Memories of Hosting a Chaperone
During our Winter 2017 Orphan Hosting Program, one family said “yes” to hosting a chaperone from Latvia. It was a wonderful experience that they’ll never forget.
“Hosting Anda was one of the biggest blessings to our family! Anda is an art teacher in Latvia that brought a group of orphans here in December 2017. When we got an email asking if we would host her our initial reaction was ‘YES’… why not?! Saying ‘Yes’ when opportunities present themselves is the most fulfilling way to live.
Over the month Anda was with us we were able to make so many wonderful memories. We took her ice skating, celebrated birthdays, celebrated Christmas, had a big New Year’s party, attended church, volunteered at church, went caroling, made Christmas cookies. She was able to experience American living for the month of December! She also taught us how to knit, make traditional Latvian food, desserts, crafts and decorations.
Anda is missed so much and we love her like family! We are in contact several times a week and are looking forward to seeing her in the near future! I can’t help but think of what we would have missed out on if we would not have said ‘Yes’! If you are considering hosting an orphan chaperone, do it! You won’t regret it!!!”
We are currently looking for families in the US to host a chaperone from Latvia! Our chaperones support the children during the hosting program. They’re excited to be here and look forward to learning about American culture! For more information, contact our Program Coordinator at info@orphanhosting.com
Are you ready to be a chaperone host family? Apply today!
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Rumblings in Latvia
International adoption laws and legislation are constantly changing and evolving, sometimes leaving agencies, families, and children unaware of how things will end up. It never gets any easier to hear that proposed changes can negatively impact the overall welfare of the children. That unfortunately is the case we are seeing with Latvia currently. The political climate in Latvia has been very tense lately, since the Minister has been getting a significant amount of domestic pressure to prioritize keeping the children with Latvian families in Latvia. As ideal of a situation this is, it is sadly unrealistic, continues to build more barriers, and narrows their chances from finding their forever homes.
On December 8th, the U.S. Department of State issued a notice confirming that the Latvian government has proposed changes in regulations of hosting programs and international adoption (full notice can be found here). To summarize what is being proposed, they would like to limit the hosting program to only children living in orphanages who are 12 years old and up. For adoption, they are seeking to limit intercountry adoption to only children living in the orphanage or those living in foster care with serious medical conditions.
We’ll keep you updated on whether or not the Latvian government passes this legislation on our website blog and Facebook page. Even if these legislative changes go into effect, that does not change our agencies’ goal to help advocate for as many children as possible. If anything, this is a call to action to help be the voices for these children. If your family is ready to make a lifelong impact on one of these children’s lives, please consider hosting during our summer program or beginning your adoption process. Contact me today at katie@childrenofallnations.com for more information!
-Katie, Latvia Hosting Program Coordinator and Latvia Adoption Counselor
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URGENT: Chaperone Host Family Needed!
***UPDATE*** A family has signed up to host Anda! We’re so excited for her to visit the US. Thank you to everyone for your support! If you would like to volunteer to be a backup host family, click here for more information!
Our Latvia Winter Hosting Program is well underway, and the children will be here in less than a month! Each group of kids is accompanied by a chaperone, who escorts and supports the children during the program.
We are looking for volunteers to serve as chaperone host families. It is completely free to be a chaperone host family, and you’ll even receive a small stipend for hosting! All you need is a spare bedroom and an open heart. You would be hosting a chaperone for four weeks (starting the 3rd week of December). It’s a great opportunity for you to meet the amazing caregivers and translators who are here to support the children throughout the program. It’s also a neat opportunity for the chaperones to visit America and learn our customs around the holidays.
Our chaperone from Latvia knows English, and she needs a host family in the New York area. She’s a teacher and loves making arts and crafts. Also, she enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and meeting new friends. If you live in New York or one of the adjacent states and would like to host her, please contact our Program Coordinator Katie today at katie@orphanhosting.com or 512-323-9595 ext. 3061!
It’s through your service that we are able to help the amazing children of the Orphan Hosting Programs! If you’re ready to become a chaperone host family, you can start your FREE application here!
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Last Chance for Hope
We have re-opened matching for TWO days only! We just received files of two amazing sisters who are still waiting to find their host family. Being selected means they get to spend Christmas with a loving family instead of at the orphanage, wondering why they weren’t chosen. Ever since we learned about these girls, they’ve been tugging at our heartstrings, and we would love to see them spend the holidays full of hope and joy.
