Fall 2009 Vol. 51 No. 4
Hope & Healing
A City of
Quality care at the Ilsan Center in Korea
Celebrating the 2009
Holt Graduates
in this issue 4
Ilsan—A City of Hope and Healing
Fall 2009 vol. 51 no. 4 Our Vision Holt International is dedicated to carrying out God’s plan for every child to have a permanent, loving family.
Quality care for children in Korea
7
From the Family Families share their adoption stories, and a proud mother reflects on her accomplished graduate
10
Graduates Celebrating Holt’s graduating class of 2009
13
Adoptees Today A childhood ailment leads to a bright future for a college graduate
Front Cover: The Ilsan Center has provided quality, consistent care to children with disabilities for almost 50 years and will continue to carry on this legacy of love in Korea.
Dear Readers This issue of Holt International magazine is a unique one. We celebrate Holt adoptees who have graduated from high school, college or vocational school and applaud them for their impressive list of honors, accomplishments and activities. We also commemorate the Ilsan Center in Korea for continuing to provide loving care for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children, and carrying on the legacy that Harry and Bertha Holt started over 50 years ago. With this issue comes sadness as well, as Holt International has said goodbye to our Director of Communications and friend, John Aeby, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 18th. The passion and dedication that John invested in Holt International magazine in his 30 years at Holt is immeasurable. His words and photos graced every page, and his distinctive style of writing cut straight to the heart of everyone who read his stories. John had a special place in his heart for the graduate issue of Holt International magazine. One day John came into my office with a graduate submission in his hand and that ever-present smile on his face. He told me how special it was to be a part of watching Holt adoptees grow into such amazing people. John treasured the chance to give Holt graduates recognition for their accomplishments. He admired that, although starting out abandoned and homeless, these children—with help from their parents—became vibrant and gifted young adults with so many opportunities in front of them. John’s mission was to use his gift of writing and communication to help every child find the loving, permanent home he or she deserved. He wanted each child to know the feeling of being wrapped up in their mother’s arms for the first time, experience
In 1955 Harry and Bertha Holt responded to the conviction that God had called them to help children left homeless by the Korean War. Though it took an act of the U.S. Congress, the Holts adopted eight of those children. But they were moved by the desperate plight of other orphaned children in Korea and other countries as well, so they founded Holt International Children’s Services in order to unite homeless children with families who would love them as their own. Today Holt International serves children and families in Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Nepal, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Romania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, the United States and Vietnam. President & CEO Kim S. Brown Senior Vice-President Phillip A. Littleton Vice-President of Policy & External Affairs Susan Soon-keum Cox Vice-President of Finance & Administration Kevin Sweeney Vice-President of Adoption Services Lisa Vertulfo Vice-President of Program Development Dan Lauer Holt International magazine is published quarterly by Holt International Children’s Services, Inc., a nonprofit, Christian, childwelfare organization. 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. Managing Editor Ashli Keyser Graphics Brian Campbell & Chloe Goldbloom Subscription Orders/Inquiries and Address Changes Send all editorial correspondence and changes of address to Holt International magazine, Holt International, P.O. Box 2880, Eugene, OR 97402. We ask for an annual donation of $20 to cover the cost of publication and mailing inside the United States and $40 outside the United States. Holt welcomes the contribution of 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 editor Ashli Keyser at 541/687.2202 or ashlik@holtinternational.org. Copyright ©2009 by Holt International Children’s Services, Inc. ISSN 1047-7640
Hague Accredited
COUNCIL ON ACCREDITATION
FOUNDED 1977
their first day of school, get their first after-school job, and one day walk across the
CREDIBILITY I17(*5,7< ACHIEVEMENT
stage to receive their diploma. Every sentence John wrote, and every photograph he captured was done for one reason and one reason only...the children. We will continue to carry out this mission through the pages of Holt International magazine. We will do this as a tribute to John, but most importantly for the children …as they wait for a family of their own.
Ashli Keyser |
Managing Editor
P.O. Box 2880 (1195 City View) Eugene, OR 97402 Ph: 541/687.2202 Fax: 541/683.6175
directions For the Children as They Wait…. Holt’s Gifts of Hope Catalog
The holiday season is upon us—And while the months prepar-
What would it mean in the life of your own child if you gave
ing for Christmas are filled with joyful activities and celebrations
him not only what he was asking for this Christmas, but also toys
for many families, I find myself reflecting on the children in Holt’s
in his name for toddlers in China? What if, in the name of your
care who have not yet experienced the joy of the holiday season
sister, you helped provide clothing, cribs and bedding for children
with a loving, permanent family.
in Ethiopia?
It is my hope that every child in Holt’s care will one day know
This Christmas, as you and your loved ones gather around the
the feeling of waking up on Christmas day in the safety of a warm
Christmas tree, I hope that each child who is without a family this
home and in the care of a permanent family. But until that time
holiday season will be in your prayers and that the spirit of giving
comes, I pray that we can help these children receive some of the
will be in your heart.
most basic necessities this holiday season—to help them survive and grow while they are in our care.
I wish to thank all of you for the love, help and commitment and more children in Holt’s care will go home to their permanent
a Holt “Gifts of Hope” catalog, which lists items and services you
families, but until then, I pray that we can help them have a joyful
can fund that will bring hope to children around the world. This
holiday filled with love, nutrition, comfort, warmth…and Hope.
Christmas you can give a gift that will provide critically needed items for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children.
