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Adoption Ambassadors Needed for 2010

Posted March 17, 2010 by Shannon Suda

“If I pray long enough and hard enough, would God grant me a family?”

This wish came true for the Philippine boy who asked this question. In 2007 and 2008, Ambassadors from Wisconsin (families interested in adoption, as well as community members committed to telling of their travel experience upon return) traveled to the island nation of the Philippines to meet some of the children available for adoption.

Eighteen children the Adoption Ambassadors spent precious time with, have found forever families. Many of the children are still praying for God to grant them a family.

Lutheran Social Services, LSS, started the Adoption Ambassador program to advocate for older child adoptions in the Philippines. LSS is seeking individuals to become familiar with the Philippine culture and dilemma of children in the Philippines who will act as advocates or Ambassadors for older children waiting and available for adoption from the Philippines.

There is another Ambassador trip to the Philippines planned for June 19 - July 1, 2010. This trip will provide individuals from Wisconsin an opportunity to spend time in an orphanage, work side by side with child-welfare workers in the Philippines, relax and enjoy the company of 10 – 15 older children hoping to find families and experience a life-changing event. You will have the unique opportunity to see the children in their home environment and meet many of their friends and care takers. You will feel honored to have these children share their culture and country with you.

From our more than 30 years of work in international adoption, LSS has learned that culture and heritage play an important role in the overall success of an adoptive placement. History in adoption work has also shown that the majority of families interested in adoption are interested in adopting a very young child or an infant. Within every country, there exists a list of children who are older or are a part of a group of siblings that need and deserve a family to call their own. Older children often have encountered difficult situations in their early years and it takes special parents and a strong community of support to meet the needs of older children. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Shannon Suda at 920-730-1363 or via e-mail at Shannon.Suda@lsswis.org

How else can you help?
Not all who want to be part of this program have the ability to travel, but you can still be an ambassador for children. There is a need to sponsor an Ambassador’s flight or in country expenses. You can also sponsor a child to participate in the program and donations of basketballs, badminton sets and other play equipment that can travel in a suitcase. For basic needs, the orphanages need fever reducers (Tylenol) and vitamins. The sport equipment and other donations are appreciated more than you know.

If you are interested in learning more about this unique initiative please contact Shannon Suda at 920-730-1363 or via e-mail at Shannon.Suda@lsswis.org