Grad issue 2014

Summer 2014

Celebrating the 2014 Graduates!

“I Will Strengthen You...� Isaiah 41:10 Serving Children & Families in Vietnam

in this issue 4

Summer 2014 vol. 56 no. 2 Our Vision A world where every child has a loving and secure home.

With Love, Care and Education With adoption poised to resume from Vietnam, Holt reflects on our primary role in the region — keeping children with their birth families.

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Celebrating the Class of 2014!

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Adoptees Today Recent graduate Hannah Martin shares her college application essay.

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From the Field Through a continuing education project in China, 15 students have graduated college and are now pursuing their dreams.

In 1998, we featured Leah Anderson on the cover of Holt Families Magazine. Sixteen years later, she graces our cover again as a member of the Class of 2014.

Dear Readers Every year, I look forward to producing our annual graduate edition of the Holt magazine — featuring in yearbook-style the most recent class of Holt adoptee graduates.

It’s always so exciting to read about their impressive achievements, their diverse interests and chosen career paths. The 2014 graduates are a particularly impressive bunch — including, to name a few, college graduate Christina Beeghly, who plans to design and build prosthetics and orthotics; Samuel Houser, who earned his degree in aerospace engineering; and Melissa Anderson, who was one of 24 dancers accepted to Julliard this year. Read Melissa’s story on page 18.

While the graduate issue typically features Holt adoptees, this year we are broadening the scope of what defines a “Holt graduate.” On page 16, we share a story about Holt’s continuing education program in China and the nine students who graduated in June with support from their sponsors. These young scholars represent Holt’s gradual shift toward serving more children and families overseas through sponsorship, family strengthening and educational support programs. And although they’re not Holt adoptees, they are members of the extended Holt family and it’s only fitting that we celebrate their achievements alongside this year’s class of Holt graduates.

Education is the great equalizer. So said the great education reformer Horace Mann.

Whether they grew up in an orphanage in China, on a farm in Iowa or in a palace in Dubai, every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in life. And through H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Su m m e r 2 014

education, we firmly believe that every child can escape a life of poverty and hardship.

This is a belief we share with many of the families we serve around the world, including the young Vietnamese family we interviewed for our feature on page 4. “I want to see my children have an education and grow to become good people,” said the young mother, a woman whose struggles with cancer have devastated her family both financially and emotionally. She realizes that education is vital to her children’s health and happiness,

In 1955, Oregon farmers Harry and Bertha Holt felt called to help children left homeless by the Korean War. Though it took an act of the U.S. Congress, the Holts adopted eight children — pioneering the modern era of international adoption. The following year, they founded Holt International Children’s Services and began uniting orphaned and abandoned children with loving adoptive families. Today, Holt continues to find families for children who truly need them, but we are much more than an adoption agency. First, Holt strives to help children remain in the loving care of their birth families through a variety of family strengthening services. Today, Holt International serves children and families in Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Ethiopia, Haiti, India, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Thailand, Mongolia, Uganda, the United States and Vietnam.

President & CEO Phillip A. Littleton Vice President of Marketing & Development Bob Bowen Senior Executive, Southeast Asia Programs Thoa Bui Vice President of China Programs Jian Chen Vice President of Policy & External Affairs Susan Soonkeum Cox Vice President of Africa & Haiti Programs Dan Lauer Vice President of Asia Programs David Lim Vice President of Finance & Administration Kevin Sweeney Vice President of Adoption Services Lisa Vertulfo Vice President of Development Jack Wharfield Holt International Magazine is produced in print and online by Holt International Children’s Services, Inc., a nonprofit child welfare organization founded on Christian principles. While Holt International is responsible for the content of Holt International Magazine, the viewpoints expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the organization.

Creative Services Manager Laura Mathews Managing Editor Robin Munro Staff Writer Ashli Keyser Staff Writer/Graphic Designer Billie Loewen Media Director Brian Campbell Subscription Orders/Inquiries & Address Changes Send all editorial correspondence and changes of address to Holt International Magazine, Holt International, P.O. Box 2880, Eugene, OR 97402. Holt welcomes letters and articles for publication, but assumes no responsibility for return of letters, manuscripts or photos.

Reprint Information Permission from Holt International is required prior to reprinting any portion of Holt International Magazine. Please direct reprint requests to Brian Campbell at 541/687.2202 or brianc@ holtinternational.org.

Copyright ©2014 by Holt International Children’s Services, Inc. ISSN 1047-764

and through our family strengthening program, Holt and Holt supporters are helping to keep her children in school.

We always feel inspired to see so much joy and hope in the faces of Holt graduates — both in the U.S. and in our programs overseas — and we love sharing this joy with you, our Holt families and friends. Please join with us in congratulating the Class of 2014!

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Robin Munro |

Managing Editor

P.O. Box 2880 (1195 City View) Eugene, OR 97402 Ph: 541/687.2202 Fax: 541/683.6175

directions Continuing Their Journey A send-off for the Class of 2014

What a joy it is to share with you the 2014 graduate issue of Holt International Magazine! The graduates have completed an extraordinary chapter in their lives and should be very proud of themselves. It’s always such a joy to hear from adoptees, and reading about their accomplishments and plans has been quite a treat. It’s an honor to include each of them in this year’s graduate issue of Holt International Magazine.

This special issue also serves as a wonderful affirmation of Holt’s work and mission. When these young people joined their adoptive families in the United States, we rejoiced with them and their families, and we knew they’d go on to accomplish amazing feats. We now celebrate with them as they embark on what is sure to be another very successful journey in their lives.

Over the years, Holt has expanded our work in the countries we serve. Not only do these special graduates join their fellow adoptee graduates in the United States, but they also join many students around the world who are completing another phase of their education with the help of Holt International.

Last year, we provided families in Cambodia with funds to help their children attend school. In India, we help girls from impoverished families purchase school uniforms and supplies. By funding a kindergarten in the rural area of Shinshicho, Ethiopia, we are helping children start their education off right.

And in China, generous Holt donors are helping young adults who are growing up without families to make their way through college — despite overwhelming cultural pressure. We deeply understand the importance of education, and it is our joy to help vulnerable children have hope for the future by providing them with a stable family and a decent education.

Just as we help children overseas have a promising start in life, we also recognize the significance of providing a strong support system for the ones who have come before. Holt strives to keep in touch with adult adoptees and continues to invest greater resources into our post-adoption services department. We provide assistance or guidance with anything from birth search and documentation services to heritage tours and opportunities to connect with fellow adoptees.

We pray that the current Holt graduates continue to excel in life, and whatever path they choose, we hope they stay in touch and let us continue the journey with them.

Phillip A. Littleton |

President & CEO

"Not only do these special graduates join their fellow adoptee graduates in the United States, but they also join many students around the world who are completing another phase of their education with the help of Holt International."

With Love, Care and Education

As Vietnam prepares to resume international adoptions to the U.S., Holt reflects on our primary role in the region — helping children grow and thrive in the loving care of their birth families.

L

oan* and her husband live in a small brick house in a rural community outside Hanoi, Vietnam. They grew up in this village — a former government commune where the residents continue to harvest rice in the fields sur-

rounding their homes. When we visit in early June, their two young children sit coloring at a short folding table in their front room.

Sparse but neat, the room smells lightly of incense and a fan blows overhead. Their wedding photo hangs on the wall — a framed image of a beautiful young couple with warm, genuine smiles.

Looking at them, you would never know the struggles they have faced.

At 16, Loan developed the sickness that created a crisis within her family. Cancer of the cervix, the doctors told her. Although poor farmers, her parents helped cover the cost of her treatment and she moved on with her life — marrying a handsome young carpenter from her village and becoming pregnant within months of their wedding. She miscarried her first child, but soon gave birth to two healthy children — first a son, then a daughter.

After some time, a painful lump began to grow inside her. The cancer had spread. To treat it, she went through surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. At the end of all her treatment, Loan’s hospital bills reached nearly $5,000 — an amount she could not afford to pay without borrowing money from relatives. Loan helped her family farm their small rice plot when not too weak to work. But she and her husband struggled to support their two young children.

