ocdf summer fall

32
!"#$ Volume 14, Number 3-4 %&''()*$+,, .//0 %&''()*$+,, .//0 %&''()*$+,, .//0 %&''()*$+,, .//0 %&''()*$+,, .//0 Contents Chinese Culture Weekends Family Mandarin Language Program American Adventure Culture Camp for Teens Teen Leadership in China 2-week Program New OCDF Travel Planning Guidebook Expat Adoptions Betty Chandler Lending Libary Update Orphan Support Projects Prom and Going to College A Visit with Chris Lin of Mandy and Pandy Megan’s Top 10 in Beijing Books Worth Reading New OCDF Publications Holiday Shopping 1 2&3,45+6478 79 !&) ":48(;( #+&<:6(); $7&8=+6478> ?85@ 1 2&3,45+6478 79 !&) ":48(;( #+&<:6(); $7&8=+6478> ?85@ 1 2&3,45+6478 79 !&) ":48(;( #+&<:6(); $7&8=+6478> ?85@ 1 2&3,45+6478 79 !&) ":48(;( #+&<:6(); $7&8=+6478> ?85@ 1 2&3,45+6478 79 !&) ":48(;( #+&<:6(); $7&8=+6478> ?85@ OCDF New Programs Guide!

Upload: mpseries

Post on 27-Apr-2015

1.791 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: OCDF Summer Fall

!"#$Volume 14, Number 3-4

%&''()*$+,,--.//0%&''()*$+,,--.//0%&''()*$+,,--.//0%&''()*$+,,--.//0%&''()*$+,,--.//0

ContentsChinese Culture Weekends

Family Mandarin Language ProgramAmerican Adventure Culture Camp for Teens

Teen Leadership in China 2-week ProgramNew OCDF Travel Planning Guidebook

Expat AdoptionsBetty Chandler Lending Libary Update

Orphan Support ProjectsProm and Going to College

A Visit with Chris Lin of Mandy and PandyMegan’s Top 10 in Beijing

Books Worth ReadingNew OCDF Publications

Holiday Shopping1-2

&3,45

+647

8-79

-!&)

-":4

8(;(

-#+&

<:6(

);-$

7&8=

+647

8>-?8

5@1

-2&3

,45+6

478-

79-!

&)-"

:48(

;(-#

+&<:

6();

-$7&

8=+6

478>

-?85@

1-2

&3,45

+647

8-79

-!&)

-":4

8(;(

-#+&

<:6(

);-$

7&8=

+647

8>-?8

5@1

-2&3

,45+6

478-

79-!

&)-"

:48(

;(-#

+&<:

6();

-$7&

8=+6

478>

-?85@

1-2

&3,45

+647

8-79

-!&)

-":4

8(;(

-#+&

<:6(

);-$

7&8=

+647

8>-?8

5@

OCDF New Programs Guide!

Page 2: OCDF Summer Fall

Elmhurst, Illinois (Chicago)September 18-20, 2009at Holiday Inn Elmhurst, IL (just 6 milesfrom O’Hare International Airport withshuttle bus!)

Special Author Sessions for Teens andKids:Dr. Carol Peacock – Adoption Psycho-logist and Author of Mommy Far, MommyNear will conduct three TEEN LifebookWorkshops with Lifebook specialist,Jennifer Demar (only 10 teens per group!)Dr. Carol Peacock will also conduct twoBook Reading with Game Workshops forkids! (40 kids max. per group)

Kids Helping Kids and Teens Give BackTwo sessions for kids/teens to make blanketsand dolls for orphanages in China.

Movies for Teens and Parents: The Bloodof Yinzhou District (Academy Awardwinning documentary about chi ldrenorphaned when their parents died of AIDS)and Not One Less – the story of a village girlwho becomes the teacher at age 12.

Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts &Games for Kids - Inner Bottle Painting, KiteDecorating, Peking Opera Mask and Puppet-making, Lantern-making, Fan Painting andCalligraphy, Finger Puppets and Games KidsPlay in China.

.

2009 Chinese Culture WeekendsWe had so much fun last year, we’re going to do it again this year!

New Programs with Authors!

AND Scrapbooking Fun!

Come for the day or stay for the week-end at Holiday Inns where waterparkpasses* and breakfast are includedplus kids 12 and under eat free forlunch and dinner!*if a hotel does not have a waterpark, therewill be an indoor pool.

Preregister EARLY!See www.ocdf.org for detailed dailyschedules for each event and registration/payment info!

Questions?Call Lynn or Jane or Maguy at 309-829-8202 or Toll Free 1-866-460-OCDFThere is NO on-site registration! Youmust pre-book hotel room and pre-registerwith OCDF to be included in this event.

