National Adoption Day and Preparation for 2010

Tomorrow is National Adoption Day!  This is a day when many adoptions are finalized in the United States – particularly for adoptions from the US foster care system.  This is also a day when lots of media attention will be focusing on adoption and can be a time when many people hear about adoption and consider adoption for the first time. 

I read a story earlier this week about a high school football team in Texas that went out of their way to make a group of kids without close family connections feel special.  Although this story isn’t specifically about adoption – it reminded me of the importance of children growing up in families.  If you have the opportunity, I think you’ll enjoy reading it.  Also, there is a movie that came out today about adoption – it’s a true story – the movie is called The Blind Side and tells the story of a family that adopted a teenage boy who became a great football player. 

We have a new Family Coordinator, Aimee, in our China Department.  Aimee comes to us with previous experience in foster care and adoption advocacy and will be a huge asset to our organization.  We’re grateful she’s able to join us.

We spent time this week focusing on strategic planning, next year’s budget and goals.  In a review of this year’s budget and strategic goals, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness to our agency and our reliance upon Him for our future needs.  America World wants to be wise stewards of the money we’re entrusted with – while providing quality service to families and ensuring that we treat our staff in an equitable and appropriate way.  Every year our Board of Directors requires that we form a budget that realistically forecasts next year’s work while ensuring that our agency is fiscally sound and appropriately staffed.  We haven’t finalized the 2010 budget yet and we appreciate your prayers for us as we undertake this process.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. -2 Peter 3:18

— Brian Luwis, CEO