Kim S. Brown |
President & CEO
3
Holt I nt e r n at ion a l .or g
you give to children. I hope that as the New Year approaches more
In this issue of Holt International magazine, we have included
Ilsan
A City of Hope and
Healing
Writings from Holt staff and adoptive families Compiled and edited by: Ashli Keyser, Managing Editor (1)
H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Fa l l 2 0 0 9
Above: In the late 1950s Harry Holt looked for a site to build a new, larger childcare center, and located a 60-acre hillside near the village of Ilsan. Today, the Holt Ilsan Center in Korea is a haven for nearly 300 children and residents with disabilities. (1) Soo-hoon, now called ‘Sonny’ went home to his permanent family in February after 13 years of receiving loving care at Ilsan. Holt President and CEO Kim Brown was in Korea on that special day. (2) Molly Holt, daughter of Harry and Bertha Holt, has dedicated her life to the children and residents at the Ilsan Center. (3) Soo-hoon enjoyed singing in the Ilsan choir, even conducting the choir at times, one of many activities that residents can participate in at Ilsan. (4) The care that is provided at Ilsan allows some residents with disabilities to live independent lives. Molly Holt is seen here having dinner with a few of these residents. (5 & 6) Caregivers provide residents with physical therapy, just one of many services provided at the Ilsan Center. (7) Children and residents at Ilsan live in grouphomes that serve as family-like settings. Housemothers are there 24 hours a day providing consistent, quality care to each resident.
4
(2)
Six months ago the Holt Ilsan Center in Korea celebrated what would have been Bertha 'Grandma' Holt’s 105th birthday, and Molly Holt, President and CEO Kim Brown and many of Ilsan’s residents walked the 59 steps up to Harry and Bertha Holt’s gravesite to celebrate, sing, and remember ‘Halmoni’. “This is a special day here at Ilsan for another reason besides my mom’s birthday,” said Molly, who has devoted her life to the residents of the Ilsan Center. “Soohoon, a 13-year-old boy who lives here, is going home tomorrow to his adoptive family, and we are having a farewell party for him this afternoon.” There aren’t many residents at Ilsan or those who have visited who have not been touched by the life of Soo-hoon. Found at the gate of Ilsan when he was just 3 weeks old, and discovered to have Down
(3)
Syndrome, Soo-hoon has been an inspiration to many. “Soo-hoon is something of a celebrity at Ilsan,” said Kim Brown during his visit in February. “He is part of the Ilsan choir, and even directs the choir himself during some of the numbers. He is a true star in the eyes of his friends who have watched him over the years.” But on that emotional day in February, Soo-hoon would say goodbye to his friends at Ilsan and enter into the arms of his loving, permanent family who would call him ‘Sonny’. This new beginning for Soo-hoon may never have happened had it not been for the loving care provided by the Ilsan Center. A care that consisted of physical and speech therapy, ongoing health assessments, quality medical care and the unconditional love of Molly Holt and his housemothers.
In this 1982 ph oto (before Ils an had a clinic) Mol Holt and a nurs ly e struggle to sa ve the life of a lit tle boy with measle s.
-date Center uses up -to Today the Holt Ils an nts ide res ng to help therapy and traini endent option or an indep ad ard tow lop ve de life in Korea.
Dr. Jeong, Jae-won examines an Ilsan resident as part of the routine check-ups she provides at the Center.
(4)
(5)
This is exactly the type of care that Harry Holt had envisioned nearly 50 years ago for every child entering Ilsan…and it is still being carried out today. The Legacy of Ilsan In the late 1950s Harry Holt looked for a site to build a new, larger childcare center. The program had outgrown the previous three locations and after an extensive three-year search, David Kim, Harry’s first assistant and later president of Holt International, located a 60-acre hillside site near the village of Ilsan.
Holt was able to place many children who had disabilities with loving families, but it became apparent that some of the children in care had medical and developmental conditions that would make it
very difficult to find adoptive families for them. “Harry Holt’s concern was for the children who were not adopted and those were primarily children with disabilities,” said Paul Kim, Holt Director of Programs for Korea. “His feeling was that anyone could find a family for a healthy child, but what about the children who were left behind?...This is the reason Ilsan was built.” The residents in care range from toddlers to individuals in their 50s and 60s, some of whom have been there since Harry Holt first built Ilsan. Each resident is cared for by loving housemothers who are there on a 24-hour basis, and they all live in group homes that serve as familylike settings. The Holt Ilsan Center is more than just a place for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children to receive care before
(7)
a permanent family is found for them, it is a city of hope and love—a refuge where people with disabilities and special healthcare needs can attend school, receive vocational and life-skills training, and lead semi-independent lives filled with opportunity and dignity. The attentive caregivers, quality medical treatment and the love and devotion of Molly Holt has made the Ilsan Center the haven it is today. “This is really where everything started for our organization,” said Paul. “Ilsan is not a place where disabled children are hidden away. It’s a proud centerpiece of the community and a symbol of our commitment to the children that we serve. We are committed to children who come into our care, and that is a lifetime commitment.”
5
Holt I nt e r n at ion a l .or g
Over the course of two years, Harry constructed buildings on the site, and the Ilsan Center filled up with over 200 children.
(6)
Preventive, Proactive Medical Care
source that linked everything together.”
Trish Hellstern traveled to Korea in 2001 to receive her son, Daniel. While at Ilsan, she received a first-hand glance at the care that the Holt Ilsan Center had provided to not only her son, but to each resident. It was only after she brought Daniel home, however, that Trish truly understood the importance and meaning of that care. “I was in awe at the care that the Ilsan Center had provided Daniel and the other residents,” said Trish. “There were physical therapists, occupational therapists, doctors, nurses, loving office workers and caregivers all taking their time with residents, helping them to meet their potentials and goals.” This past year, Daniel, who is both physically and cognitively delayed, was diagnosed with a genetic syndrome usually not detected until the age of 10. “When Daniel was being evaluated, the full team of medical personnel was amazed at all the tests, blood work and therapies that Ilsan had carried out,” said Trish. “Daniel’s medical care would later tell us that Holt had actually conducted tests at Ilsan that would have saved his life…the medical history from Ilsan was the
(1)
(2)
Daniel, who didn’t learn English until the age of four, and who was both physically and cognitively delayed, is now at the top of his class excelling in Language and Vocabulary. “The issues Daniel has can now be carefully monitored and some of them may even be avoided because of the tests and assessments done at Ilsan,” said Hellstern. “I believe that the strong medical care that Daniel and the other residents had is the reason so many children possess the skills and abilities beyond their perceived IQs. I am forever blessed by the fact that Daniel’s medical care was so thorough and complete and that today we are reaping the benefits of that care.” Holt will continue to provide this quality medical care to each child entering the gates of Ilsan. We pray that many of them will eventually go home to loving, permanent families, but if not, we hope to continue to provide a lifetime of loving, consistent care for the residents who remain.