Hotel room blocks are available at re-duced rates for OCDF. See www.ocdf.org for each of these events. Click on thelink for schedule/costs and booking codefor hotels.

Hotel rooms MUST be booked at leastone month in advance or the blockedrooms will be released back to the hotel!

Preregistration due at least a month inadvance to assure space for your family.Last minute registrations will only betaken on a space available basis, but noless than one week prior to the event.

2010 Schedule is in process. We an-ticipate going to Alabama, Arkansas, Ari-zona, Nevada, Utah, Kentucky, Tenneseeand Florida next year. If your FCCgroup would like to book a ChineseC u l t u r e W e e k e n d , c o n t a c [email protected]. There is NO COST toyour local FCC group to have an eventin your area.

Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request

Arts & Crafts! Games kids play inChina!

Author, Carol Peacock at book reading.Special Sessions on Adoption Issues:Future of Adoption from ChinaAdopting an Older Child from ChinaIntegrating Special Needs Children into

your FamilyLifebook Workshops for Adoptive

ParentsChinese Culture Basics for Adoptive

FamiliesResources for Chinese Culture and

Language LearningMom’s Give Back

Special Sessions on Homeland Travel &Living in China:

Returning to China with Your AdoptedChild and What’s in an Orphanage File?

Meeting Birthparents in China – Whena homeland tour becomes a birthfamilyreunion

Planning Your Homeland Group orCustomized Tour

How to Live and Work in ChinaGoing to School in China as an Adoptee

Page 3: OCDF Summer Fall

Owatonna, MinnesotaOctober 16th-18that the Holiday Inn Owatonna, MN(South of Minneapolis) Note: This is theannual Culture Day/Weekend forMN’s FCC group - preregister early!

Special Author Programs for Teens,Kids, and Parents:Jean MacLeod – Adoption Author/Editorof At Home in this World and AdoptionParenting will conduct the “TEENS Writetheir Story” Workshops (for teens),“Adoption – Parenting Your Tween” (forparents), “Author Story Time/Workshop– At Home in This World” (for kids) and“Attachment Therapy: A Parent’s Guideto Asking Questions” (for parents).

Special Sessions for Teens and Kids:Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts &Games for Kids - Inner Bottle Painting, KiteDecorating, Peking Opera Mask and Puppet-making, Lantern-making, Fan Painting andCal l igraphy, F inger Puppets , KingkaLanguage Game, and Games Kids Play inChina.

Kids Helping Kids and Teens Give BackTwo sessions for kids/teens to make blanketsand dolls for orphanages in China.

Movies for Teens and Parents: The Bloodof Yinzhou District (Academy AwardWinning Documentary about chi ldrenorphaned when their parents died of AIDS)and Not One Less – the story of a village girlwho becomes the teacher at age 12.Special Sessions on Adoption Issues:

Future of Adoption from ChinaLifebook Workshops for Adoptive

ParentsChinese Culture Basics for Adoptive

FamiliesResources for Chinese Culture and

Language LearningMom’s Give BackStatus of Orphanages in China

Special Sessions on Homeland Travel &Living in China:

Returning to China with Your AdoptedChild and What’s in an Orphanage File?

Meeting Birthparents in China – Whena homeland tour becomes a birth familyreunion!

How to Live and Work in ChinaGoing to School in China as an Adoptee

A

St. Louis, MissouriDecember 5, 2009Holiday Inn - South County CenterSt. Louis, MO (Nearby St. Louis Airport,shuttle bus)

Special Author Programs:Jean MacLeod – Adoption Author/Editorof At Home in this World and AdoptionParenting (and Adoptive Mom) willconduct the “TEENS Write & Illustratetheir Story” Workshop (for teens),“Adoption – Parenting Your Tween” (forparents), and “Attachment Therapy: AParent’s Guide to Asking Questions” (forparents).

Special Sessions for Teens and Kids:Kids Helping Kids and Teens Give BackOne session for kids/teens to make blanketsand dolls for orphanages in China.

Movie for Teens and Parents: The Bloodof Yinzhou District (Academy Awardwinning documentary about chi ldrenorphaned when their parents died of AIDS).

Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts &Games for Kids: Inner Bottle Painting, KiteDecorating, Peking Opera Mask and Puppet-making for The Monkey King Story-telling,Lantern-making, Calligraphy, and GamesKids Play in China.