Now a 26-year-old woman with streaks of gold in her dark hair,

global market economy has come to Vietnam, and across the country, many young people are leaving small villages like this one to work in factories in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Those who remain behind have few options besides joining their families in the fields they have farmed for generations. Like families anywhere who are living on the edge of poverty, all it takes is one crisis — one injury, one bad harvest — to send them spiraling downward.

Loan’s family came to our attention in November 2013. To help Loan and her husband care for their children, our Holt Vietnam staff identified their strengths — including an available pigsty on

Loan invites us into her home. Holding her daughter in her lap and

the family compound. Confident that they had the makings for

her son at her side, she tells us about her cancer struggle — her

success as pig farmers, Holt provided funding for Loan’s family to

eyes filling with hot tears.

purchase three pigs. Although one of the pigs died, they were able

“At first, I did not intend to treat it. I thought, I will just get sicker

to sell the other two in April of this year — earning about $150 in

and sicker and then I will die,” she shares. “But then I looked at

profit. With the income, they bought two more pigs and saved some

these two children and kept trying.”

funds to pay their children’s upcoming school fees. Loan and her

Two years ago, Holt began serving families and children in this poor farming community in Vietnam. In recent years, the

husband also used some of their profit to purchase clothing wholesale and open a small stall near their home.

LEFT: Loan and her family stand in front of their clothing stall. With the income they earn from raising pigs and selling clothes, they can afford to send their two children to school.

ABOVE: Seeing that the family had a useable pigsty, Holt provided funding for them to purchase three pigs. Although one died, the family sold the other two in April — earning $150 in profit.

TOP RIGHT: Loan’s husband worked as a carpenter until he was injured on the job. He now runs the family’s clothing stall.

BOTTOM RIGHT:“I feel warm because there are still people caring about us,” Loan says of the Holt supporters who provided start-up funding for their small business. “I am very touched and very thankful.”

Their decision to diversify their income through a combination

— when Holt and other agencies airlifted to safety children who

of raising pigs and selling clothing was a strategic one. “They are

were legally free for adoption and matched with families in the

trying not to put all their eggs in one basket,” says Hang Dam, who

U.S. — Holt did not return to Vietnam in a major role until the early

since 2009 has served as Vietnam country director out of the Holt

1990s. In the years that followed — and between moratoriums on

office in Hanoi.

international adoption to the U.S. — we continued to find adop-

The family’s clothing stall stands by a river on the edge of the

tive families for children who truly needed them. But mostly, we

village. During the rainy season, large umbrellas shield the hanging

focused on helping children to grow and thrive in the loving care of

rows of sport shorts and colorful patterned pants. Loan cheered up

their birth families.

after our interview — and she laughs as she helps us select clothing items to bring home.

“I just wish God gives me enough health to earn money to pay all the debt I have. I want to see my children have an education and grow to become good people,” she says. Now in remission and doing

“There are lots of organizations in Vietnam, and we are very small scale in comparison. But none of them do what we do,” says Thoa Bui, Holt’s senior executive for programs in S.E. Asia. “None of them focus on keeping children in families.”

Following our family strengthening model, Holt has through the

well, Loan has great reason to hope. Her children are in school. Her

years helped thousands of children in Vietnam remain with their

family business is growing. And her health is slowly returning.

families. Our goal, as everywhere, is to give families the tools and

Encouraged to see Loan and her children doing so well, we leave

resources they need to independently support their children. We

to visit another family. If we had time, we could spend a week or

provide resources and funds to help parents in Vietnam build small

more meeting families in this community who are now succeeding

businesses — generating reliable income to support their children.

as small business owners, whose children are thriving and whose

Unlike organizations that provide broad-stroke community

lives are more hopeful — largely in thanks to Holt and Holt’s sup-

development projects, Holt looks at families individually and tailors

porters. In just two years in Loan’s community, Holt has already

services to their circumstances and needs. “We are more case man-

helped over 60 families to become stronger, more self-reliant and

agement-focused,” Thoa explains. “Vietnam needs both. It’s good to

better equipped to care for their children.

have organizations focused on different things.”

Among nongovernmental organizations working in Vietnam,

For an organization like Holt to be successful in our mission,

Holt is just one of many. But our history is long and significant, and

local social workers must work closely with each family — identify-

our approach is unique.

ing their strengths and weaknesses, developing an action plan and

After the highly publicized “Baby Lifts” of the early Vietnam War

following up on a regular basis. Some families may not have the * name changed

resources to raise pigs like Loan’s family, but they can run a small

because it will hurt her mother’s feelings,” Hang says. At this point

grocery. Another family may need short-term emergency aid after

in her story, the young woman’s face turns red and she speaks

a typhoon washes away their livelihood. A pregnant mother in cri-

through breathless sobs. In a soothing voice, Hang encourages her

sis may come to us for help delivering and caring for her newborn

to reach out to her mother. Turning to us, Hang says, “I had to do a

baby. Or we may receive a referral for a two-parent household in

little counseling about how moms feel when their kids go through

which both parents have stable jobs, but they need help caring for

hard times.”

their kids so they can work.

As Hang explains, “If a family doesn’t need capital for a business,

Although the caseworker chimes in every so often, Hang leads the session. She emphasizes the mother’s strengths and tries to

but needs time to work, we can pay for daycare for a couple months

build her confidence — reinforcing that, with help, she is capable of

until they have enough money. Case management is very specific

caring for herself and her baby.

to the family and their unique needs.”

Before Hang became the director of Holt Vietnam, she took a

Unlike many of the young expectant mothers who seek crisis counseling in Vietnam, this young woman has a particularly

break to earn her Master’s degree in social work at Washington

unique strength — she is college educated. “She has two years of

University in St. Louis, Missouri. As social work is a relatively new

business training as an accountant,” Hang says.

profession in Vietnam, Hang is often called upon to help train orphanage and government staff. During our visit in June, we

As in many of the countries where we work, however, a strong stigma against unwed mothers endures in Vietnam. Although she

"From the bottom of her heart, she wants to keep the baby. But she worries if she keeps the baby, who will help her during the first month? She worries about whether she can find a good job to cover the costs of raising her baby. And she worries about providing a good future and education.” stopped off at the local social welfare center in Da Nang, which

has the education needed to earn a decent salary, she may face

Holt partners with to serve at-risk children and families in the

discrimination when searching for an accounting job. She currently

community. While Holt provides some equipment and funding, our

runs a small business serving breakfast for factory workers, and

role is primarily to train and support the staff — a young, enthu-

spends her afternoons working in a food stall. She earns $5-7/day,

siastic team of caseworkers, many of them the first social work

which is enough to pay her rent and not much else.

graduates in Vietnam.

Just last year, the social welfare center opened services for single

“From the bottom of her heart, she wants to keep the baby,” Hang says. “But she worries if she keeps the baby, who will help her

mothers struggling with unexpected pregnancies — a significant

during the first month? She worries about whether she can find

need in this region, and a service Holt has provided in Vietnam for

a good job to cover the costs of raising her baby. And she worries

many years. Hang assisted their efforts by writing a training cur-

about providing a good future and education.”

riculum about counseling single mothers, and during our visit, we

Working with the social welfare center, Holt can help support

had the opportunity to observe as she helped the government case-

her during the delivery and for a month afterward. We can help

worker counsel a young woman in crisis.

pay part of the hospital fees. And, if she ultimately decides to keep

In a quiet, air-conditioned room at the social welfare center, Hang and the caseworker sit around a small table with the young mother. She is 24 years old and four months pregnant. The small

her baby, Holt can also provide support for six months of daycare so she can seek work in her field.

Although this should help to alleviate some of her fears, she has

bump of her belly presses against her blue and white floral mater-

one last nagging concern. “She feels pity if it’s a girl,” Hang says.

nity dress as she sits with her feet demurely crossed under the table.

“She is afraid the girl will repeat her life cycle.”

