Mini Conference - April 21

Saturday, April 21
1:30-4:30 PM

16331 Hafer Road
Houston, TX 77090

We will have three speakers and a panel discussion on various adoption topics.

Afterward there will be an ice cream social and we can all get to know each other! Bring your favorite ice cream toppings.

In addition, this can count towards training hours.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

If you have an questions, please email Alysha at alyshameacham@yahoo.com

Stepping Down

Today it became official. I’m stepping down as FSA Chair. A dynamic, energetic fabulous couple in the form of Ryan and Tawnee Johnson will lead FSA Houston where it needs to go. And I’m so excited!

The Johnsons are just the shot in the arm our chapter needs and it will be great to see and be inspired by the kind of passion that they both have for adoption.

I think you’ll be uplifted and motivated by their leadership! My gratitude to everyone who helped me out. Here’s to new leadership and a new year!!

Thanks Houston! I enjoyed my ride.

So those changes I mentioned...

Remember when I said change was in the air? Well, you can find out just what changes await pertaining to LDS Family Services on Saturday morning at 9 am when Eric Fernelius speaks. I am reposting what Julie wrote in her email just as a little reminder:

As many of you know, LDS Family Services as been in transition for the last year or so. While many of you have not felt the effect of these transitions, it has been an interesting adventure for others. With my departure, Children’s Services will be managed from the Carrollton, TX office and Eric Fernelius will be the Adoption Manager for the state of Texas. He will be in Houston on March 26^th and would appreciate the opportunity to meet you face to face and get to know all of you. While I know this announcement raises questions, perhaps anxiety, this meeting is scheduled to address those concerns and questions. Please do everything you can do come and meet Eric on March 26^th at 9 a.m. at the church on Hafer road.

We hope to see you there!

Whi

Up Next...

This morning I discovered a lovely surprise HERE

 images via Central Region FSA blog

Let's plan on getting together and 

doing this next for our chapter...would you like to?

Comment below or email me at 

sylviasudeth{at}gmail.com if you are interested. 

In case you don't want to click on the link, the idea is to put together a public relations folder for social workers at hospitals which has a sticker on the front announcing what is inside "Adoption:  It's About Love." On the inside left pocket there is a stats page, brochures {from LDSFS and other agencies} and I think I'll include copies of "Nobody Gets Married Anymore Mister," and the editorial from USA Today Have you read these? The first news article is profound and thought provoking. Bookmark them and read them when you get a chance. I think they'll be great outside voices to help increase thoughts about single teen parenting not being the solution.


In the center clear pocket will be pass along cards from couples in our chapter, stories from birth moms, adoptees and adoptive families.

And then in the right side back pocket will be agency information and IAL.org sheet.

Do you LOVE it yet?

From a public relations standpoint this is a great way to get information into the hands of decision makers. It will look professional, be helpful and get our couples out there even more. It is better than a couple doing it on their own.

Such an awesome way to promote adoption and our adoptive families--

Thanks to the Central Region FSA. Love it!

March Message {from the chair}

Change is in the air...can you feel it? As winter melts away into the muddy, rich browns and greens of spring I'm reminded of how few things ever stay just as they are. We both love and lament this. We love it when things that are hard ease up and shift to become more bearable, comfortable. We lament changes that place us in uncomfortable, awkward places or that signal our lives will never be the same {unless it means a child being placed in our home and then it's funny how we are able to joyfully embrace change, difficult though it may be}.

The change of paths from medical treatments to adoption was a transition that took me a long time. As I prepared to speak with Ariane at an LDS Family Services training meeting I thought long and hard about the events that brought me to my Path of Promise. The shift for our family from LDS Family Services to using a private agency was another shift I didn't think I was ready for but we made it and enjoyed the private experience. Though this is not the time or place to wax extraordinarily personal, I can honestly say that traveling this path of pain, disappointment and trial taught me that I can trust the Savior and his plan. I have learned that the power of the Atonement is real and everlasting. Would I go through this again? If it meant knowing what I know now, Absolutely!

We enjoyed the opportunity to represent those among us who have struggled with infertility. It was an effort to help ward members and leaders understand what they can do to help those who face this challenge. I hope we provided some useful information.

Here are a few of the sources we used, if you are interested in taking a minute to look at them:

For Those Who Mean Well by Krista Oakes

You're Like A Mother by Ardeth Kapp

Just the Two of Us -- for Now by Ardeth Kapp

Encircled in the Arms of His Love by Elder Neil A. Maxwell

Changes are afoot, my friends. We will see many of those materialize in the coming months.
And if you need something to help you through...HERE.

P.S. Please don't forget about our Saturday Seminar 10am at the Hafer Building.

The Road to International Adoption

Did you know any of the following?

• If you want to adopt from Korea, you cannot weigh more than 30% over the normal weight for your height when you work with certain agencies.
  
• If you are single, male or female, forget about adopting from Armenia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka (among others). No single adoptive parents allowed.
  
• If you want to adopt from St. Lucia, you don’t have to be a resident but you do have to own property on the island.
  
• If Slovakia is your country of choice, you must maintain long-term residency in-country, and stay there during the entire adoption process, which can take a year or two.
  
• If you want to adopt from Indonesia, a two year in-country residency before an application will be considered, and a belief in God are required.
•  

You can find out more about these by clicking on this link:

Restrictions and Requirements for various countries

And if you want to know where to start click HERE

Also adoption.state.gov is also a great place to find out which countries are more favorable toward adoption. You will NOT be able to adopt from Canada, Australia, or Western Europe if you are American. Fascinating.


Also LDS Family Services is working with Gladney and they are a great resource for information as well so click on this link if you would like to see information about Ethiopian adoptions.

I had hoped to include an account from someone who adopted internationally so you could hear their family story first hand but they weren't able to post this month...maybe next.

Also...don't forget about 12 March. Sister Samayoa will be worth the effort! I'm sure!

Mark your Calendars- Invite your friends!

We are excited to announce our March activity and the great guest we have coming to meet with us. 

March 12, 2011

10am - 11am

Hafer Building

Babysitting provided with an RSVP

Lucy Samayoa and her husband Jose were both widowed, and met and married 3 years ago. Altogether they have 12 children, 5 of whom came to them through adoption. Lucy graduated from N. Pacific Dental and Medical College in Vancouver, Washington with a degree in Dental Nursing. After joining the LDS church she attended BYU, majoring in English, minoring in Spanish. She worked as a dental surgery nurse for many years. She started a cleaning company in 2001, Aftermath Cleaning, and currently works with it, while also working as a Church employee in the Houston, Texas Temple. She enjoys playing piano and flute, and doing genealogical work. Lucy and Jose are expecting their 10th grandchild in July.


Sister Samayoa' wide variety of experiences will make a morning with her informative and fresh. She will also be answering questions. Please join us. And don't forget to RSVP especially if you are bringing children to our nursery...Excited to see everyone again!