Adopted by Design

Haiti Program Updates

The Haiti program continues to accept new clients, help families build dossiers and process referrals; however we have confirmed that the IBESR, the government adoption authority, has temporarily suspended the acceptance of new dossiers. The IBESR is hopeful that they will reopen and accept new dossiers beginning August 1st, 2012 with the implementation of a faster dossier approval process for families. America World staff will continue to keep clients informed of any confirmed updates received from our contacts in Haiti. Please pray for the Haitian government as they work through these changes and for the families and children in the adoption process. 

Haiti Mission Trip Testimonies

We are back from our Reverse Hosting Mission trip to Haiti. What an incredible trip!  Here are the perspectives of a few of our team members.  We hope you will join America World on our next trip to Haiti!

“It has been a culture shock to say the least to be back home. I look around at all the “stuff” we have accumulated and I think of what was needed to survive for most of the people on the street. I think that is inevitable to have that concern and have those thoughts flood through your mind. We think we “need” things that ultimately are merely wants or pleasures. America is so blessed. I had an amazing time getting to broaden my horizon of the different people and lifestyles of the world. God’s love for Haiti is not dependent on what they possess and His grace for me is not dependent on what I have to offer.” Andy Rosenbalm

 

“I'm sure we are all experiencing all kinds of emotions since our trip, but one thing for sure, is that I can't stop praising God for giving me the opportunity to experience what I did last week.  It was everything I prayed it would be.  I wanted a jolt from my "of this world life" and I certainly got that!  I feel that John's insight on how I would feel upon my return was spot on!  He told us not to feel guilty for the life we have, but to rejoice in the knowledge that God has an awesome plan.  The other thing I prayed for is that we would provide some comfort and God's love to the children of Haiti and in my heart I know that happened.  I am in awe of the adoptive parents and the selfless challenges they are sure to face.  Know that I am praying for them and their families.  I will miss the fellowship we all shared last week and I know that the trip will always remain one of the most special experiences that I will have in my lifetime.” Dan Stern

 

“Daniel and I are both missing Haiti! We fell in love with the people and culture and especially all those sweet children we were able to bless. In actuality, they blessed us far more.   Haiti has a way of getting into your soul and becoming part of you. I think I saw God there profoundly in the way that love was given, shared and imitated not only among our team, but the children, Jonas and Sandro, the drivers and everyone else we interacted with.  We will never be the same." Terry Lacey

For more information regarding our Haiti Adoption Program or America World Reverse Mission Trips to Haiti, please contact Michelle Reed at Michelle.Reed@awaa.org.

2011 Agency Annual Report

America World's 2011 Agency Annual Report is now available to view and download online!

In our continued effort to be 100% transparent with prospective adoptive parents, our clients and our investors, America World staff members have compiled reviews and updates of this past year's progress and changes for all of our various Country Programs.  A condensed, physical version will also be available in another couple of weeks and can be mailed to you upon request.

Our agency's 2011 Audited Financial Statement will also be posted to the Agency Reports page within the next month, so feel free to check back soon.

Thank you for your support of America World Adoption and our mission to build God's kingdom through His design of adoption!  We covet your continued prayers for a clear understanding of the Lord's sovereign direction of our agency.  We are honored to serve your family and the orphans of the world in 2012!

In Him,

Jason West, Director of Development

Mission Trip to Haiti – Sign Up Deadline this Friday, February 24th

Join America World on a mission trip to Haiti on March 25-30, 2012.  The purpose of this Reverse Hosting Trip is to meet some of the spiritual and physical needs of the children living at one of our partner orphanages in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This orphanage is the home of 80+ children ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years. Many of the children are over the age of 4. As a team, we hope to build relationships with the children and gain a better understanding of their way of life and every day experiences.

Trip participants will have the opportunity to bring donations, plan activities and spend time giving individual attention to the children currently living at the orphanage. While many of the children at this orphanage are currently available for adoption, we will plan special activities to reach the older children that may not have the opportunity to join forever families. AWAA staff will assist trip participants with travel paperwork and travel arrangements. While in Haiti, the team will be accompanied by AWAA staff and local guides/translators.

The trip is limited to the first 20 individuals that apply. 