“When she learned she was pregnant, she was already separated

At this, Hang — a mother of two — offers some motherly advice

from her boyfriend, who is now married to another woman,” Hang

and encouragement: “I told her she will find a way for her daughter

says, translating the young woman’s story. “She couldn’t stand to

to break the cycle, with love, care and education.”

stop the pregnancy so she decided to keep the baby.”

She has not visited her mother since her pregnancy. Her mother does not even know she’s expecting. “She feels she can’t tell her

In both Hanoi and Da Nang, we visit single mothers who Holt supports through our family strengthening programs. Both are widows whose husbands died young — one from cancer, the other

in a drowning accident. Both have received funds to start small businesses that help them support their children.

From early intervention with birth moms to supporting single mothers with growing kids, Holt strives to help struggling mothers early — before poverty and hardship compel them to abandon or relinquish their children. In this way, Holt is also unique among child welfare organizations in Vietnam. “Holt is the only organization that works the way we do,” Hang says, “counseling and supporting and encouraging birth moms to keep their babies.”

It is a sad fact that not every child can — or should — remain in the care of their birth family, however. For these children, Holt has always sought a permanent, loving family through adoption.

Although international adoption to the U.S. has remained suspended since 2008, Holt has continued to place children domestically within Vietnam — and also to seek alternative, family-like care for children living in orphanages. In the early 1970s, Holt introduced foster care as a more nurturing care model in Vietnam, and continues to be the only organization training and supporting foster families here. In recent years, Holt Vietnam’s thriving programs moved Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to promote this family-like alternative to institutional care — with Hang and her staff developing the training curriculum.

Soon, Holt may also resume international adoptions from Vietnam through a small pilot program for children with special needs. Two U.S. placing agencies will be licensed, and Holt is being considered as one of a few final candidates.

For those children who truly need families through adoption, Holt will continue advocating for international adoption from Vietnam. But in the 41 years since we first came to this vibrant but troubled country in Southeast Asia, our role has evolved. First and foremost, we strive to keep children in the loving care of their birth families, whenever possible. And as we saw in homes from Hanoi to Da Nang, this is not just a distant possibility. Our family strengthening model works. In Hanoi, our success rate is 90 percent.

It doesn’t take much, either. Just a few pigs or the cost of daycare. As Thoa says, “A couple hundred dollars goes a long way in Vietnam.”

As we say goodbye to Loan and her husband in Hanoi, they stand before their clothing stall with their hands on their children’s shoulders — a strong and beautiful family. Their lives are not easy, but they feel encouraged by the support of Holt and Holt’s supporters. “The amount of capital assistance provided was neither small nor big compared to the debt our family has,” Loan says, “but I feel warm because there are still people caring about us. I am very touched and am very thankful.”

Robin Munro |

Managing Editor

To give to Holt's family strengthening program in Vietnam and other countries where we work, go to www.holtinternational.org/familystrengthening.

TOP:Hang Dam, Holt’s Vietnam country director (far right), and a caseworker from the social welfare center in Da Nang (middle) visit a widowed single mother in our family strengthening program. With support from Holt, this woman started a small business selling beverages to support her three young children.

BOTTOM: A single mother and her son in Hanoi. After her husband drowned, Holt helped her start a business washing motorbikes and selling drinks at a roadside stall.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Class of 2014

From China, Korea, Thailand, Romania, India, the Philippines and Vietnam — to New Jersey, Louisiana, Michigan, Oregon and California — this year’s class of Holt graduates come from all over the world and Anderson, Leah across the U.S. They are all members of the Holt family, and we are so proud of their achievements!

Anderson, Melissa

Basham, Ross

Beebe, Matthew

Beeghly, Christina

Bernstrom, Timothy

Bickhardt, Bradley

Blankenship, Alex

Bliss, Cole

Boehmer, Devin

Breuninger, Angelee

Brown, Aileen

Brown, Lilly

Brubaker, Lily

Bryan, Jamie

Burke, Ivey-Mariyn

Cannalte, Amber

Choe, Elliot

Chow, Chloe

Anderson, Leah — Olympia, WA; tennis, youth group, camp counselor, honors graduate, Centralia College scholarship, Dollars for Scholars. Plans to attend Centralia College in Centralia, WA for pre-nursing. (China) Anderson, Melissa — Coppell, TX; Key Club, Pro Life club, Students Against Destructive Decisions club, Ballet Ensemble of Texas, Ballet Academy of Texas. Plans to study dance at The Julliard School in New York City. (Philippines) Basham, Ross — Bowling Green, KY; National Honor Society, track and field, bowling, State FBLA winner. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky in Lexington for pre-med. (Korea) Beebe, Matthew — Independence, IA; baseball, basketball, football, tennis, soccer, first team all-conference soccer, concert band, marching band, small ensembles, concert choir, school musicals, honors choir, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, silver cord volunteer award. Plans to major in accounting and finance at Iowa State University in Ames. (Korea) Beeghly, Christina — Kingsburg, CA; Bachelor of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics from Loma Linda University. Plans to design, build and fit prosthetics and orthotics. (Korea)

Cale-Finnegan, Kerry

Bernstrom, Timothy — Waterloo, IA. Plans to major in linguistics and East Asian languages at Ohio State University in Columbus.

(Korea) Bickhardt, Bradley — Knowlton, NJ; National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, musical theater. Plans to study vocal performance at Indiana University in Bloomington. (Korea) Blankenship, Alex — Celebration, FL; National Honor Society, Nation Honor Society for Dance Arts, Top Ten Scholar, Goucher College Summer Intensive Scholarship for dance, People to People Leadership Ambassador Conference for Future Medical Students.

Plans to major in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. (China) Bliss, Cole — Watkins Glen, NY; football, indoor track. Plans to major in physical education at Corning Community College in Corning, NY. (Thailand) Boehmer, Devin — Gainesville, VA; National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Beta Club, Summa Cum Laude graduate, Prince William Country award for academic excellence, Marine Corps award for academic excellence, Aerojet Rocketdyne scholarship award. Plans to major in computer information systems at

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. (China) Breuninger, Angelee — Arroyo Grande, CA; band, Semper Fidelis award for musical excellence, lead welder in First Robotics. Plans to major in engineering at Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA. (China) Brown, Aileen — Valencia, PA; soccer, class council, Interact Service Club, ski club, Spanish club, Planet Preschool, Northwest Haiti Christian Mission teams. Plans to major in early childhood and special education at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA. (China) Brown, Lilly — Salem, IN; National Honor Society, dance team, tennis. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. (China) Brubaker, Lily — DuBois, PA; National Honor Society, Scholastic Challenge Academic team, BEST Robotics team, theater, Poetry Out Loud, Junior Achievement Titan, People to People Ambassador to Australia and Costa Rica, National Youth Leader Conference delegate, National Society of High School Scholars, AP Scholar award, brown belt in Shintani Wado Kai Karate, Lutheran Youth Organization, Girl Scouts, dance, Summa Cum Laude. Plans

Clement, Monica

Cottrell, Christian

Crocker, Mallory

Devaney, Kimberlee

Dornblaser, Alice

Dorsey, Cody

Douglas, Katelyn

Douglas, Maxwell

Dunkerton, Zachary

Erickson, Benjamin

Ferriby, Leah

Garnett, Claire

Garrett, Colton

Hanson, Nikki

Hedwall, Emma

Hinze, Crosby

Hodges, Ellen

Holiday, Patrick

scholarship, martial arts, drawing and animation. Plans to major in mechanical engineering and animation at California Baptist University in Riverside. (Korea) Chow, Chloe — South Pasadena, CA; varsity basketball. Plans to study education. (China)

Holm, Kendra

Holm, Tara

to major in international and Asian studies at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. (China) Bryan, Jamie — Sioux Falls, SD; National Honor Society, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Regent’s Scholar award, Advanced Placement award, church volunteer, salsa dancer. Plans to study physical therapy at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. (Korea) Burke, Ivey-Mariyn — Wytheville, VA; National Honor Society, MACC-Math & Science, concert band, marching band. Plans to major in computer science at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. (China) Cale-Finnegan, Kerry — Des Moines, IA; Silver Cord award for volunteerism. Plans to study liberal arts at Grandview University in Des Moines, IA. (China) Cannalte, Amber — Racine, WI; honors graduate, Wisconsin Teens for Life leadership team, lead dancer for Glory Dancers Worship team. Plans to attend Youth With a Mission missionary training. (China) Choe, Elliot — Burbank, CA; varsity cross country, Ishimoto Asian Athlete scholarship, Korean American Women’s Association