These sweet girls can be hosted together or separately. M is 11 years old and Mg is 13 years old. They have both been hosted before, but unfortunately these families were unable to re-host them for this upcoming program. They live in an orphanage with their brother and would love nothing more than to spend the holidays in a loving and caring home. Their brother is being hosted, so they are waiting to hear if they will be hosted too.
The orphanage director reached out to our representative specifically requesting to find these girls a winter host family. We have a $300 scholarship available for each girl, and if you host them together, you’ll receive a $700 scholarship! Will you host them and make their dreams come true?
Since hosting is coming to a close, families must be ready to complete all necessary documents and payments no later than the end of this week. Please contact our Program Director Katie at katie@orphanhosting.com or 512-323-9595 ext. 3061 immediately to begin your hosting journey!
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The Children Left Behind
The deadline for winter hosting is in just TWO days, and many kids are still waiting to be chosen for winter hosting! Being selected is the difference between spending Christmas with a loving family and spending Christmas wondering why they were left behind.
Below are just a few of the wonderful kids who are still hoping that a family will say, “YES, we choose you!” To learn more about them, visit our photo listing today or contact our Program Coordinator Katie at katie@orphanhosting.com. Don’t miss your chance to change one orphan’s life forever!
Meet This Sweet Boy!
He’s honest and helpful! He enjoys playing with friends, sports, and rollerskating. He’s also learning English. Visiting America and going to an amusement park is something he dreams about. He wants to be hosted very much!
He loves Disney and enjoys biking, skating, and playing sports. He likes helping with younger kids. If something is wrong, he does really well with talking and hugging it out! He really hopes to visit Disneyland or a zoo.
Meet This Calm Boy!
He loves to draw, make arts and crafts, and play games. He gets along well with other kids and adults. He takes good care of himself and communicates well. He would fit in with any family!
Resources:
– Learn more about Orphan Hosting
– Visit the Orphan Hosting Photo Listing
– Contact an Orphan Hosting Specialist!
*Due to privacy regulations with the Latvian government, their full photo is not allowed to be posted publicly – please contact our team to learn more.
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Meet This Dynamic Duo!
These siblings are so sweet and smart! They would love to spend time with a family this holiday season. The older sister enjoys making DIY handmade crafts and knitting. She’s very helpful with younger kids. The brother is active and loves sports. He likes to perform little shows and sometimes will even perform a musical!
Would you give them a Christmas they’ll never forget? Request their files or contact our Program Coordinator Katie today at katie@orphanhosting.com to learn more about them! The deadline to be matched for 2017 winter hosting is this Friday October 20th, so click here to apply today and be a part of something more!
Why host a Sibling Pair?
1. Double the Fun!
Why host one when you could have two? A sibling group will give you double the fun of hosting and create great memories for the children to share with each other when they return after hosting.
2. A little family for your family!
Sibling groups are often the hardest to get hosted, so you can help keep a little family together! They have often formed strong family bonds with each other and do well bonding with a host family as well. Consider bringing a little family into your family this winter!
3. Shared Past for a Shared Future
Sibling groups have often stuck by each other through thick and thin. They come with a shared past, but they can look forward to a shared future with your family. Make some memories with a sibling group this holiday season!
4. Plus, you’ll get a $100 discount on the hosting donation cost!
Resources:
– Learn more about Orphan Hosting
– Visit the Orphan Hosting Photo Listing
– Contact an Orphan Hosting Specialist!
*Due to privacy regulations with the Latvian government, their full photo is not allowed to be posted publicly – please contact our team to learn more.
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Life in an Orphanage
“I have not always lived in an orphanage. Before I was an orphan, I was just a normal boy…
One day I woke up in a new place that was unfamiliar to me… new faces… new smells… new everything…
This was not my home, yet everyone kept telling me this was my home…
Every day I wake up feeling alone – wondering if I will always be surrounded by other kids who also feel alone…
Every night I go to bed knowing I went another day without a hug or having someone tuck me in at night…
Every day I am expected to help take care of the younger kids… what they don’t see is that I myself need taking care of…
Every Christmas I go another year without having a present under the tree with my name…
Every day I hold on to the fact that maybe it won’t always be this way…”
Sadly, many children have similar stories like this. They go years without spending one-on-one time with a parent or even a caregiver. Being institutionalized every day, they lose a little bit of hope that they will have a better future.
