A research study at Temple University is investigating connections between language and memory in individuals who experienced a change from their native to another language. If you were adopted from a Russian-speaking country after the age of 6, you are invited to participate in this research study where you will be asked to describe events. Your participation will contribute to the body of knowledge and help international adoptees worldwide. You do not need to speak Russian in order to participate. Your time will be compensated $20 per session (total of $40 for 2 sessions). Must be between 18-30 years of age in order to participate. On-line interviews are available, so no travel is required. Please fill out this brief questionnaire in order for us to determine your eligibility. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BC378ZZ

[img]https://adoption.com/community/PF.Base/file/attachment/2017/04/8110e59dc12356223f7fb0660d87bf1f_view.jpg[/img] "They saved my life. And when you adopt a teenager, 90% of the time you will be saving their life." - Katie Goudge, adopted at 15. After spending 20 years of his 21 years of life "in the system," Noel Anaya shared his story on NPR's Youth Radio. He began his story with a heartbreaking statement: "Walking into court for my very last time as a foster youth, I feel like I'm getting a divorce from a system that I've been in a relationship with almost my entire life. It's bittersweet because I'm losing guaranteed stipends for food and housing, as well as access to my social workers and my lawyer. But on the other hand, I'm relieved to finally get away from a system that ultimately failed me on it's biggest promise: That one day it would find me a family who would love me." Ouch. Noel continued with his story, saying, "I use 'gray hands' to describe the foster care system, because it never felt warm or human. It's institutional. Opposite the sort of unconditional love I imagine that parents try to show their kids. In an idea world, being a foster kid is supposed to be temporary. When it's stable and appropriate, the preference is to reunite kids with their parents or family members. Adoption is the next best option. I used to dream of it. Having a mom and dad, siblings to play with . . . a dog. But when I hit 12, I realized that I was getting old. That adoption probably would never happen for me." Noel's articulate description of what his childhood was like, and particularly the loss of his dream of being adopted, provides a poignant insight into the lives of thousands of teens across the country (and in orphanages worldwide) who are growing up without a family. And it underscores a painful truth: Teens available for adoption only have a 5% chance of actually being placed with a forever family. That means of 100 kids hoping to be a part of a family, only 5 will currently see that dream come to pass . . . and 95 will "age out" and embark on adult life alone, untethered by the love and stability of a family. I've watched a lot of Wednesday's Child features introducing teens who are hoping to be adopted. Sometimes while I'm watching them, the reality of children living without families hits me hard. It hits especially when they say things like this: -"Why do I want a family? Family is basically everything." "I want to just say to people if you don't have a kid, here is a kid for you who is respectful and who is honest." "I've never really had a family. I just know it from the movies." In 2013 a 14-year-old boy named Davion Only stood up in church and begged for someone to adopt him. He told the congregation, "My name is Davion and I've been in foster care since I was born. I know God hasn't given up on me, so I'm not giving up either. I'll take anyone. Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don't care. And I would be really appreciative. The best I could be." These are the voices of children. Children pleading for love. Children who have been through tremendous challenges. Children who have experienced unthinkable tragedy. Children who just want someone who loves them - no matter what. Someone they can rely on - through thick and thin. They shouldn't have to beg for this. They shouldn't have to do video features. They shouldn't have to perform at adoption camps, or stand up at church and ask for a family. Have they outgrown chubby cheeks? Yes. Will adopting a teen be rough? Undoubtedly. But these kids didn't ask to be born to parents who would ultimately not be able to care for them. They didn't ask to be neglected or abused. They didn't ask to be shuffled from home to home. They weren't ready for these heavy experiences. But they happened to them anyway. And now we are given the opportunity to open our homes and help them overcome. To encourage them. To provide them with love and stability, hope and encouragement, limits and consistency, patience and compassion. Each of these kids is of infinite worth, and even though they're no longer tiny and chubby cheeked, they still need love. They still need to be held. They still need to be taught and encouraged. I get that it's scary. It's a big unknown. You worry how adopting will affect your other kids. You wonder if you've got what it takes to parent a kid who has been through so much. These are my own worries. I haven't adopted a teen, and I'm not sure if I'm courageous enough to take the plunge. But it's something I'm seriously considering - because these are whole human beings we're talking about. They shouldn't be brushed off with a quick, "I can't do that," or "Too much baggage." Teen adoption is worth thinking about. REALLY thinking about.