Christner, John — Hamlet, NE; 2013 Wanueta New England One Act music and band. Plans to begin working. Not Pictured (Korea) Clement, Monica — Carl Junction, MO; student council, Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, yearbook, cheerleading. Plans to study health promotion and wellness at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. (Romania)

Dorsey, Cody — Shelby, NC; Eagle Scout, Best All-Around Senior award, soccer captain, All-Conference soccer, All-Conference Kicker of the Year football. Plans to study criminal justice at Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC. (Romania) Douglas, Katelyn— Gresham, OR; salutatorian, Lion’s Club scholarship, math tutor, District Council, teacher’s assistant. Plans to major in business administration at Warner Pacific College in Portland, OR. (Thailand) Douglas, Maxwell — Gresham, OR; 2013 graduate. Student of the Month, band. Works for Portland Habilitation Center. (Thailand) Dunkerton, Zachary — Minneola, FL; Interested in video, gaming and psychology. (Korea)

Cottrell, Christian — Fort Myers, FL; Plans to study elementary education at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

(Thailand)

Erickson, Benjamin — Jefferson, IA; band, Science Bowl, salutatorian. Plans to study actuarial science at Drake University in Des Moines. (Korea)

Crocker, Mallory — North Bend, OR; Bachelor of Applied Science degree in management from Southern Oregon University.

American Culinary Federation certified culinarian, James Beard Foundation, SOU hospitality & tourism club, Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship, American Red Cross lifeguard, Americorps VISTA alumni, Ford Scholar alumni. Currently working in the hospitality and tourism industry. (Korea)

Ferriby, Leah — Hamden, CT; varsity field hockey, varsity lacrosse, varsity indoor track, House Leadership Council, scholar athlete, high honors. Plans to attend Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. (Korea)

Devaney, Kimberlee — Lanoka Harbor, NJ; dean’s list, Phi Sigma Sigma. Bachelor of Science in nursing from Widener University.

Plans to start a career in trauma nursing. (Korea) Dornblaser, Alice — Long Beach, CA; softball, chess club, National Honor Society. Plans to major in biology at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. (China)

Garnett, Claire — Los Alamos, NM; National Honor Society.

Plans to major in nursing at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. (China) Garrett, Colton — Southlake, TX; band, lead tuba, brass captain, Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps “A” Corp, top five semifinalist at the student division of the Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival. Plans to study music education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. (Korea)

Houser, Samuel

Jahnke, Joshua

James, Alison

Jarosinski, Katherine

Johnson, Molly

Jones, Emily

Jones, Katheryn

Kleutsch, Katelyn

Kloetzli, SaraLynn

Kutik, Seth

Larson, Kevin

Lukasak, Mareyuna

Marin, Zoe

Martin, Hannah

Martin, Molly

McCall, Kelsey

McCartney, Anna

McChane, Lia

McClure, Jillian

Miller, Brandon

Hanson, Nikki — Hockinson, WA; Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Washington State University. Plans to teach English internationally. (Korea) Hedwall, Emma — Edina, MN; lettered in community service, Spanish club, boy’s varsity soccer manager, Edina Scholar. Plans to attend Drake University in Des Moines, IA. (China) Hinze, Crosby — Runnells, IA; football, track, swimming. Plans to study athletic training at Iowa Western in Council Bluffs, IA. (Korea) Hodges, Ellen — Saline, MI; National Honor Society, marching band, varsity cross country, team captain of varsity track and field, homecoming queen, jazz band, symphonic band, SEC academic award, English sign language tutor. Plans to study speech pathology at Miami University in Oxford, OH. (Korea) Holiday, Patrick — Louisville, KY; Christian Educational Consortium. (Korea) Holm, Kendra — Cedar Falls, IA; Bachelor of Arts in family services from the University of Northern Iowa. (India)

award), American Red Cross scholarship, Kocourek Fund scholarship, Betty Weyland-Moore scholarship, Chapin Memorial scholarship, Dalco Metals scholarship. Plans to study nursing, biotechnology and genetics at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. (China) Jarosinski, Katherine — Baltimore, MD; National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society. Plans to study film at Stevenson University in Ownings Mill, MD. (China) Johnson, Molly — Omaha, NE; National Honor Society, swimming. Plans to attend Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. (China) Jones, Emily — Thayne, WY; 4-H, livestock judging, youth group. Plans to study animal science at Casper College in Casper, WY. (China) Jones, Katheryn — Thayne, WY; National Honor Society, University of Wyoming scholarship. Plans to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie. (China)

Houser, Samuel — Johnston, IA; Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University. Employed as a systems analyst in the aerospace industry. (Korea)

Kleutsch, Katelyn — Winter, WI; high honors, Associate degree from the dental assistant program at Chippewa Valley Technical College, member of Health Occupational Students of America, academic decathalon, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council, Wisconsin State Music Association district and state solo and ensemble performances. Plans to study biochemistry or biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. (China)

Jahnke, Joshua — Fort Wright, KY; marching band, concert band, jazz band, pep band, All-County All Star Band, Northern Kentucky Select Band, Boy Scouts. Plans to major in computer information systems at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. (Korea)

Kloetzli, SaraLynn — Beaverton, OR; Becca’s Closet, LINK leadership crew, Girl’s State, Global Awareness to Action, Gay Straight Alliance, choir, junior varsity volleyball, Key Club. Plans to major in psychology and criminology at Portland Community College in Portland, OR. (Korea)

James, Alison — Fontana, WI; honors graduate, varsity letter swimming, National Honor Society (Most Active Member

Kutik, Seth — Long Beach, CA; Doctorate of Medicine in emergency room medicine from Medical College of Wisconsin. Plans

Holm, Tara — Cedar Falls, IA. Plans to study liberal arts at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA. (India)

to start his emergency room residency at Presence Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago. (Korea) Larson, Kevin — Indianola, IA; Commend Scholar, National Merit Scholar, National Honor Society, all-academic athlete, swimming, senior captain and manager of girl’s swim team, lifeguard certified, swim lesson instructor, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout, band, orchestra. Plans to major in computer science at Iowa State University in Ames. (Korea) Lukasak, Mareyuna — Rochester, MN; National Honor Society, AP scholar. Plans to major in pre-veterinarian studies at Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. (China) Marin, Zoe — Glendale, MI; yearbook, dance team, National Honor Society, band. Plans to major in elementary education at Hope College in Holland, MI. (China) Martin, Hannah — Milford, OH; honors graduate, student council, DECA, PSI, drama, show choir, dance team, art show exhibitor. Plans to study fine arts at the University of Cincinnati-School of Design, Architecture and Planning in Ohio. (Korea) Martin, Molly — Raleigh, NC; student council, National Honor Society, volleyball, Christian character award, ACSI Distinguished Student award for leadership and service. Plans

Millsap, Theodore

Motel, Koren

Moxley, Sydney

Neilson, Zoe

Nicely, Kellie

Noga, Emma

Partridge, Lina

Peterson, Elizabeth

Peterson, Michelle

Petz, Michael

Powell, Chandini

Powell, Manisha

Reams, Stephanie

Reece, Evan

Regier, Helene

Renfer, Kristin

Reynolds, Levy

Richstein, Hannah

INTERACT club. Plans to study nursing at Kent State University in Kent, OH. (China) Peterson, Elizabeth — Chippewa Falls, WI; National Art Honor Society. Plans to study interior design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie. (China)

Rienzi, Annamarie

Riley, Laura

to major in communications at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. (Thailand) McCall, Kelsey — Nevada, MO; varsity basketball, varsity track and field, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, academic award. Plans to study communication disorders at Missouri State University in Springfield. (Thailand) McCartney, Anna — Oregon, WI; National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, dance, theater. Plans to major in occupational therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point. (China) McChane, Lia — Kingwood, TX; orchestra, Key Club president, outstanding achievement award for audio/video production.

