $4.95.  The Sugar Creek Gang Volume 1 CDs (12 CDs) are available for $54.95 with free media rate shipping. Volumes 2-6 also retail for $54.95.  Also, you may purchase the entire Sugar Creek Gang Collection (72 CDs) at a $50 savings for $279.70. 

 

Don't just take my word... visit other Schoolhouse Review Crew Members by clicking the button below and read about their experiences. 

  Disclaimer:  I received Sugar Creek Gang Volume 1 CDs in exchange for my honest review. 

Samson's Classroom (review)

Samson's Classroom is an online educational program for K-5 students.  It uses games to teach students the three core building blocks of reading.  Your student will have access to Sight Words with Samson, Spelling with Samson, and Reading with Samson.  I would encourage you to watch the 3 minute demo video to best understand and get a feel for how the online program operates. 

Important to note from the very beginning,  like so many other products in the cyber realm, you will not find your subscription out of date immediately upon purchase and installation.  Samson's Classroom is ever-expanding, improving, and growing. As new new product releases and upgrades are made, they are added to your package at no additional cost.  I appreciate this aspect of customer service!

 

Designed with early readers in mind, Sight Words with Samson leads students in mastering 224 of the most commonly used words in our English language. This ensures a solid basis for the emerging reader.  For each set of sight words, a 5 step process is employed to assist children in learning the frequently used words.  First, the words are introduced and pronounced correctly; then, the child uses the words in a sentence.  Next, the words are spelled.  They are correctly identified, and finally the students are quizzed on the words. 

Caleb actually spent the majority of his time working in the sight word area of Samson's Classroom.  His proficiency and fluency with these words greatly improved.  He thrived on the repeat and routine he found moving from lesson to lesson.  He was able to interact with each of the words repeatedly and truly committed them to memory.  I was pleased with his progression through this portion of the program.  To track his progress, the program uses a scoreboard.  Additionally, in the resource center parents can print out achievement certificates to recognize students when they complete each level or additional worksheets and flashcards if remediation or extra practice is warranted. 

Many kids balk at spelling words... mine included!  Spelling with Samson is much more appealing than traditional drill and practice activities because it is games, games, games.  The short games draws from a vault of 7,000 + words.  However, the lists can be customized so that you have control over what words your child is focusing on and can coordinate with your current spelling curriculum.  You may also select from pre-designed lists. 

 

Often online programs focus simply on the skills needed to learn to read but fail to give any attention to being able to recall, retain, and understand what is read.  I appreciate the Reading with Samson portion of Samson's Classroom because it stresses reading comprehension and logical analysis of passages.  Children are learning to infer and draw conclusions based on the text they have read. 

A unique feature in this program takes place when a student answers a question incorrectly.  The relative and important information is highlighted within the passage so that the student may return to the text with a focal point.  The student is then given the opportunity to answer the question a second time.  In doing this a few times, the student should better grasp how to find information accurately within the passage and increase his success rate in responding to questions.  As with the other programs support is available to students through the available worksheets and lesson plans that parents are able to print from the resource center. 

Samson's Classroom offers various pricing options.   A subscription for one user is $30 per year.  A family subscription for up to four users costs $50 per year.  Classroom and school subscriptions are also available. 

Prior to purchase, I'd encourage you to have your children play the demo games.  There are examples for each of the three sections of the online program.  Even better, you don't have to set up an account to give them a try.  It's quick and easy!  I also recommend that you click the button below to read what other Schoolhouse Review Crew Members are saying about Samson's Classroom. 

  Disclaimer:  I was provided Samson's Classroom accounts for my children in exchange for my honest review. 

Crossbow Education (review)

 

Crossbow Education is not only family owned and operated, but it is unashamedly Christian.  When asked "Why Crossbow?" they state, "We believe that the symbols of the Cross and the Rainbow stand for the most powerful, life-changing truths on this earth: broadly, "Jesus died in my place, (for my sins)", and "God keeps His promises."  I know I will gladly back a company with my money and support when I trust their beliefs, ethics, and worldview.

 

In 1992, founder, Bob Hext, found that the games and tools he was developing for his dyslexic students were more beneficial and helpful in comparison to most anything else on the market.  He actually pioneered many of the things we now find common in children's games today.  In 2005, with the patent of The Eye Level Reading Ruler, the company became a leader in the area of support for those with visual stress.

 

While The Eye Level Reading Ruler is designed specifically to benefit those with visual stress and dyslexia, I found that if was a helpful tool for my early readers as well.  My boys were able to track the text much more consistently and better keep their place when using this product.  Thus, their fluency improved.     

 

The Eye Level Reading Ruler is made from a combination of opaque and transparent plastic.  It underlines the text and highlights it in a colored tint.  Broad strips are utilized when reading paragraphs and narrow strips for single lines. 

 

So as not to call attention to the reader, The Eye Level Reading Ruler is small and discreet.  Being the size of a six-inch ruler, it is easy to transport and carry all the time.  This is wonderful for all readers whether emergent, struggling, dyslexic, or dealing with visual stress.

   

The Eye Level Reading Ruler 10 - pack retails for $16.95.  Each ruler has one side that is matt coated and the other has a glossy finish allowing for the reader's individual preference.  A neat feature is that you are able to choose your own colors. One option is to select a multi-pack of the most popular colors or you can select from the following: yellow, celery, grass, jade, aqua, sky, purple, magenta, pink, and orange.  As far as my boys, Caleb preferred the grass and Jeremiah the aqua.   



Click the button below to read other Crew members experiences with the eye level rulers.  However, please note that the eye level rulers are only one of the products available from Crossbow Education.  Visit the website to see their other offerings including:  sand timers, junior learning product, and games for phonics and spelling.

  Disclaimer:  I received a pack of eye level rulers in exchange for my honest review.