(3)
(1) The Ilsan Center provides children with speech and physical therapy, quality medical care, as well as vocational and life-skills training. Some of these children, like Daniel Hellstern shown here receiving speech therapy, will eventually go home to permanent families. (2) Director of Programs for Korea, Paul Kim, joins Daniel and other residents at the Ilsan Center. (3) Daniel, shown here celebrating his birthday, received quality, proactive medical care at the Ilsan Center. This care helped his family and doctors in the United States better assess his medical situation and provide the care he needed when he came home.
A Vital Part of Care The Ilsan Medical Clinic
In order to provide the best possible care for the residents at Ilsan, the onsite medical clinic, built in the 1980s, is a vital component. By having the clinic onsite, the very quality of life of residents is improved. Some of the residents in care might be otherwise confined permanently to a medical facility. Because of the Clinic, however, residents can receive the care they need in a familiar and safe environment. Thankfully the onsite medical clinic was there for Daniel and Soo-hoon when they needed it, but Ilsan has many more children to help, and many of them will need the care that the Clinic can provide. Unfortunately this place of comfort and care is becoming quite run down. Holt is striving to initiate major repairs to the clinic building and replace the outdated equipment, just one of many renovation projects we will be initiating for Ilsan over the next 5 years. We hope that we can make the Ilsan Center Clinic a healing place for the residents once again and carry out the mission that Harry Holt started when he built Ilsan 50 years ago. Help Holt in our efforts to repair the Ilsan Clinic and make it a healing place once again. Go to: www.holtinternational.org/ilsanclinic
Pictured Above: Buildings at the Ilsan Center, including the Clinic, that are currently under construction. This is the beginning of a 5-year long renovation project at Ilsan. Children and residents are being cared for in a temporary onsite facility until the renovation of the clinic is complete.
from the family A Home for Sonny A 13-year-old boy leaves the loving care of Ilsan We met Soo-hoon through the pages of Holt International magazine. I’d had a long evening of work, and my wife and our children were in bed when I came home. On the kitchen counter was Hi Families, opened to the Waiting Children pages. Niki had stuck a Post-It next to Sonny's picture.
capital ‘F’ – his faith in God – is evolving, he is a perfect model for another faith – with a lower case ‘f’ … a faith in others that we hope someday will extend to his capital ‘F’ Faith in God.
“Our new son?” she inquired in writing. “Yes.” I replied, for her to discover the next morning.
“Think about Sonny’s life and you’ll see what I mean. He’s told time and again So nny on his first day about the possibility of being adopted. But of middle sc hool months and years go by and nothing happens. Still he has faith.
Our faith told us that this was right for us. But we knew it wasn’t for us that we were deciding…Was this the right thing to do for Soo-hoon? He’d been in the care of Holt since birth, and he loved his housemothers at Ilsan. He reveled in activities – from a choir that toured the country, to TaeKwon-Do and wrestling. We knew that if the adoption didn’t work out, he would have a fine life in Korea. After all, he was in the care of Holt. There’s always that shred of doubt with faith, and we won’t deny that here, but miracles along the way cemented our decision for Sonny. It was the right decision to bring him home. There are people today who still say we took a big leap of faith. But again, we turn to Sonny. At Sonny’s baptism, Niki’s dad preached as a Deacon in the Catholic Church. Randy said it best: “While Sonny’s Faith with a
Then, finally at the age of 13, Sonny is told he’s going to have a home with a family, and his faith is rewarded. Sonny had to leave everything he had ever known, but he did … why? Because he had faith.” And Sonny has shown us that faith every day since his arrival. Are there trying days? You bet. Sonny’s Down Syndrome makes some tasks difficult for him. Sibling rivalry is a part of our household, just as it is yours. And Sonny is a teenager, with the attitude to come with it. But at the end of each day, it’s clear: He’s a special son. We’re the lucky ones. To read the rest of “A www. holtinternational.org/blog
Jake Krob |
Home
for
Sonny”
go
to:
Mount Vernon, IA
‘Can’t Imagine Life Without Her’ A Family is completed through the China Child of Promise program My husband and I went to an informational meeting on adoption in our hometown in 2006. We have three wonderful kids but were open to adding to the family through adoption. After the meeting we immediately started in on the paperwork. As the one-year anniversary of our log-in date approached we saw the wait time increase triple fold. What were we to do? Stay in the process? Drop out? Switch to special needs?
We immediately said, “Yes! This is our child!” and started the process to bring Seren SuPing home. It seemed like everything then took the long route but in reality we were on our way to China in February 2009 to bring home our girl!
Holt wants you to feel comfortable with what you decide upon and only wants what is best for the children. I look at our new daughter and can’t imagine not having her. She fits our family perfectly and has made us all appreciate what we have and what we do as a family. Learn more about the China Child of Promise program: www. holtinternational.org/china/ccop.shtml
Jason and Kim Esser |
Nebraska City, NE
7
Holt I nt e r n at ion a l .or g
In the end, we decided to go the China Child of Promise route. My husband and I filled out a minor/correctable needs checklist and then compared our lists, deciding on needs that we thought we could handle. We filed the paperwork in late August 2008 and three weeks later we had our referral! She was a beautiful, little girl, about to turn one that week, and she was missing some fingers on her left hand…that was it!