Plans to major in film at the University of North Texas in Denton.

(China) McClure, Jillian — York, NE; soccer, golf, cross country, Youth Leadership, Leadership Training for Christ, one act, play productions, Youth Against Alcohol and Drugs. Plans to study nursing at the University of Nebraska at Kearny. (China) Miller, Brandon — Mount Juliet, TN. Plans to study aviation at Columbia State College in Franklin, TN. (Korea) Millsap, Theodore — Beaverton, OR; Associate degree in

Rossano, Christin

Roth, Jacob

applied science and automotive technology from Mt. Hood Community College. Plans to work at Sunset-Audi in Beaverton, Oregon. (Korea) Motel, Koren — Exton, PA; 2013 graduate. Doctorate of audiology from Arizona School of Health and Science. (Korea) Moxley, Sydney — Independence, MO; National Honor Society president, presidential honor roll. Plans to major in chemistry and pre-med at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. (China)

Peterson, Michelle — Wilton, IA; volleyball, track, journalism, Conference Art awards, honor roll, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, class secretary. Plans to major in fashion merchandising at Iowa State University in Ames.

(Korea) Petz, Michael — Edison, NJ; Bachelor of Arts in health and physical education from Kean University. Plans to teach physical education and health. (Korea) Powell, Chandini — Olympia, WA; varsity soccer, varsity track, varsity gymnastics, honors graduate. Plans to major in biology at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. (India) Powell, Manisha — Olympia, WA; varsity soccer, orchestra.

Plans to attend Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. (India)

Neilson, Zoe — Mount Laurel, NJ; Future Teachers of America, SADD. Plans to major in psychology and early elementary education at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. (Korea)

Reams, Stephanie — Santa Rosa, CA; Associate degree in healthcare administration and medical records from the University of Phoenix. (Korea)

Nicely, Kellie — Lexington, VA; 2013 and 2014 Doodle 4 Google winner - Virginia. Plans to major in art and business at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. (China)

Reece, Evan — Athens, TN; track, cross country, FBC Youth, Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Ministry. Plans to major in criminal justice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. (Korea)

Noga, Emma — North Andover, MA; National Honor Society, drama guild, varsity field hockey co-captain, varsity lacrosse, honors chorus. Plans to major in business marketing with a minor in Chinese at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. (China)

Regier, Helene — Dallas, TX. (China)

Partridge, Lina — Massillon, OH; band, cross country, track and field, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society,

Renfer, Kristin — Ferndale, CA; National Bible Bee, choir, violin and piano studies. Plans to continue music studies, teaching and music ministry. (China) Reynolds, Levy — Atchison, KS; youth ministry, intramural

Rowley, Gwen

Rude, Conor

Saholt, Melissa

Saulnier, Arielle

Schleig, Alexandru

Schroader, Sunita

Siert, Kara

Smith, Abigail

Smith, Bailey

Smith, Sara

Stoeger, Elizabeth

Thompson, Jack

Thompson, Patrick

Tierney, Brendan

Tiger, Christopher

Truman, Shania

soccer, Bible studies, Spanish tutor. Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Benedictine College. Plans to teach middle school language arts, social studies, Spanish and theology. (Korea) Richstein, Hannah — Bellevue, NE; valedictorian, National Merit scholarship, National Honor Society, International Thespian Society president, President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, Select Twelve award, Omaha World Herald 2014 All-Metro First Team academic award, Academic SkyHawk award, Outstanding Christian Service award, Science Olympiad Team co-president, engineering team, chess team, SkyHawks for Life, Ministry Counsel, Trap Shooting Team, theater, SkyHawk’s Make A Difference award. Plans to study physics and French at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. (China) Rienzi, Annamarie — Howell, NJ; National Honor Society, chapter president-Junior Statesman of America, National Forensics and Debate League, Model U.N. Plans to attend American University-School of Public Affairs in Washington D.C. for prelaw. (Korea) Riley, Laura — Dunnellon, FL; senior class president, yearbook editor. Plans to major in chemistry at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. (China) Rossano, Christin — Holmdel, NJ; Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in culinary arts and food service management from Johnson and Wales University. Plans to be a fitness model and competitor. (Thailand) Roth, Jacob — Dubuque, IA; basketball, cross country. Plans to major in marketing management at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta. (Korea) Rowley, Gwen — Silverton, OR; Plans to major in paramedic studies at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR. (Korea)

Rude, Conor — Brookings, SD; Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout, Brotherhood Member Order of the Arrow, the Honor Society of Scouting, 4-H, trap and skeet, 2013 South Dakota Ford AAA competition. Plans to study mechanical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings. (Korea) Saholt, Melissa — Lakeville, MN; Summa Cum Laude graduate, National Honor Society, AP scholar with distinction, Senior English academic award, Superior Rating-Minnesota State High School League, All-Conference Concert Band award, French Club president, mock trials, marching band. Plans to major in communications and psychology at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. (China) Saulnier, Arielle — Appleton, WI; National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, AP Scholar award, DECA, varsity dance team, 2014 National Debate and Forensics Tournament qualifier. Plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

(China) Schleig, Alexandru — North Canton, OH; football, culinary arts. Plans to major in culinary arts at Sullivan University in Louisville, KY. (Romania) Schroader, Sunita — Owensboro, KY; orchestra, golf, track and field, FCA. (India) Siert, Kara — Bellevue, NE; Child Evangelism Fellowship volunteer, musical theater, guitar, piano, writing. Plans to study medical transcription, continue volunteering and work on her latest novel. (China) Smith, Abigail — Peru, IL; LaSalle Peru Township High School Honor Society, High Scholarship Legion, Gold Cord Club for service to the school and community, Link Crew, All-Conference Academic Team–high honors, cheerleading, ILMEA All-State Honor Chorus, assistant concert master and vocal soloist at the 2014 European Tour of the Illinois Ambassadors of Music, con-

Vedral, Tyler

Wallinga, Katie

cert master of Illinois Valley Youth Symphony, violin, Wheaton Symphony Pops. Plans to study music at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. (China) Smith, Bailey — Eugene, OR; SALT Leadership Team, ACTS scholarship, Camp Harlow counselor, Mexico Mission, hospital volunteer. Plans to study nursing at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR. (Korea) Smith, Sara — Hamilton, MT; National Honor Society, Key Club, student council. Plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman for pre-med. (China) Stoeger, Elizabeth — Portland, OR; National Honor Society.

Plans to study liberal arts at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. (China) Thompson, Jack — Fort Pierce, FL; Marine Oceanographic Academy, varsity golf, varsity tennis. Plans to major in engineering at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, FL. (Vietnam) Thompson, Patrick — Atlanta, GA; soccer, basketball, track.

Plans to volunteer with Americorps. (Korea) Tierney, Brendan — Orlando, FL; fencing club president, AllState musician. Plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Florida in Gainesville. (Vietnam) Tiger, Christopher — Piscataway, NJ; marching band, jazz band, National Honor Society, National Music Society. Plans to major in business at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. (Korea) Truman, Shania — Wagner, SD; voted Wagner High School volleyball’s biggest fan, junior prom princess. Plans to attend LifeQuest to gain independent living skills. (India) Vedral, Tyler — Galloway, NJ; Police Explorers. Plans to major in engineering at Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, NJ. (Korea)

Then

and Wang, Joana

Ward, Kimberly

Weinman, Christina

Wessell-Woodcock, McKenzie Wilkins, Elizabeth

Williams, Laura

Weidner, Sarah

Yampaglia, MaryMargaret Yingling, Logan

Now

the cover of adoptee Amber Cannalte on h In 20 00, we featured Holt she has graduated from hig our annual calendar. Now, . ng ini tra ary travel to Texas for mission school and is preparing to

Wallinga, Katie — Grant, MI; Plans to major in special education at Muskegon Community College in Muskegon, MI. (India) Wang, Joana — Long Island, NY, Plans to attend SUNY Geneseo in Geneseo, NY. (China) Ward, Kimberly — Mitchell, NE; musicals, show choir, worship team, Tri-M Honor Society, all-state chorus, honor choir. Plans to major in music at Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff. (Korea) Weidner, Sarah — Demorest, CA; President’s Award, National Honor Society, school ambassador, drama award, marketing award. Plans to major in criminal justice at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. (Korea) Weinman, Christina — Kandern, Germany; swimming, mock trials, volleyball, track and field, cross country, drawing and painting, ceramics. Plans to major in biology and art at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. (Korea) Wessell-Woodcock, McKenzie — Beloit, WI; National Honor Society, Summa Cum Laude, Porter Scholar, jazz and pep band, soccer, volleyball, softball.