Hi, my name is Karissa, my husband and I are looking to adopt. We have been married for 9 years but trying to conceive for 5 years. If there is any mothers who are looking to put your baby or child up for adoption please contact me at karisanchez08@yahoo.com Thank you and God Bless (:

Once there were two women who never knew each other... One you do not remember, the other you call mother. Two different lives, shaped to make your one... One became your guiding star, the other became your sun. The first gave you life and the second taught you haw to live it... The first gave you a need for the love and the second was there to fill it One gave you a nationality, and the other gave you a name... One gave you a seed of talent, and the other gave you an aim. One gave you emotions, and the other calmed your fears... One saw your first sweet smile and the other dried your tears. One gave you up, it's all that she could do... The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you. And now you ask me through the fears, The age old question unanswered throughout the years... Heredity or environment, Which sm I a product of... Neither my darling, neither... Just two different kinds of love. Author Unknown

Hello! My name is Morgan and my significant others name is Andrew. We are unable to have children naturally and are looking to adopt! We are on waiting lists now but have been told it can take many years so we are hoping to find someone willing to do a private adoption possibly! Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you soon! E mail mmmmmmorgs@icloud.com

IF YOU ARE AN ADOPTED PARENT WHO CANT DEAL WITH YOUR ADOPTED CHILD ANYMORE YOU CAN ASK ME FOR HELP

Hi, I’m Priya.I’m a 13 year old.My parents get often physical with me.they’re very abusive.they admitted to not liking me. I just want to end all of this.I’m mentally so done.i want to get adopted and start a new life.i don’t know how it’s done.

April 30, 2006 I updated my information on a registry site and a search angel was able to get in contact with my birthgrandparents. They want contact with me and we spoke on the phone for over an hour the other day. They told me that my b-mom was upset when they told her I was looking for her. She has not told her daughter about me, but thats OK. I am extremly happy with what I have now and I would not change anything.

This journal is supposed to be about foster/adopt however we have been in the process of a step-parent adoption that took FOREVER. Just got the call and it will be finalized March 19th!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mom just happens to be here during that time, I tell you things like this don't happen by chance. This was a totally spur of the moment trip for my mom-and she will be here for a much anticipated adoption. Eli is adjusting quickly to our home. I love this little guy. We spend all day playing, snuggling and being together. I taught him how to play catch with his bitty ball-now he throws EVERYTHING and thinks its so darn funny. Those dimples, they kill me every time. Attachment parenting is going well, he enjoys his Mei Tai time. For the past two days poor little guy has been having a mild temp and just not feeling well, today he was down right sick, took him to the Dr. and he has a "virus" so nothing we can do. It's just sad. Your forgot what it was like when your baby is sick, such a helpless feeling. So for the past 2 days he hasn't wanted his bottle much. When he takes his bottle he maintains beautiful eye contact and after bottle he plays with my face, we sing, play games making silly noises all with eye contact in cradle position for a good 30-60 min-whenever he gets tired and wants to get down we then move on to play or he falls asleep in my arms (and this is heaven for me to just love and snuggle). My house is not getting much attention. I think the bottle/cradle hold time is the best bonding tool we have right now. Over the weekend instead of trying to go to EVERYONE-cause he's that kind of baby who will "mommy shop." He would reach for a person out of habit and then he would put his head on my shoulder like he knew he was with me. So huge!!! Well since not having our eye contact and play time-cause he's sick and won't take bottle well I noticed the bond is not as deep. He tried to go to a nurse (total stranger) and a friend (total stranger.) I know most people would think I'm being paranoid but this is a lot of going with your gut. He has attachment issues. BUT I know we can heal his heart. So today I spent a lot of time snuggling and holding him while he slept-my poor sick baby. It paid off and I feel that bond starting to tighten again. Its solidified that our attachment is my #1 priority right now. I'm just thrilled to see that this attachment stuff is working and not only does it help Eli it helps me as well to love and bond with him. I get my "baby fix" by feeding him a bottle and rocking/singing to him. The love I feel for this kiddo is amazing-this is my little boy. His mom hasn't made any contact-I know this is not something you should hope for. I did get sad thinking of her missing him on his first birthday. I also thought of her when I went through his things and found a bag that foster mom told me was from her. I found his hospital ID tag, I found little clothes with tags on them. I found a beautiful quilted blanket. She loves her baby. Sometimes love is letting go and in my heart I think this is what she is doing. Given what I know about her situation and addiction issues she may have given him the greatest gift she can give him. I have a secret wish in my heart that she will contact and that we can build a relationship that will allow her to consent to the adoption. The SW feels she would very much consider consent and plans on asking for it should she contact them. Wish I had more time to write.