Seren SuPing has added so much joy to our family, and we can’t imagine life without her. If you are a family trying to decide if the Child of Promise program is right for you…go for it. In reality, you are the ones in control because you decide what “minor needs” you are open to. There was never any pressure from Holt, and they never tried to persuade us into needs that we weren’t open to.
from the family Two Gifts From Ethiopia A love of Africa helps pave the way for twin boys to find a permanent home
Nursun and Abdur playing at the beach Africa has always been in my heart and will continue to be forever. I think the idea to adopt started to take sprout when my husband and I lived in Johannesburg, South Africa. Seeing such an amazing country face such huge obstacles touched us in a way that cannot be forgotten.
H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Fa l l 2 0 0 9
Because of our connection to southern Africa, and our love and appreciation of the people and culture, we looked to that region for our adoption. After some research we determined that we would need to look to other African nations with more stable and developed international adoption legislation. As an anthropologist and natural researcher, I enjoyed learning more about the different countries, and Ethiopia stood out as a proud and beautiful country. Our decision was made; our children would come from Ethiopia! We received our referral in September of 2008 for 10-monthold twin boys. Abdurahamen (Abdur) and Nursun were going to be our sons! 21 weeks and what felt like a lifetime later, we met our boys for the first time in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Kissing the faces of our children and holding them in our arms for the first time was an indescribable feeling and one that I will never forget. We spent the day getting to know them; asking questions of the caregivers who have loved them for so long, playing on the floor, giggling at Nursunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scrunched up smile and Abdurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
8
inquisitive nature, and just reveling in the beauty of our new children. Our time in Ethiopia to receive our sons passed quickly, too quickly. We traveled a bit, and explored the southern region, the area in which our boys were born. We fell in love with Ethiopia. At the goodbye ceremony, held by the Holt staff, we cried and vowed to return with Abdur and Nursun. That will be an easy promise to keep. The transition home has gone amazingly well, and I think these boys have quickly realized how many people across the world love them. Not only do our children have family and friends close by, but a large Ethiopian adoption community also exists in Portland. We have get-togethers every two months and our circle of friends now includes not only families who have adopted Ethiopian children, but also Ethiopian born friends who are available to stand by our sides and help in any way possible. Most evenings, after the boys are asleep, my husband and I kick the toys from our path, sit back, relax, and think about how fortunate we are to have had these two amazing little boys enter our lives. We are looking forward to a lifetime with our sons.
Sunshine Schmidt |
Newberg, Oregon
Anything is Possible A mother reflects on her daughter’s accomplishments, gift and talents It was 20 years ago… but I can still picture our daughter Amy licking the frosting off of a mixer beater while kneeling at the kitchen table. At just 2 years old, she was already talking about going to school. When I told her not to grow up too fast, she said, “Don’t be sad, Mom.” At such a young age how did she already know that letting go is one of the most difficult things a parent has to do? In May we watched Amy walk across the stage to receive her college diploma, all grown up and ready to begin a new chapter in her life. We are so proud of the young woman that she has become. Amy officially joined our family when she was 3 months old, but she had been a part of our hearts long before that. We had prayed for years for the children that God had for us, and He chose to answer that prayer in part through Holt adoptions. Our oldest son, Benjamin, also from South Korea, joined us two years before Amy did, and our youngest, Micah, was born when Amy was 12. Being the only girl in the family couldn’t have been easy, but when I asked Amy recently what was the greatest challenge she had to overcome growing up, she said, “Not having a puppy!” Not a surprising answer from someone who at the age of three told me she wanted to be a dog when she grew up! Amy’s Korean name, Jae Hee, means “talent” and “bright.” And we chose her American name, Amy, because it meant “beloved”. Those meanings only begin to describe our daughter. Even as a baby, Amy had an enthusiasm and wonder about life that was contagious. Her fun, loving nature and joy added a spark and a unique dynamic to our family that seemed to create the perfect balance. We have enjoyed her creative touch in everything she does. And yet Amy has always been very intuitive and sensitive with others.
Amy’s interest in Latin American history as well as her background in Spanish eventually led her to a college internship with the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C. Upon completing that internship, she was accepted for another internship
in the Washington office of our congressman, Don Manzullo. While in Washington D.C., her passion for foreign countries and cultures was nurtured through some amazing experiences, such as meeting the first lady of Mexico as well as several foreign ambassadors. She was even able to enjoy lunch with our Congressman, his staff, and the Ambassador of Tunisia at the home of the ambassador! Congressman Manzullo commented to me that Amy truly represents America and its opportunities: a young woman, born in Korea, immigrates to America, becomes a United States citizen and ends up working in the Embassy of Mexico! Where is Amy headed from here? God’s plan for her life continues to unfold and become clearer as time goes by. We have yet to see all the gifts and talents that God has given her and how she will continue to use those to follow and serve Him. But I know one thing for sure…for Amy, anything is possible. (And I’m pretty sure somewhere along the line her future involves a puppy!)
Jan Schlesselman |
Freeport, Illinois
9
Holt I nt e r n at ion a l .or g
Amy has a sense of adventure and likes to try new things. Her voracious reading as a child, along with family vacations and visits to many museums, sowed seeds that were the beginning of a love for places far beyond our small Midwestern city. In high school, Amy traveled on a school trip to England and Ireland, and studied Spanish with a teacher who had immigrated to the United States from Cuba. After so many years of studying United States history, she discovered a course in Latin American history, which was a refreshing change and whet her interest. It wasn’t surprising, then, that history and international studies became her major.
The Schlesselman Family: (from bottom Left) Ben, Jan and Amy, Tom and Micah
graduates CONGRATULATIONS!
