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America World Adoption Agency launched their
Welcoming Angels program on April 19th with the
arrival of five orphans from Ethiopia. Due to arrive
on a Saturday, their trip was postponed three days
by Ethiopian immigration officials who kept them
from boarding the plane. Holding the necessary
paperwork from both the United States embassy
and orphanage directors, they were required to go
to court for another power of attorney from the
Ethiopian government. Five families from Baltimore,
Harford, and Carroll Counties were anticipating their
arrival and disappointed over the delay. On Tuesday,
April 19th, three boys, two girls and one chaperone emerged from Dulles airport and were introduced to their host families. Under the impression that they were visiting the United States for a camp program, these children were unaware of the potential impact this journey could have on their future.
The Welcoming Angels program, directed by Mary Noble, was birthed with the intent of introducing older orphans to potential adoptive families. According to the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism put out by Brandeis University, ninety-five percent of the world’s population of orphans is above the age of five. Since families are more likely to pursue the adoption of an infant, programs like Welcoming Angels can help prospective parents overcome fears related to older orphan adoption. Welcoming Angels does this by providing families with an opportunity to develop a relationship with the child before making a commitment to adopt.
In order to be considered for the program, host families must meet America World Adoption’s standards for adoptive families. The screening process includes a background check and home study. An online preparation course on “Adopting Older Children” is required as well as a one time instruction class spanning four hours. In addition to accommodating the child, host parents take responsibility for a portion of the funding which helps cover traveling expenses. Host families are either considering adoption or agree to help the children meet other families who are interested in older orphan adoption. Parents are given a month after the children depart to weigh the decision of adoption.
The children were selected for the Welcoming Angels program by their orphanages. America World Adoption currently has connections with several orphanages in Ethiopia that are willing to participate. All of the Ethiopian children that were chosen are at least six years old and are of adoptable status.
Grafted Families, a branch of the ICARE foundation, came alongside Welcoming Angels by coordinating the event planning. Melissa Corkum and her volunteer team organized an Easter egg hunt at Beachmont Christian Camp, Baltimore zoo trip, craft night at Grace Community Church, birthday party, gymnastics play date at Kinetic Youth Academy, nature park day at Cromwell Valley, and field trip to Prigel Family Creamery. Corkum became involved in orphan ministry in January of 2010 when she and her husband joined with two other
families who were passionate about adoption, orphan care, and foster care to form Grafted Families. In June, she was contacted by Mary Noble, who discovered the organization through a mutual acquaintance, and was asked about getting involved in the Welcoming Angels program. Grafted Families was eager to partner with America World Adoption’s pilot program by helping create a context for potential adoptive parents to interact with these five special Ethiopian children. Having the privilege of attending both the Easter egg hunt and craft night, it was an honor to witness the smiles on their faces as they engaged in these new experiences. The craft night, hosted by Grace Community Church, engaged the children in basket weaving and tie dyeing t-shirts. At Beachmont Christian Camp, pouring rain did not stop them from hunting down every last egg hidden amongst the rocks, field, basketball court, and playground. The event included a taste of Ethiopian cuisine along with an abundance of pizza. Tables were lined with paper, crayons, and chalk. In conclusion, the children were brought inside for an interactive story and song. They left with bags of candy and memories to carry all the way back to Ethiopia.
Host parent, Tracy Smith, shared her reflections on the Welcoming Angels program. Accepting an eight year-old boy into their home of four children was not without its challenges, but it also reaped many rewards. Smith admitted that the first week was difficult due to the language barrier, but after settling into a routine their home was more at ease. Concerned with making him feel comfortable, Smith was relieved when they were able to establish a mode of communication. She was surprised to find that he understood much more English than he felt confident speaking, and when all else failed they sought alternatives such as translators, flash cards, and even magna doodles. An excellent soccer player, he was able to rally the neighborhood boys together around some backyard athletics. The camaraderie that formed amongst an Ethiopian orphan and some American children demonstrated the power of overcoming cultural barriers and differences. Smith encourages families that are interested in becoming host parents in the future to contact those who have already done it. She believes that gaining the wisdom of others and listening to multiple perspectives on the experience proves valuable.
America World Adoption looks forward to future hosting programs as Welcoming Angels prepares to bring more children to the United States this winter and they are looking for host families. The goal is to grow the program to include other states and countries. Welcoming Angels gives older orphans a chance for new experiences that perhaps they would never receive at their orphanages. Welcoming an “angel” not only expands the child’s world, but it also changes the lives of all involved, whether that be host family or neighbor. And sometimes hearts are so closely knit that an orphan finds a family forever.
by Christina Dubell
Photo by Melissa Corkum
For more information about this program or other ways in which you can help, please visit these organizations at their respective websites:
America World Adoption Agency – www.awaa.org
Grafted Families – www.graftedfamilies.com
ICARE – www.intlcare.org
Welcoming Angels from Ethiopia
giving orphans a chance for new experiences