Trip Costs = $2,100 per person

Trip Costs Include:

• International airfare
• Airport transfers
• In-country transportation
• Translators to accompany the team
• Accommodations for 5 nights
• Breakfast and dinner at Guest House
• Bag lunch for the day
• Free WiFi and phone calls to the U. S.

*For a trip application or more information please contact Michelle.Reed@awaa.org

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Welcoming Angels: Reverse Hosting Trip to Haiti



Come join America World as we travel to Haiti, March 25-30, 2012.  The purpose of this Reverse Hosting Trip is to meet some of the spiritual and physical needs of the children living at one of our partner orphanages in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This orphanage is the home of 80+ children ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years. Many of the children are over the age of 4.

As a team, we hope to build relationships with the children and gain a better understanding of their way of life and every day experiences. Trip participants will have the opportunity to bring donations, plan activities and spend time giving individual attention to the children currently living at the orphanage. While many of the children at this orphanage are currently available for adoption, we will plan special activities to reach the older children that may not have the opportunity to join forever families. AWAA staff will assist trip participants with travel paperwork and travel arrangements. While in Haiti, the team will be accompanied by AWAA staff and local guides/translators.

The trip is limited to the first 20 individuals that apply. 

Trip Costs = $2,100 per person. Costs Include: 

International airfare
Airport transfers
In-country transportation
Translators to accompany the team
Accommodations for 5 nights
Breakfast and dinner at Guest House
Bag lunch for the day
Free WiFi and phone calls to the U. S.

*For a trip application or more information please contact Michelle.Reed@awaa.org.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Two Years Ago Today - Haiti Earthquake

Two years ago today, Haiti experienced a devestating earthquake that left the lives of countless adults and children changed forever.  Out of the pain of lives lost and the destruction of homes and buildings came a passionate hope and love for God that is unexplainable to my simple, comfortable mind.  I watched the television coverage and read stories of incredible struggle and loss.  

After months of processing the affects of the earthquake, I decided to take the leap of faith to visit Haiti.  Words cannot express the hope, the resilience and the faith in God that resides in the lives of the Haitian people.  Songs of praise to an all powerful God by little voices that lost their families caught my attention.  Praise and worship throughout struggling communities filled the air.  And young people, determined to take care of their ailing family members depending on them for survival, filled me with admiration.

Haiti has shown the world that they will press on and trust in a God that promises to not leave their side.  My prayer is that you too will get a chance to be touched by a child or a young adult in the new generation of earthquake survivors.  I have a special little girl in my life that changed me forever from the first glance.  She is a reminder that God is faithful even in the toughest of times.

As the Haitian people remind us, we must, “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philipians 3:14

-Michelle Reed, Haiti Family Coordinator

America World’s Haiti Program – Urgent Need

Our Haiti program has many waiting children of all ages. America World has an urgent need for prospective families interested in sibling sets and twins currently waiting in Haiti. If you are interested in more information on the children waiting, please direct inquiries to Michelle Reed, Family Coordinator, at michelle.reed@awaa.org. For information on the Haiti program, please visit the Haiti Program Page on our website.

Haiti Program Updates

America World is excited by the response to our new Haiti Program which opened in September 2011!  We have welcomed several families into the program. 

Please continue to join us in prayer as we anticipate the opening of our Haiti Waiting Children password protected website where we highlight older children, sibling sets and children with special needs that are ready and waiting for a forever home.

If you are interested in more information about the Haiti program, please visit website or email haiti@awaa.org.

New Program: Haiti

America World is excited to announce a new international adoption program in Haiti!  We are now accepting applications for this pilot program. 

We are honored to work with several partner orphanages in the Port-au-Prince area. The referral wait time will vary depending on a family’s requests and the children available in these orphanages. The anticipated wait time is 24-36 months from referral to coming home.  Families can be matched with their referral early in the process and have the opportunity to visit their child in Haiti while waiting for the adoption paperwork to be finalized.

Currently there are many children in these orphanages, ages 3-14 years that are waiting for a forever family. There are also children, infants through age 3 years, available for adoption, though that referral wait time is unknown.   Sibling groups as well as children with special needs are available for adoption.

Please visit our website to learn more about the adoptive family requirements, adoption costs and overall process.  If you have questions about this program, feel free to call our office or email Haiti@awaa.org.  We ask that you join us in prayer for the children of Haiti and the families who will join us in their journey to bring their child home.