Class of 2009 Bajwa, Andrew
Bradley, Jenna
Brandt, Samuel
Brockman, Jenna
Cornelius, Kristin
Craig, Ethan
Denbraver, Hannah-Maria Dieter, Kayla
Eakins, Zachary
Eason, Joshua
Edwards, Brittany
Bajwa, Andrew—Durham, NC; Golf, photography, video, chorus, student mentor, Honor Roll. Plans to major in air traffic management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. (India) Bradley, Jenna—Urbandale, IA; Cheerleading, choir, show choir, track, soccer. Plans to major in sociology at Iowa State University. (Korea)
H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Fa l l 2 0 0 9
Brandt, Samuel—Olympia, WA. Graduated from Olympia School District Transition Program. Works in community, lives semiindependently. (Hong Kong) Brockman, Jenna—Melbourne, IA; Cheerleading captain, dance squad, volleyball, boys basketball & track (Manager), golf, chorus, drama, youth group, Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Plans to major in pre-health occupations at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA. (Korea) Brooks, Jin-Hoon—Dallas, OR; Hawk Hill Academy Soccer - Dallas High School Honorable Mention, All Conference. Tennis, Awana Citation Award, 4-H, EBC Youth Group. Plans to major in youth ministry at Corban College. (Korea)
10
Brooks, Jin-Hoon
Euken, Timothy
Cavendish, Mindy
Clements, Parker
Doughty, Melea
Dunscomb, Kyle
Franks, Clayton
Froese, Brady
Cavendish, Mindy—Columbia, SC; B.A. in Speech and Language Pathology from Columbia College in Columbia, SC. Summa Cum Laude, Cum Honore, Omiron Delta Kappa President, Kappa Delta Epsilon, scholarship to Miami University. Plans to receive her Graduate degree in speech/language pathology and work with children with Autism. (Korea)
Dieter, Kayla—Sewell, NJ; Honor Roll, interact, Girl Scout Gold Award. Plans to major in elementary education at Gloucester County College in Sewell, NJ. (Korea)
Clements, Parker—Sewell, NJ. Guitar club. Plans to major in computer science/network management at Gloucester County Community College. (Korea)
Dunscomb, Kyle—Hamilton, NJ; Marching band, jazz band, select choir, golf team, peer leadership, church worship team. Plans to major in business and music at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. (Korea)
Cornelius, Kristin—West, Linn, OR. National Art Honor Society, Link Crew leader. Plans to major in business at the University of Oregon in Eugene. (Korea) Craig, Ethan—Cedar Rapids, IA; Student Body president, National Honor Society president, all-America academic swimmer, varsity cross country, varsity soccer, varsity swimming. Plans to major in bio-medical engineering at Georgia Tech. (Korea) Denbraver, Hannah-Maria—San Marcos, CA; Fencing, piano, quilting, soccer, taekwondo/instructor in training, fire explorer and explorer captain, Tahiti Taurua Nui I Las Vegas dance competition, teaching Sunday school for pre-k. Plans to attend Palomar Community College. Pre-med. (Guatemala)
Doughty, Melea—Roseburg, OR. M.S.O.T. Degree in Occupational Therapy. Outstanding Graduate in the School of Occupational Therapy. (Korea)
Eakins, Zachary—Madisonville, KY; Graduated from U.S. Military Academy. Graduated High School in 2005 and received a B.S. degree. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within Military Intelligence branch. Will report to Fort Sill, OK for his first assignment. (Korea) Eason, Joshua—Taylor Mill, KY; B.S. in Biology, Magna Cum Laude from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Golden Key National Honor Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor. Plans to go into medical research or medical school. (Korea) Edwards, Brittany—Hillsboro, OR; High School graduate. Basketball. (Korea)
Froese, Bryce
Froese, Tessa
Gates, Roopali
Gray, Christopher
Gray, Jenna
Gray, Jennifer
Harrison, Maryann
Havekost, Stacey
Hill, Carly
Hill, Leta
Kaminsky, Eric
Kaminsky, Thomas
Knox, Ethan
Krajcar, Jonathan
Lee, Collin
Libal, Erin
Lohuis, Janice
McClure, Matthew
Havekost, Stacey—Bennington, NE; Basketball, cross-country, track, NHS, band, dance. Plans to major in business administration and play basketball at Hastings College in Hastings, NE. (Korea) Hill, Carly—Salem, OR; Chemeketa Scholar, dance team captain, varsity letter in dance, Key Club. Plans to major in elementary education at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR. (Korea) McPeak, Ian
Meier, Michelle
Miller, Brooke
Moran, Rashmi
Euken, Timothy—Kaneohe, HI; Photography & Video, Wrestling. Plans to major in Film Making at Full Sail University in Florida. (Philippines)
Gates, Roopali—West Linn, OR. Leadership, Lacrosse, Co-Ed Soccer. Plans to major in health and fitness and athletic training at Portland State University in Oregon. (India)
Franks, Clayton—Lafayette, LA; BFA in visual arts from University of Louisiana—Lafayette. Magna Cum Laude. Plans to pursue a graduate degree in visual arts and have a career in photo journalism. (Korea)
Gray, Christopher—Aurora, IL; B.S. and B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences, molecular and cellular biology, eastern asian languages and cultures, chemistry from University of Urbana-Champaign. Jayou Initiative, LINK, Total FC, Korean Student Association. Plans to attend graduate school or law school. (Korea)
Froese, Brady—Athena, OR; home schooled. Church youth leadership, Cove Christian Camp-staff, Meadowwood Speech camp-staff, Weston McEwen drama club, mission 4 Mexico team, honor student. Plans to major in youth ministries at Boise Bible College in Boise, ID. (Siberia)
Froese, Tessa—Athena, OR; B.S. in Christian ministry from Southwestern College in Phoenix, AZ. Varsity basketball, youth ministries, volleyball, drama team, community outreach activities, church youth involvement. Working at Boys and Girls Club as activity director in Phoenix. (Korea)