Plans to study physical education and sports medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point. (China) Wilkins, Elizabeth — Tyrone, GA; Beta Club, National Honor Society, math team, honors chorus. Plans to major in business at the University of Georgia in Athens. (China) Williams, Laura — Prospect Heights, IL; basketball, tennis, yearbook, Chinese club, National Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Archdiocese of Chicago leadership award, Lion award-tennis, IHSA Scholastic Achievement award, honor roll. Plans to major in graphic design at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. (China) Yampaglia, MaryMargaret — Chatham, NJ; Key Club, honor roll, ASPIN club.

Plans to major in math at the College of New Jersey in Ewing. (China) Yingling, Logan — Bettendorf, IA; church choir, deacon, Eagle Scout, AP honors. Plans to study industrial design at Iowa State University in Ames. (Korea)

Read more about her on page 9, or head to our website for an online exclusive story from Amber’s mother, reflecting on adoption, motherhood and Amber’s achievements. Also online is a story from Leah Anderson, who we featured on the cover of Holt Families Magazine in 1998 and who graces the cover again for this issue. See both online exclusives at www.holtinternational.org/magazine.

adoptees today My True Mother, in Mind and Soul

Holt adoptee Hannah Martin shares her college application essay, in which she reflects on the meaning of motherhood.

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, which is 6,791.5 miles from

characteristics I had inherited from my biological parents, but I

my current home. From the hospital, into the arms of a complete

knew I wouldn't know until I was 18 due to the closed adoption.

stranger, I was put directly into a foster home full of people who

The identity of my birth mother was something that I was always

would love me for a 6-month period. A new mother, father, sister

eager to find out.

and brother would nurture me as if I were one of their own. But one day, I would leave and they would receive another child to care for.

In 2007, my adoptive mother and I went on a mission trip to Seoul and I instantly felt that sense of security. While there, I had

When I was 6 months old, an ambitious young woman from

the opportunity to experience my culture and heritage while taking

Louisville, Kentucky flew to Seoul, South Korea to

care of young children and providing an unforgettable Christmas

pick up her squirmy, chubby, Asian baby

for them. I also had the chance to meet the very woman who cared

girl. As the years went by, Angela

for me during the first 6 months of my life. My foster mother was an

and Mark Martin served as godly

older woman with frail hands and a heart of gold. We recognized

parents who met my every

each other instantly, as if there were a connection between us.

need and provided beyond

After spending hours with my foster mother and an interpreter, we

the necessities. I lived a

said our goodbyes and I cried until my eyes went dry. My adoptive

treasured life that any

mother stood by my side and cradled my head as I waved goodbye

young orphan in Korea would envy. However, I knew that a question had festered in my mind my

throughout entire

life:

Who is my real mother? I was always curious and anxious to discover what

to my foster family.

While in Korea, my adoptive mother and I spent time together shopping and enjoying this extraordinary experience. On our flight home, we escorted four babies en route to their new adoptive families in California. When we landed in California and delivered a small baby boy to his new mother, a thought struck me. Even though I had always been curious about the identity of my birth mother, knowing her was irrelevant. I always called her my "real" mother, but in reality she was never a part of my life. The woman who was truly my mother in mind and soul was Angela Martin, my adoptive mother. She is the kind-hearted woman who helped me with my first loose tooth. She has celebrated 17 Christmases with me, 17 — almost 18 — birthdays, several bad driving experiences, my first broken heart, and many other moments in my life that I wouldn't change for the world. I have known Angela Martin for approximately 6,000 days of my life, give or take a few. She flew 6,791.5 miles to find her stubborn soon-to-be daughter. Not a day goes by when I do not thank God for the blessing He has bestowed upon me by putting me in such an amazing home.

Hannah Martin |

Milford, Ohio

LEFT: Hannah with her family. A recent high school graduate, Hannah plans to study fine arts at the University of Cincinnati.

Into the Rest of his Life

As her son prepares for his final year of high school, writer and adoptive mom Susanne Antonetta holds fast to the moments and milestones still to come.

There are days when my son’s growing up feels like what it is

Fast forward: Jin is 17 now, and a year away from graduating

— slow and gradual. And there are days like today, when I look at

from high school. He is in the process of getting his driver’s

his six-foot-tall, 17-year-old self and feel as if I lost track of time

license. It was not as strange as I would have expected for him to

somewhere, and he went from an infant to this near-adult boy

drive. But graduation? With graduating from high school comes

while I looked for my missing glasses, or stirred up lemonade, or

independence, leaving home. And while it’s a year off still, it feels

something. Nothing gives me this what-the-heck-happened feeling

just a breath away.

quite like the word graduation.

Of course, parents go into this process knowing it will lead to this

We adopted our son, Jin, from South Korea. All we had of

— maturity, independence, a life of the adult child’s own. Parenting

Jin before he came home was a tiny photograph, barely bigger

is the one piece of business we take on in our lives in which the

than one from a photo booth. It was a surreal way to become a

worst outcome, and the best, can be the same. It’s our job to make

parent, driving to an airport several hours away from our home in

our children capable enough to do the one thing we most resist, or

Bellingham with an empty car seat we had clicked various teddy

at least I do: leave us.

bears into, to make sure we had the safety moves down.

For adoptive parents, I think, these moments can feel even

Jin could not yet crawl or roll over when he arrived, though

harder: it took so much, so many forms and interviews, so much

my husband Bruce and I sensed neither of these milestones was far

staring at a little photograph and waiting for news of a plane, so

off; our new baby worked his limbs like a sea turtle when we put

many miles for this child to come into my life. Why is it just as easy

him down to play. As we might have guessed, he went from rolling

as it is for any other child for him to leave me?

over to crawling, then to cruising and walking, at a dizzying speed; by eight months, a little over three months from his arrival, Jin took his first step.

Jin’s achieving speech felt a little harder to imagine. We

understood what our baby felt when he made those feelings all too clear: he giggled when we tickled him, he cried when he was hungry. He woke up grumpy from naps, frowning and rubbing his eyes, and we took wake-up walks up and down the block to jolly him out of that.

As all parents do, we knew that one day Jin would talk; still, it felt unimaginable that sooner or later, when we wanted to know what Jin was feeling, we could ask him and he would tell us.

But one day, when Jin was just at the stage where he could

say Mama and Dada and not much else, my husband Bruce swung him at our local park. Bruce asked Jin, in that no-expectations way you use to talk to a tiny human, whether Jin wanted to go home To Bruce’s enduring surprise, Jin raised his little hand behind his head, curving it around an imaginary ball and pretending to throw it. Bruce called me and told me the story. And then we knew that, yes indeed, Jin would speak. He could understand us already.

happen again: driving him to school in the morning, his first prom.

At the tux fitting for Jin’s prom last month, it took me so long to find a parking space in our downtown that I dropped him off, and when I finally made it to the shop, Jin was sitting with a saleswoman, casually explaining the shoes he wanted.

“I prefer the square-toe formal shoes,” he informed her, and I thought to myself: what is this? How does he even know there are square-toed formal shoes?

And this is one of the secrets to our kids growing up: somehow, without us knowing it, they have become capable adults who know things we couldn’t imagine they might know. It’s all strange. And a little sad, and exhilarating, in equal measure. I will try to take this last year together intentionally. That’s all I can do — notice the milestones, try to get around that how-did-it-happen feeling by paying attention. I’m going to go back to the journal I kept when Jin was a baby, keeping it all fresh for those days when he has thrown his cap into the air, and walked out the door into the rest of his life.

