Team America World: Running For…Post Adoption Services
Today officially marks two months until race day for the first Team America World! In previous posts we have introduced the 3 orphan care initiatives we are raising funds for so today I wanted to highlight one that I am very passionate about – post adoption services.
As the church, we have developed incredible support systems for families interested in adoption and caring for orphans in general. We provide financial support to families; we go on mission trips to serve in the orphanages; we sponsor children to help them receive basic needs and an education. We donate to organizations with missions to bring children home and help families adopt. These are great things!
However, one area that does not receive as much support is post adoption services. We as a church have a unique role to step in not only to care for the orphan and vulnerable child when he or she is on the other side of the world, but also when he or she joins a family here. Sometimes it is hard to remember that adoption is not the beginning of these children’s story but it is the start of a new chapter for them and for the families they have joined. Often, children from hard place need specialty medical services, therapy, and a diverse community to adjust to a new country, a new language, and a new way of living. It is equally important we continue support families and their children emotionally and financially as their journey continues after they have come home. It is true that these children need love but that is not all they need.
This is what I am raising money for–to support families after they come home to cover medical costs, therapy, and other services for families who have stepped out in faith and brought a vulnerable child into their home.
I run because I can. I run because I have the physical ability and the free time. I run because often my words fail when trying to convey the injustice children see in this world. I run because often it is the only way to quiet my mind and calm my spirit when my mind races with the problems of this world. I run because together we can provide for more than just food and clothing for children in need–we can provide the love of our heavenly Father.
Please consider donating and supporting these children and their forever families with your prayers. If you or your friends and family would like to contribute to my race team, below is the link to my fundraising page.
http://raceroster.com/events/2015/4188/chosen-marathon/pledge?type=user&id=297101
If you have friends and/or family who may be interested in joining Team America World it is not too late! You can find all the information you need for signing up via the link above. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Jennifer.vanee@awaa.org. Here is a blurb you can send to anyone you think may be interested!
America World is committed to helping America's families and the world's orphans experience the love of God in Jesus through the “Spirit of adoption.” America World is also devoted to actively supporting orphan awareness ministries and hopes to spread the Spirit of adoption within the Christian community.
Team America World is raising funds for 3 specific initiatives we are raising funds for are:
- Baby Tesfanesh Fund for medical care for children in Ethiopia
- China Medical Needs to help meet medical needs in partner orphanages
- Post-Adoption fund to help support families with the transition and after