Gray, Jennifer (2008 Graduate)—Aurora, IL; B.S. in nursing from Purdue University. Purdue Student Nursing Association, Purdue Women’s Club Soccer Team, Intramural Soccer Team (Captain & League Champions). Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse at Rush University Medical Center. (Korea) Harrison, Maryann—Carmel, IN; Dance, Piano, Teaching gymnastics. Plans to major in early childhood development at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis, IN. (Philippines)
Kaminsky, Eric—Manhasset, NY; Soccer captain, lacrosse, Rachel’s Challenge, eagle scout, the Allen Dawson athletic point award, the MJCC scholarship, the Anthony Castello scholarship. Plans to major in history at Endicott College in Beverley, MA. (Thailand) Kaminsky, Thomas—New York, NY; B.S. in hotel management, club lacrosse, Phi Sigma Kappa. Plans to intern with the Jean Georges Group at their Perry Street Restaurant. (Thailand) Knox, Ethan—Lexington, KY; B.A. in economics from Transylvania University in Lexington. Delta Sigma Phi, Intramural Sports, Disciples of Christ, Christian Youth Fellowship. Plans to attend graduate school at University of Kentucky to become a professor. (Korea) Krajcar, Jonathan—Vancouver, WA; B.A. in psychology from Western Washington University in Bellingham. Plans to go into law enforcement. (Korea) Lee, Collin—Bellevue, WA; National Merit Commended Scholar. Plans to major in Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. (Korea) Libal, Erin—Lexington, NE; Softball captain, dance team, track, pep club, FBLA, honors art program, All-academic. Plans to major in psychology/pre-radiology at the University of NebraskaLincoln. (Korea)
11
Holt I nt e r n at ion a l .or g
Froese, Bryce—Athena, OR; B.S. in business-marketing from Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. Ford scholar, tennis club, intramural basketball, fraternity, football, community service outreach, Ford leadership conferences, mission 4 Mexico team. Plans to have a career in business-marketing. (Korea)
Gray, Jenna—Indianola, IA; Class rank #1, drum major, NHS, Girl’s State Representative, honor bands/choirs, United Way youth award, rotary leadership award, tennis, volleyball, service corp. Plans to major in psychology/forensic science at Simpson College in Indianola, IA. (Korea)
Hill, Leta—Westerville, OH; (India)
Morrison, Rorie
Nielsen-Sheffield, Kaleb
Noland, Gregory
Opitz, Alana
Orazio, Christopher
Patterson, Sarita
Perry, Robert
Phongsavath, Alison
Pomykalski, Daniel
Riley, Samantha Soo
Satterfield, Daniel
Schlesselman, Amy
Sherrard, Kristin
Turbiville, Adam
Turbiville, Allison
Turbiville Audrey
Utemark, Derek
Winkel, Justin
Lohuis, Janice—Gettysburg, PA; National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, soccer, art awards. Plans to major in photography and graphic design at Antonelli Institute. (Korea)
tain), track, manager of varsity wrestling team, blood drive coordinator. Plans to major in business and applied mathematics at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. (Korea)
McClure, Matthew—York, NE. (Korea) McPeak, Ian—Corbin City, NJ; lacrosse team. (Thailand) Meier, Michelle—Boring, OR; Key Club, Track, Spanish Club. (Korea) Miller, Brooke—Millersburg, OH; Cheerleading (Captain), National Honor Society, Student Council, Marching and Concert Band, Choir, Varsity Singers and Yearbook. Plans to major in premed/biology at Westminster College. (Korea)
H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Fa l l 2 0 0 9
Moran, Rashmi—San Francisco, CA; B.A. in history from University of San Francisco, Summa Cum Laude. Award for highest GPA of graduating history majors, David Herlihy Prize for best senior thesis in history department. Currently employed in San Francisco. (India)
Orazio, Christopher—Beaverton, OR. Plans to major in theatrical design. (Korea) Patterson, Sarita—Alexandria, VA; B.A. in International Relations. Plans to work with children and/or women overseas. (India) Perry, Robert—Pendleton, OR. Varsity Baseball, Honors, Who’s Who in baseball, 2005. Plans to attend Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, OR. (Korea) Phongsavath, Alison—McKinleyville, CA; Masters Degree in social work from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. (Korea) Pomykalski, Daniel—Cross Plains, WI; DECA. Plans to major in business at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. (Korea)
Morrison, Rorie—Windsor Heights, IA; Varsity jazz choir, chamber choir, A-Cappella choir, student ambassadors, National Honor Society, peer helpers, People to People, fall project, kairos, kairos leader. Plans to major in psychology and art at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. (Korea)
Riley, Samantha Soo—Missouri Valley, IA; Girl Scout Gold Award, Dance Team (4 years), Presidential Gold Service Award, Basketball, Volleyball, Key Club, Pep Club, National Society of H.S. Scholars. Plans to major in health sciences at Creighton University, on a $16,000/yr. Scholarship. (Korea)
Nielsen-Sheffield, Kaleb—Geraldine, MT; honor choir, Academic Bowl, football, Radio Academic All-Star, NHS, Academic ACT Gold Medal Award, Harry Strunk scholarship, South Dakota School of Mines Freshmen Scholarship. Plans to major in civil engineering at SD School of Mines and Technology. (Korea)
Satterfield, Daniel—Hopkinsville, KY; Juris Doctor Degree from Hofstra University School of Law in Long Island, NY. Leon Stern Criminal Justice Award, 2002 Valedictorian from Hopkinsville High School, 2006 graduate from Princeton University in NJ. (Korea)
Noland, Gregory—Kingsburg, CA; Bowling, soccer. Plans to major in culinary arts at West Hills College in Lemoore, CA. (Korea)