Susanne Antonetta |

Susanne Antonetta is the author of the recently published memoir Make Me a Mother.

Bellingham, WA

15

H olt I nt e r n at i on a l .o r g

and throw the ball for the dog, or stay at the park a little longer.

I am watching the clock of Jin’s final year of high school with a sense of nostalgia, noticing even the small things that may never

from the field

Hope From Far Away In 2005, a Holt adoptive mom helped initiate a continuing education project for orphaned and impoverished students in China facing severe cultural and social stigmas.

With Holt’s help, 15 students have successfully graduated from this program.

One student wanted to be an architect. Another a veterinarian.

the state no longer provides for them. “The more I thought about

Li Ai You wanted to be a teacher. He had the grades and spirited

this, the more it bugged me,” Tina says. She needed to do some-

determination. In the United States, Li Ai You could have been eli-

thing for “the children who got stuck.”

gible for many scholarships, possibly a full-ride to the college of his

Later that year, Tina received a letter from a girl in foster

choice. But he lived in China, where competition is especially fierce.

care who she had sponsored for many years. In the letter, the girl

Where extracurricular activities and electives don’t enhance a col-

explained that she wished to attend college to become an art teach-

lege application, and test scores mean everything. If you perform

er but couldn’t afford the room and board fees. “My mother was

poorly on your college entrance exam, there are no second chances.

an art teacher,” Tina explains. “How perfect, I thought. This is how

And if you come from a poor family or you are an orphan, the odds

I can help.” While in Beijing that summer, Tina met with Chinese

of attending college are slim.

officials to discuss the possibility of supporting her sponsored child

Li Ai You’s father died from complications of HIV in 2004, and his mother died shortly after. Li Ai You went to live with his grandparents, and worked hard through high school with assistance from Holt’s sponsorship program. The resolve to better his family’s financial status motivated him through the years. As high school graduation approached, Li Ai You’s test scores were impressive enough to get him into college. Unfortunately, his family’s

"What's important for these students is that someone far away really cares that they succeed.

Things around them are always so negative, but someone reaches out and gives them hope."

H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Su m m e r 2 014

financial status dictated another path. “There is a stigma against orphans and poor families in China,” Jian Chen, Holt’s vice presi-

through college. “They politely said no,” Tina says. “There was just

dent of China programs, says.

no precedent for that kind of project in China at the time.” But Tina

But in 2009, Li Ai You did start college, and last year, he gradu-

persisted, writing letters to the Chinese government, advocating for

ated. A decade ago, Holt didn’t have a model established to help Li

her sponsored child and for other impoverished and orphaned chil-

Ai You accomplish this feat. But through the efforts of one woman

dren. A year later, her efforts paid off when she received a call from

— a longtime Holt supporter and adoptive mom, and other gener-

Holt-China, asking if she was still interested. And with the help of

ous donors — Li Ai You made it to his graduation day.

Holt staff, the Chinese government and Tina, Holt’s continuing edu-

In 2005, while in China to adopt her son, Tina Gsedl was asked a poignant question by Cathy Yu, Holt’s program manager for the

cation program in China was born.

After word got out about this special program, “a groundswell

Shanxi province in China. “What do you think happens to the chil-

of support emerged,” Rose McBride, director of program and foun-

dren who don’t get adopted?” Cathy asked. Tina pondered this for a

dation relations, says. Others wanted to get involved. Christabel

moment. “Foster care maybe, if they are lucky,” Tina replied. In fact,

Lee, a resident of Hong Kong and Holt sponsor, started supporting

when an orphaned child ages out of the adoption process in China,

three students, including Li Ai You. Sally Weiner, a Holt adoptive

16

TOP: With sponsor support, Fu Yuan, whose parents died when she was young, began her college education in September 2012.

CENTER: Though human medicine is more respected in China, Yang Ma Luan continued to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian with encouragement from his sponsor.

BOTTOM: In 2013, Li Ai You graduated from college, and is now a physics teacher. “With Holt's help, I could focus on study, live seriously as well as work hard to chase after my dream,” he says.

mom, also learned about the program. “I wanted to pay it forward somehow,” she says. “My parents always supported my education, but not every parent can do that, so I wanted to give back.” For the last three years, Sally has helped 13 students in China go to college. Several of those students want to be teachers. One student in particular stood out to Sally — an aspiring veterinarian. “Pets aren’t valued as much in China,” Sally says. “The profession is highly ridiculed.” But instead of discouraging her sponsored student’s dream, Sally nurtured it. “I was thrilled for him,” Sally says. “I sent him pictures of my dog, and really wanted to support him. He has such a big heart.”

In June, nine students graduated with help from Holt’s continuing education program. Fifteen students have graduated from the program since its inception. Donor funds help to pay for books, room and board fees, tuition and other supplies. The money provided, however, is not what matters to students like Li Ai You, says Jian.

“What’s important to these students is that someone far away really cares that they succeed,” Jian says. “Things around them are always so negative, but someone reaches out and gives them hope.”

Today, Li Ai You is a physics teacher thanks to the Holt sponsor who supported him through his youth, and Christabel Lee, who helped him through college. “Li Ai You is a cheerful and optimistic young man,” Christabel says. “He has always maintained a sense of optimism even through challenging personal times. I am pleased with his decision to enter the teaching profession.”

In the coming years, many children in Holt’s care — students with dreams just like Li Ai You — will need financial support to attend college. With donor support, 17 students will continue working towards their degrees this coming fall. And Holt-China staff is currently reviewing applications, looking for 10 more aspiring college students in Holt’s family strengthening and foster care programs who will need financial assistance for the upcoming school year.

Not much was expected of Li Ai You once he graduated from high school. Chinese society, according to Li Ai You, commanded that he return to his hometown and become a fisherman. “But I kept chasing after my dream, and it came true. I still feel like it’s a miracle,” he says. “Two ‘aunties’ from Holt took care of me. Through many kind-hearted people, my destiny was changed. I feel so lucky.”

Ashli Keyser |

Staff Writer

If you are interested in learning more about Holt’s continuing education program in China, and helping a student achieve his or her dream, please contact Rose McBride at rosem@holtinternational.org or at 541-687-2202, ext 164.

A Life Less Ordinary

A Holt adoptee pursues her love of dance at Juilliard in New York.

Auditioning for The Juilliard School’s dance program was just supposed to be fun. Why not, 18-year-old Melissa Anderson thought.

It would be a good learning experience, since the odds of making it

Slowly, Melissa fell for the art — and it helped her grow into the person she is today.

Through dance, Melissa grew more comfortable in her own skin.

were against her. After all, Juilliard’s acceptance rate for new stu-

Being adopted made her more confident as well, she says — espe-

dents is just 8 percent, more competitive than Harvard. Regardless,

cially at times when she felt ordinary among her classmates.

Melissa already had a small legion of schools ready to welcome her into their dance programs with open arms. Nothing to lose — and someday, she could say she tried.

Even after making it into the final round in February, Melissa

“I’m really open about my adoption," Melissa says.

From the beginning, Melissa’s parents were also open about her adoption. Melissa joined her family from the Philippines as an infant.

As her adoptive mother is also Filipino, Melissa had something not

didn’t let her hopes rise too high. After school one afternoon in early

many other international adoptees have: she somewhat resembled

April, she pulled out her cell phone — one missed call, one message.

her family. But she’s always known she was adopted.

A voice from Julliard’s admissions office asked her to call back, and she rushed inside to the landline.

Her parents also adopted her younger brother from the Philippines. “My parents used to read me this book called ‘Happy

With her dad by her side, Melissa dialed the number.

Adoption Life’ to help me understand what adoption meant,” she

When the message registered that she’d been accepted — one of

says. “It helped that my brother is adopted too.”

24 in the 2018 class of dancers at Juilliard — she just gasped.

“I thought I’d cry,” Melissa says. “I didn’t. I didn’t know what to do.

