Countdown to the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

10
Apr
There are several “countdowns” going on at my house this spring. One daughter is counting the days until high school graduation. Another daughter is counting the days to her mid- June wedding. What am I counting? How long until Orphan Summit VIII, an event hosted by the Christian Alliance for Orphans. This will be my fourth Summit. In the orphan care arena, it is my yearly tune-up and energizer. It is my much needed reminder of why the plight of orphans burdens my soul. It is my recommitment to continue serving one more year, sacrificially, for children and families who share this burden. The Christian Alliance for Orphans’ stated goal sums it up clearly, “Together, we seek to ignite the hearts of God’s people to reflect His heart for the orphan.”

I would love for you to join me at the Summit in a few short weeks. I promise you, it will be worth the time and cost involved. I will attempt to narrow my love of the Summit into a short “TOP TEN” list. Any one item in the following list would be worth attending!

10. No dirty dishes, laundry, or domestic disasters for three days – NO explanation needed!

9. Music by award-winning artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Peder Eide, Sara Groves, & Geoff Moore – In addition to their inspiring, worshipful music, they each add personal stories of adoption and work in the ministry of orphan care.

8. Karyn Purvis, author of The Connected Child – She has dedicated her life to the study of adopted children. She has walked with hundreds of families through the dark days of adjustment and bonding. She is THE expert in helping us understand the unique needs of our adopted children so that we can love them unconditionally.

7. Russel Moore, author of Adopted for Life – He passionately weaves his own story of adopting two Russian boys into the much needed message that we all have a role to play in promoting adoption. He also helped me formulate an answer for “Are they REALLY brother and sister?” Thank you for that!

6. Pre-Conference Intensives – Take advantage of an extra day of workshops. They are interactive and designed to meet the individual needs of mothers, fathers, ministers, orphan care workers, and other specialty groups. Join experts in each field who will give you a pre-Summit boost.

5. Foundations and ministries who offer grants and adoption support – Since there are over 80 exhibitors, I make connections with those giving grants and fund raising support. This is a great opportunity for me to gain new and updated information for my financial guide -a benefit which is passed on to our clients!

4. Updates on adoption and foster care in our country and around the world – The world of adoption is in constant change. How can we be more effective in helping orphans in their crisis? Those on the cutting edge of adoption and fostering share with us what is working and what is not.

3. Meeting adoptive families who have adopted more children than I have! – This stirs a desire in me to do more for orphans. I cannot stop and rest on what I have done.

2. Reconnecting with friends I have made at previous Summits – It is encouraging to share struggles and victories with other mothers who have walked the same path that I have.

1. The hugs and kisses from my family when I return from the Summit – How I love the “Oh Mom, we missed you SO much!” peppered with hugs and kisses!

To register for Summit VIII on May 2-4, 2012, go to www.summitviii.org. I’ll see YOU at the Summit!

Camie serves as MLJ Adoption's Financial Resources Coordinator. She successfully raised over $50,000 for the adoption of her two daughters from Vietnam. Camie is a pastor’s wife, busy mother of five, educator, and advocate for the fatherless.

Camie serves as MLJ Adoption's Financial Resources Coordinator. She successfully raised over $50,000 for the adoption of her two daughters from Vietnam. Camie is a pastor’s wife, busy mother of five, educator, and advocate for the fatherless.