Schlesselman, Amy—Freeport, IL; B.A. in history and international studies from Iowa State University. Recipient of George Washington Carver Scholarship, Interned in Washington D.C. at the Embassy of Mexico and in Illinois Congressman Donald Manzullo’s office; Member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. (Korea)
Opitz, Alana—Kenilworth, NJ.; Salutatorian of Sr. Class, National Honor Society, class vice president (4 years), cross country (cap-
12
Sherrard, Kristin—Louisville, KY; B.S. in journalism and business management from University of Kentucky. Summa Cum Laude, Honors program, editor, Kentuckian Yearbook, photographer, The Kentucky Kernel Newspaper. Plans to become a photojournalist. (Korea) Turbiville, Adam—Belle Fourche, SD; B.M.E. in mechanical engineering from University of Wyoming. (Korea) Turbiville, Allison—Belle Fourche, SD; A.B. in Economics from Harvard College in Cambridge MA. Adult coordinator of Harvard College Korean Adoptee Mentorship program, Model United Nations Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard College Scholar, analyst for Credit Suisse. (Korea) Turbiville Audrey—Belle Fourche, SD; Drama, oral interpretation, yearbook editor, ELCA National Youth Gathering Emcee in New Orleans, July 2009. Plans to major in elementary education at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. (India) Utemark, Derek—Wakefield, NE; Letter in football, wrestling, FBLA, A club, annual staff, youth group, FCA officer. Plans to play football and join the National Guard while attending college. (Korea) Winkel, Justin—Solon, IA; Carole Jamieson Spirit Scholarship. Plans to major in graphic design at Iowa State University. (Korea)
Holt Adoptees: Send us your stories! Holt is always looking for stories from adult adoptees…we would love to hear from you! Stories should be 250-1,000 words, with photos. Please send stories or ideas to Ashli Keyser at ashlik@holtinternational.org
adoptees today The Gift of a Miracle A childhood ailment leads to a bright future for a college graduate We took Mindy to our pediatrician the day after she arrived
Mindy did get to go
home from South Korea in 1987 and discovered that she
swimming
had a huge hole in her eardrum. Over the next months, her
Disney World, and she
eardrum deteriorated until there was no eardrum in her
has never had an ear
left ear.
infection or any hear-
She suffered frequent ear infections and febrile
at
Walt
seizures, as well as had major speech delays.
ing problems since
We moved from Nebraska to New York and began seeing a
that day. Her ears are
new Ear Nose and Throat Doctor who Mindy adored. He told
absolutely
us about a surgery that Mindy would be able to have when
No surgeries have
she was 8 years old. Meanwhile, she would have to undergo
ever been needed.
surgeries to remove the cysts that formed deep in her ear
Her speech gradu-
canal. Mindy lived with pain in her ear most of the time, and
ally improved with
we constantly prayed that something could be done.
no further therapy.
A few months after our first visit to the doctor, Mindy
When
perfect.
Mindy
had an appointment to schedule surgery to remove a pain-
graduated
ful cyst. That night Mindy awoke screaming in pain. I car-
high school, she
ried her downstairs where I was watching the movie “The
received a full
Greatest Story Ever Told”.
scholarship
Mindy asked, “Mommy, can Jesus still make people all better like He did in the movie?” I really didn’t know, and I said so. Mindy folded her hands and bowed her little head. She prayed out loud: “God and Jesus please fix my ear and make it better. I love you. Amen.” The next morning, we went to see Dr. Rodriguez for the pre-surgery visit. He looked in one ear, then the other shook his head and said, “There is a brand new baby eardrum in there!” Well, the nurse had to look. Then the doctor had to look again! Pretty soon, people were coming in and out, looking in Mindy’s ear. Dr. Rodriguez said, “I just don’t know how this happened. Two days ago, there was no eardrum in here.” Mindy said, “I asked Jesus to fix my ear, and He did!”
to
from
Columbia
College. She thought she might like to major in dance. She also thought of becoming a physical therapist. Then she thought she might like to be a biologist and perhaps go to medical school. But nothing felt quite right. Two weeks after she started college, I had a dream that Mindy would become a speech therapist and work with children who were hearing impaired. I didn’t talk to Mindy about it, but that same week, Mindy met the director of the Speech and Language Pathology Department and she became interested in the program. Mindy took American Sign Language and later worked with hearing impaired students, as well as a job working with children who had autism.
She graduated Summa Cum
I almost fell off of my chair! Mindy smiled sweetly and told
Laude in May, with a degree in Speech Language Pathology.
the doctor her ears didn’t hurt anymore. The doctor ran
Mindy has so many gifts to give, and she gives of herself
hearing tests on both ears. Both were perfect. Then a huge
freely and with joy.
tear rolled down his cheek! The doctor was crying! We had
Once upon a time we dreamed of loving a little child from a far away land. Holt International helped Mindy to have
The doctor told me to take Mindy home and plan a trip to
a family, and gave us a daughter. But God’s plan was even
Walt Disney World (Mindy’s biggest wish) to celebrate and
greater! He gave us the gift of a miracle, and we can only
to go swimming. She was never allowed to get water in her
imagine what the future holds!
ears so hair washing was difficult and swimming was definitely not allowed. We thanked God over and over again for this wonderful blessing.