I just stood there.”

She hung up the phone, hugged her dad and called her mom at

Through the support of her family and her passion for dance, Melissa says she finally grew to love herself and all the traits that make her unique.

“In dance, you are very vulnerable,” Melissa says. “You're giving

work. Even her 15-year-old brother was impressed. Soon, Melissa

yourself up for the art form. But that helped me. I finally got tired

reached near celebrity status at the studio where she’d been a danc-

of worrying about what people thought of me. I got tired of molding

er most of her life — The Ballet Academy of Texas Coppell, where she

myself into someone else. I finally chose to just be my quirky self,

spends 20-30 hours per week.

and I found friends who accepted me.”

Melissa says it’s nice to feel so celebrated. For years, Melissa says,

In late August, Melissa will start a new chapter at Juilliard in New

she struggled with confidence — feeling weird and different among

York. She’s excited to experience the city, a new culture and a new

her friends, failing to see how her talent set her apart in a good way.

environment.

“Where I lived in Texas, I was constantly surrounded by people who knew how to act,” Melissa says. “Even as a kid, I felt like I was just eccentric. I was a weird kid. I’m still weird.”

She knows that when she misses home, she’ll always have the thing she loves most.

“I’ll always have my family,” Melissa says. “My life is a blessing.”

And, at first, Melissa hated ballet, which she started studying when she was 5.

Billie Loewen |

Staff Writer

“I was the kid who couldn’t sit down. I’m always full of energy,” Melissa says. “But I wasn’t great at ballet at first, and here I was, this crazy kid, surrounded by all these poised people.”

Visit the Holt magazine online to see video of Melissa dancing!

Go to www.holtinternational.org/magazine.

w a it ing c h il d re n Lyle

Bor n 10.13.2001, China

Lyle is a healthy, friendly 13-y earold 6th grader who enjoys play ing basketball, dancing and draw ing. Lyle’s teacher says that he is a grea t student, often helping her with tasks and leading a study team. He has exceptional handwr iting, and receives many awards for his art.

He gets along well with othe rs and has many friends at school — part ially due to his easy-going and cheerful nature. He also has close bonds with his caregivers and teachers. Lyle’s caregive rs say that he is conf ident and sensible.

Lyle entered care shor tly after he was born , and from 2004 to 2010, Lyle lived with a loving foster family. They were unable to cont inue caring for him after a family mem ber fell ill.

When Lyle was 3, doctors repa ired his cleft lip and palate. He still speaks with a bit of a slur, but his caregivers say he is easy to understand. Lyle is hoping for a permanent, loving family in the Unit ed States and he says he would love to join a home with siblings.

Lyle

Nick

Nick

Bor n 7.17.2009, SE Asia

a r a M & e t a K

Little Nick just turned 5, and star ted school in May. When Nick isn’t doing his schoolwork, he loves to ride his bicycle, play in the sand, watch cartoon s, sing and play with toy cars. He likes hot dogs, fruit and eggs. Nick joined a foster family when he was 4 months old, and they say he has great manners and social skills. Nick has many friends, and he is caring and sensitive. He is enthusiastic abou t school, which is helping him gain selfconf idence.

Nick was diag nosed with hyd rocele in October 2013, and he may need surgery in the future. Nick’s ideal family will have a good understanding of older child adoption and access to any medical care he will need.

These and other children need adoptive families Kate & Mara

Bor n 06.27.2006, Afr ica

Twins Kate and Mara are chee rful and outgoing 8-year-old girls. They have many friends, and play well with other children. Caregivers say Kate and Mara are polite, caring, respectful and smart. They are both developmentally on track and healthy. Although they are a bit behind academically due to a lang uage barr ier, they are working to gain bett er reading and writ ing skills. Both girls are lear ning to speak English and Amharic , in addition to their native lang uage . Kate and Mara enjoy swinging and coloring pictures.

The girls entered care in 2013 , after their grandmother grew too ill to care for them.

Kate and Mara say they are exci ted to join a family in the United States.

Their social worker says that they persisten tly ask if she has found a family to take them home yet. Kate says they want to join a family in the United States so they can be daughters, and have the opportunity to attend school.

Naomi

Bor n 11.24.2009, China

Naomi is a sweet and quiet little girl.

She enjoys riding her tricycle, sing ing children’s songs and doing art proj ects. Naomi is shy when she meets new people, but greets the people she knows enthusiastically and responds quickly to her teacher’s questions. She also likes buil ding with blocks and painting. Naomi has Spina Bifida, but is cognitively on trac k. Naomi entered care when she was 3 years old, and had surgery to repair her sacral vertebral deformit y in 2013. She has several burn scars, which were present when she entered care. Naomi can walk slowly on her own and climb stairs inde pendently.

Naomi’s ideal family will have access to the medical care and resource s she needs to thrive.

For more infor matio n on adop ting these and other waiting child ren, conta ct Kriste n Henr y at ­ kriste nh@h oltinternat ional.org

Naomi

www.holt inte rnat iona l.org /wai ting child /pho

tolis ting

updates

Post Office Box 2880 Eugene, OR 97402

Winter Jam

National Adoption Month

We are excited to partner with the 10-band Christian music tour Winter Jam again this year, advocating for Holt children at concert venues across the country. Last year, Winter Jam — and more than 5,000 Holt volunteers — helped Holt find more than 9,000 new child sponsors! However, this amazing opportunity for the children Holt serves wouldn’t be possible without people like you — Holt friends and supporters who attend the Winter Jam concert in their area and help sign up new child sponsors. If you would like to volunteer at a concert near you, please follow the link below to see the Winter Jam tour schedule and to sign up to volunteer — then, encourage your youth group, family or friends to volunteer, too! Volunteers receive free admission to Winter Jam!

The holiday season always starts a little early around Holt — and we aren’t just talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. November is National Adoption Month, a time when families, organizations and public figures celebrate and share about the cause dear to our hearts — finding families for orphaned and abandoned children. This November, you can celebrate adoption by telling people why adoption is important to you, donating to the Special Needs Adoption Fund, and encouraging others to learn more about adoption. Follow us on social media for stories and guidance on how to share your own story. Or, if you are considering adoption for the first time, what an amazing month to start your adoption journey! As National Adoption Month approaches, watch your email inbox for more ideas from Holt about how to celebrate!

Change Ser vice Reques ted

Visit www.holtinternational.org/winterjam or email Alycia Fahr-Zarlons at alyciaf@holtinternational.org with questions.

Travel With Holt This December, Holt is offering two trips for Holt supporters and advocates — one to Korea and one to the Philippines — and we’d like you to join us! Help us bring the joy of Christmas to children and families we serve in these countries. Shop for and deliver Christmas gifts, throw holiday parties for foster families and single mothers. See the sights, taste the cuisine and explore Holt’s programs. Most importantly, leave inspired to stand alongside us in our mission to serve orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children.

Visit the Holt magazine online for more great stories, videos and images that capture our work, show impact and feature the children and families we serve. Go to www.holtinternational.org/magazine!

Visit www.holtinternational.org/tours to learn more!

Iowa

Septembe r 20, Des at Des Moin Moines — Holt Fam il es Blank P ark Zoo, 11 y Picnic w w w.holt A internatio nal.org/pic M – 3 PM nic s/

Oregon

October 25, Portla benefiting nd — Gala Dinner & Au ch Downtown ildren in China. Port ction la Waterf ron t, 5:30 PM nd Marriott

Get the

neighbo rhood calenda r Info

For Holt Ad optee C Pame Chow amp and Family Picn ic at pamec@ holtintern information, contact For Events ational.org : informatio n, contact: meghann@ Megha holtintern ational.org n Nelson at For inform ation ab Gif t Tour, co out traveling on the Korea or P ntact: Alyci hilippines a alyciaf@ho ltinternati Fahr-Zarlons at onal.org For Holt He ritage Tou rs to Korea, paulk@holt contact: Pa internatio ul Kim at nal.org For Holt He ritage Tou rs to China, at samanth contact ag@holtin ternationa : Samantha Gammo ns l.org