While many of us are eagerly anticipating and prepping for the winter holidays… many of these children dread it. It really brings into reality that it’s just another year they won’t be spending with a family.
This hosting program means so much more to these kids than simply “taking a vacation.” It boosts their confidence and their spirits. After, all it is the season of giving – why not give the gift of love? While not all of the kids in our hosting program live in orphanages, a good majority of them do. Your family has the opportunity to be that beacon of hope and love for them this winter program.
-Katie, Orphan Hosting Program Coordinator
Meet Our Featured Kids from Orphanages
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- Meet this super athletic girl! Her favorite sport is soccer. She loves animals and wants to be a vet!
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- Meet this aspiring engineer! He loves making handmade things, playing with Legos, and robotics.
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- Meet this amazing boy! He loves swimming and dogs. He can speak 2 languages and wants to be a builder!
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- Meet this friendly and clever boy! He loves dogs and is learning how to train them. He wants to visit a zoo!
These incredible kids are still waiting for host families this winter! The deadline to apply for Latvian Winter Hosting is October 20th, 2017. Time is running out, so don’t miss out on your chance to change an orphan’s life forever! To learn more about our available kids, request their files today!
Resources
– Learn more about Orphan Hosting
– Visit the Orphan Hosting Photo Listing
– Contact an Orphan Hosting Specialist!
*Due to privacy regulations with the Latvian government, their full photo is not allowed to be posted publicly – please contact our team to learn more.
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Meet These Super Siblings!
These siblings are quite the pair! They dream of spending the holidays with a family, and neither have been to the US before. The lively little brother steals the show. He speaks English well, loves to make jokes, and enjoys watching animated movies (especially Cars!).
The sister speaks up when she gets the chance and is full of personality too! She knows some English, loves animals, and likes helping in the kitchen. Her favorite movie is Frozen, and she enjoys singing the theme song.
Would you give them a Christmas they’ll never forget? Check out our photo listing or contact our Program Coordinator Katie today at katie@orphanhosting.com to learn more about them! The deadline for winter hosting is approaching fast, so click here to apply today!
Why host a Sibling Pair?
1. Double the Fun!
Why host one when you could have two? A sibling group will give you double the fun of hosting and create great memories for the children to share with each other when they return after hosting.
2. A little family for your family!
Sibling groups are often the hardest to get hosted, so you can help keep a little family together! They have often formed strong family bonds with each other and do well bonding with a host family as well. Consider bringing a little family into your family this winter!
3. Shared Past for a Shared Future
Sibling groups have often stuck by each other through thick and thin. They come with a shared past, but they can look forward to a shared future with your family. Make some memories with a sibling group this holiday season!
4. Plus, you’ll get a $100 discount on the hosting donation cost!
Resources:
– Learn more about Orphan Hosting
– Visit the Orphan Hosting Photo Listing
– Contact an Orphan Hosting Specialist!
*Due to privacy regulations with the Latvian government, their full photo is not allowed to be posted publicly – please contact our team to learn more.
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Meet This Amazing Girl!
Meet our featured child, 12-year-old N! She’s an amazing girl who loves music, plays the violin, and wishes to learn piano next. She even wants to become a singer when she gets older! She enjoys talking and making new friends, especially with girls her own age.
Would she be a great fit for your family? Check out our photo listing or contact our Program Coordinator Katie today at katie@orphanhosting.com to learn more about her! The deadline for winter hosting is approaching fast, so click here to apply today!
What is Orphan Hosting?
Orphan hosting means something different to everyone. For host families, it’s the chance to be a part of a child in need’s life. For children, it’s a chance to experience the love of a family. Every holiday season, families in America decorate Christmas trees, build snowmen, and open presents… but this is all just a dream to these kids. You can make this dream a reality!
Resources:
– Learn more about Orphan Hosting
– Visit the Orphan Hosting Photo Listing
– Contact an Orphan Hosting Specialist!
*Due to privacy regulations with the Latvian government, their full photo is not allowed to be posted publicly – please contact our team to learn more.
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