Susan Cavendish |
Beaufort, South Carolina
13
Holt I nt e r n at ion a l .or g
been given a miracle!
updates
neighborhood calendar
Philippines Devastating typhoon floods have affected some of Holt’s care centers in Southeast Asia, the children were evacuated, but the care centers affected by this terrible tragedy are now in need of supplies, food and repairs. The Typhoon dropped more rain on the Philippines than they've seen in 40 years. Holt has been in contact with our partner agencies in the Philippines, and we are doing all we can to help in this time of need. To offer assistance to Holt’s care centers in the Philippines go to: http://www.holtinternational.org/philippines/floods
California
Bag January 24, 2010 | San Francisco—Holt Silk Luncheon at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1:00 p.m. Camp for August 1-5, 2010 | Dobbins—Holt Adoptee old year 9-16 adoptees
Ethiopia A new care center opened in Wolaita, located in the southern region of Ethiopia. Currently 9 children are in care there. In October a group of doctors from the United States traveled to Ethiopia to provide supplies, services and treatment at the newly renovated Shinshicho clinic.
Iowa
July 25-29, 2010 | Okoboji—Holt Adoptee adoptees 9-16 years old
India
Camp for
Nebraska
Mrs. Usha Modak, the Founder Trustee of BSSK, Holt’s partner agency in India, passed away on September, 29th. Today BSSK is a model childcare facility in India, providing social services for children,
fit homeMarch 20, 2010 | Omaha—Holt dinner to bene Vista La at pia Ethio less and at-risk children in Embassy Suites, 5:30 p.m.
foster care, medical care and nutritious meals for 150 children. Mrs. Modak’s dedication to BSSK will be remembered, and she will be missed by everyone at BSSK and Holt International.
New Jersey
August 8-13, 2010 | Sussex—Holt Adoptee adoptees 9-16 years old.
Camp for
Oregon
Adoption Month
Auction to February 6, 2010 | Eugene—Holt Gala and Ethiopia, in ren child k benefit homeless and at-ris p.m. 5:30 n, the Hilto Camp for July 18-22, 2010 | Corbett—Holt Adoptee old. years 9-16 tees adop
National Adoption Awareness Month in November is a great time to spread the word about children throughout the world who need families—and to acknowledge adoption as a great way to build a family. For ways to celebrate visit: childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/activities.cfm
Angels in Adoption
Wisconsin
Rose McBride, Holt Senior Director of Donor Relations, was among more than 100 recipients around the United States to be honored this September with an Angel in Adoption award at a Congressional ceremony in Washington, DC. The Angels in Adoption program provides Members of Congress the opportunity to honor an individual or entity from their district who has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.
benefit November 14 | Milwaukee —Holt dinner to at the pia Ethio in ren child k at-ris homeless and Intercontinental Hotel, 6:15 p.m.
Get the Info
Holt Heritage Tours
For Holt Events information contact: ger, Holt Events and Corporate Relations Mana tional. Christine Hames at christineh@holtinterna org ct: For Holt Adoptee Camp information conta 2202 -687(541) at Kalb Steve stevek@holtinternational.org
Holt is starting to plan for its 2010 Heritage Tours to China and Korea. We hope that you will consider joining us on this adventure. Holt was the first to pioneer the concept of heritage tours for international adoptees and their families. With adult adoptees on our staff and board, and years of experience, Holt is uniquely qualified to provide a very special homeland experience for you and your children. If your family is thinking of joining one of these exciting and meaningful trips, now is the time to consider Holt’s tours. For more information go to: holtinternational.org/tours
In Memory Aaron Lee DeKraker H olt I nt e r n at i on a l / Fa l l 2 0 0 9
November 10th, 1973-June 23, 2008 Aaron became an integral part of our family along with his twin brother Matt (Duk Nam Kim) on April 16, 1974 Aaron was a truly unique and brilliant person with a magnetic personality, an infectious spirit, and undeniable charm. He was a “glass half-full” person always looking at the positive side of life, having an unquenchable thirst for good times. He loved playing his guitars and was a natural born artist. Although he never had any formal training, he became a highly
14
qualified chef. He was also a respected businessman who was actively developing his future in his favorite city—Chicago. We miss him so much and love him beyond words. We are all blessed because he was a part of our lives and we thank God for the privilege of His gift. *A memorial gift was donated by the DeKraker family to be used at the Ilsan Center. Aaron’s twin brother, Matt DeKraker, also contributed to this gift.
w a it ing c h il d re n
These and other children need adoptive families
Lonna
Bor n: 5.5.03 | C hin a Lonna enjoys play ing games and is close to her caregivers. Foun d near a hospital when she was just a few months old, this sweet, little girl had an intracranial hemorrhage, and has softening focus in her left cerebral hemisphere. There is a $5,0 00 grant available from Brittany’s Hop e..
Lo nna
Betty
Bor n: 8 .16.05 | A fric a
This beautiful and social, little girl has a sweet smile and enjoys draw ing. She has tested positive for syphilis. She has a good relationship with her peers and caregivers and enjo ys helping with the babies in care. She is toilet trained and can feed and dress herself.
Click holtinternatio nal.org /waitin gchild/ photolisting
Ranjit
4.26 .04 | India Ranjit enjoys interact ing with people and play ing with toys. He has hear ing loss and is missing his right eye. While he loses his bala nce at times, he is able to walk and run, and is show ing improvement in physical therapy. A $7,500 Brittany ’s Hope grant is available.
Bethany
11.12.02 | SE A sia This beautiful, little girl has a big smile and a good sense of hum or. In care since birt h, she is currentl y living with a foster family. Hyperac tive at times, she is being followed up with a speech therapist and psyc hologist. She needs a family who has experience parenting past her age and dealing with possible behavioral issues. There is a $7,500 grant available from Brittany's Hope.
For more infor matio n on adop ting these and other waiting child ren, conta ct Erin Mow er at erinm @hol tinter natio nal.o rg
Betty
R anjit
Bethany
Post Office Box 2880 E u g e n e O R 974 0 2
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID EUGENE, OR PERMIT NO. 291
Change Service Requested
The 2010 Holt International calendar features adopted children from around the world. Every calendar you purchase will benefit children who still need families of their own.
$10 (price includes shipping). Order yours online at: holtinternational.org/calendar