Summit VI

We spent 2 jam packed days at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit VI this past weekend. You can see a blog of what went on at the official blog and see video clips. It was an honor to be among about 1300 people who care for orphans in one way or another.

I was reminded of Royal Family Kids Camp, a week away for foster kids to have a positive and loving mountaintop experience. I participated as a counselor in this camp out in California two summers in a row. Although only a week long experience, it's something I've never forgotten. My little camper, Jessica, gave me a stuffed bunny and told me never to forget her. Coming from a girl who had shown so much joy over a small shoebox full of goodies, I was deeply moved at her generosity. After the camp, I went directly to join my family on a bike trip in Seattle, and the last day we left the hotel in a hurry for the airport. Upon returning home, I was really sad to realize that my new bunny friend had been left. Mind you, I was about 21 at the time...so it was a little embarrassing for my dad to call the hotel and tell them that his daughter had left her stuffed bunny, but he took initiative on that for me. Before I knew it, bunny was back and continues to be my reminder to pray for little Jessica, who probably isn't so little anymore.

I learned about project 1.27 and 4 Kids, 2 remarkable programs to aid the church in responding to foster kids. When our very determined (aka anxious) Ruby dog escaped from our car Friday, it was 4 Kids founder Tom who found her hoping to come inside the church. It was fun to meet him as we had heard some encouraging stories from him in our breakout sessions.

Now that we have chosen an agency (Bethany), etc...we found out about Loving Shepherd Ministries, an organization that exists to help pre-adoptive couples in the decision process for no charge! They have list after list of stats and info to help you make decisions. They call themselves the Consumer Reports of Adoption. :)

Dr. Karyn Purvis shared some research about nurturing children who come from hard places. Simple yet profound, she drew many parallels of what happens naturally in a healthy pregnancy-2 years (attachment) and how you can make up for that. It was a lot about brain development, touch, and adoring the child...who was not adored as a baby but needs that. It was practical, and she discussed how often the behavior is not the real issue. Most of the time, these kids are scared, and that's why they act out. She recommended time ins where you help the child process and find a solution vs sending them away. Lots of good thoughts. I look forward to reading her book: The Connected Child.

To top it all off, we watched The Blind Side, a moving true story of a family who opened up their home to an older child from the projects.