We just finished our home visit for our homestudy to adopt our baby girl!!!!!!!!!! SW left and dh took kids to give me some time alone, been cleaning all day and all night. What a sweet husband and I have to scream YYYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! It went beautifully. We still have a few more paperwork thing/physicals to get done, but its all on us now (so I know I can get it done and won't have to worry about somebody else dropping the ball. Its getting real! I was hoping for an adoption finalization before Christmas and becoming very concerned it wouldn't happen My prayer was answered. Thank you! SW has finished the final bit of paperwork the day that I prayed my heart out for her to find the time to do it. Our attorney just needs to petition the court for an adoption finalization day. We are hoping for National Adoption day, November 15th! It is only a matter of time no matter what day it is that we end up with so truthfully I'm beyond okay now, I'm ecstatic! I no longer have that weight of, could we loose him? Its gone and I feel peace. I know we will finalize. Its like I can take that deep breath and release all that stress and tension. FIY don't be like me, let God take over. I thought I was the one who could get our SW to get the move on. I needed to let it go and let God take over. E will be our forever son-is that not a miracle? This is the baby I knew so very well before he was even born.I see him growing and see the joy he brings to all who know him. He is adorable, he is amazing, I don't know what our family would do without him. He is such an ingrained part of our lives. I felt he wanted to come to our family this way long before I ever knew him and before I was ready to take that leap of faith. The first time I saw him I knew he was meant to be our son. It was a God thing, whispered right to my heart. I'm hoping for our baby to join us in December, best Christmas present I can imagine. After November 15th we will should be on the list, waiting for our baby girl to join our family. I learned my lesson, I'm going to let God take over this journey right from the start. My sweet baby girl, I can't wait to see you. I pray for your birth family. This time and the months and years to come will be painful and challenging for them. I pray they beat their demons. I pray that you will heal from the exposure you have. I have had peaceful moments whispered in my heart that you will overcome, it won't be easy and we may have some rough years but you are going to grow to be an amazing young lady. I feel that same peace with E, I know he will have his challenges, but he is going to grow into an amazing young man. He will end the cycle of addiction in his genetic line. Its something I feel with all of my heart. I feel at some point he will be the source of strength for his birth family, not now, and not any time soon but at some point in his adult life. I hope your birth family will always be part of our lives. In my heart I feel there is and always will be an eternal connection to your birth family. An "invisible red thread" that connects all of us. It cannot be broken. I will always pray for E's birth mother, even if I'm angry with her for what she exposed E to, I will do the same for your birth mom. I imagine holding you for the first time, what will you look like? Will you be a fussy baby like M or will you be an angel like C was? Will you be the best 2-3 year old like M was or a difficult 2-3 year old like C was? Will you be artistic and free spirited like C, will you be athletic and a perfectionist like M? You know I'm sure you will be just who you are meant to be-and uniquely you. I can't wait my sweet daughter, my forever and always baby. You will complete this family, we need you. E is ready for you. Today at mommy group one of my mommy friends brought her foster baby with her. I got to hold her, E was so excited to see a baby. He wanted to touch her, giggled when he got her to smile, he stroked her tiny feet and said "baby" over and over again with a big smile on his face. He will be a protective big brother and will take care of you all of your life. M is not excited about another baby sister (even though C and her are as close as sisters can be) I know she will change her mind once she meets you, she wants a baby brother because she loves E so much. C is soooo excited about a baby sister! She can't wait to dress you, to help me feed you, pick out your hair bows, she may not want to change your diapers but I think she will do just about everything she can as your big sister. And then there is your dad. You see he has a big hole in his heart that can only be filled with you. You are so lucky to have him as a daddy but I know he is even more fortunate.