Special Sessions on China AdoptionIssues:

Forum on the Status of Orphanagesfrom China with Dr. Jane Liedtke

Resources for Chinese Culture andLanguage Learning wth Dr. Jane Liedtke

Special Sessions on Homeland Travel &Living in China:

Returning to China with Your AdoptedChild and What’s in an Orphanage File?with Dr. Jane Liedtke

Meeting Birthparents in China – Whena homeland tour becomes a birthfamilyreunion with Dr. Jane Liedtke

Teen Leadership Camp & Tween/Teenand Family Volunteer Programs in Chinawith Dr. Jane Liedtke

What’s it like to go to school in Chinawith Emily Liedtke

Indianapolis, IndianaNovember 13-15that Holiday Inn North Indianapolis, IL

Special Author Programs for Teens, Kids,and Parents:Dr. Carol Peacock – Adoption Psycho-logist and Author of Mommy Far, MommyNear will conduct the TWEEN/TEENSAdoption Story Workshops wi thLifebook specialist, Jennifer Demar.Carol will conduct two Book Readingwith Game Workshops for kids usingMommy Far, Mommy Near!

Jean MacLeod – Adoption Author/Editorof At Home in this World and AdoptionParenting will conduct these programs“Adoption – Parenting Your Tween” (forparents) and “Attachment Therapy: AParent’s Guide to Asking Questions” (forparents).

Special Sessions for Teens and Kids:Kids Helping Kids and Teens Give BackSessions for kids/teens to make blankets anddolls for orphanages in China

Movies for Tweens/Teens and Parents:The Blood of Yinzhou District (AcademyAward winning documentary about childrenorphaned when their parents died of AIDS)and Not One Less – the story of a village girlwho becomes the teacher at age 12.

Chinese Traditional Arts and Crafts &Games for Kids: Inner Bottle Painting, KiteDecorating, Peking Opera Mask and Puppet-making, Lantern-making, Fan Painting andCalligraphy, Finger Puppets and Games KidsPlay in China.

Special Sessions on Adoption Issues:Future of Adoption from ChinaAdopting an Older or Special Needs

Child from ChinaLifebook Workshops for Adoptive

ParentsChinese Culture Basics for Adoptive

FamiliesResources for Chinese Culture and

Language LearningMom’s Give Back

Special Sessions on Homeland Travel &Living in China:

Returning to China with Your AdoptedChild and What’s in an Orphanage File?

Meeting Birthparents in China – Whena homeland tour becomes a birth familyreunion!

How to Live and Work in ChinaLiving in China and Going to School as

an AdopteeWe’d like to meet

your family!

Enjoy the company of other families while learning and having fun!

Page 4: OCDF Summer Fall

B

New! OCDF Family Mandarin LanguageProgram in Beijing at the ForeignLanguage and Culture University

Sun Xiao Bing, called “Bing,” Coordi-nator of Language and Culture Programsand Editor for OCDF Publications, has beenworking on our new Family Mandarin Lan-

guage Program. Materials are being printed now to providefamilies information about the new program, levels of instruc-tion, on-campus and off-campus housing, and costs (fullprogram or optional ala carte program).

This program is a mix of intensive Mandarin instruc-tion, local sightseeing, hands-on arts and crafts, weekendsto explore other cities (via optional tours), orphanage visitadd-on if so desired, and volunteer possibilities in Beijing. Afamily can really create their own 6-week living experiencein China. Classes are mornings from 9-noon on campus andwe’ll test you on arrival and place you into one of three levels:Basic (you may know some words but can’t speak in sen-tences beyond saying hello, goodbye, how old are you, etc.),Advanced Basic (you have had some basic Mandarin ortook weekend courses but need more help with speakingand using the language in normal life), and Intermediate(you have had Mandarin instruction regularly, your childmay be in immersion school, or you may come from a familythat uses Mandarin in daily conversation). For each place-ment level we will determine which fit is best for kids andadults. While our goal is to have families together in class, itmay be necessary to place based on language capabilityknowing that all classrooms are nearby and breaktimes willbe shared.Teens will be allowed to attend classes without aparent and older teens may attend the program without aparent. See brochure for details or www.ocdf.org/camps andclick on Family Mandarin Language Program.

Housing options include dormitory rooms (single anddouble) and small apartments (up to three persons) on cam-pus or off-campus apartments at the University of Interna-tional Business and Economics with up to 6 persons perapartment. Hotel housing options will also be available aswill regular serviced apartments off-campus.

Frequently AskedQuestions1. Can my child who is age 5 join this class?No, this class is designed at the Foreign Languagesand Culture University for older children, teens andparents who are already able to read well enough to utilizethe classroom textbooks. Children ages 6 and under need to bemonitored outside the classroom by a parent or caregiver.OCDF can arrange for a babysitter if you should need one.Cost per half-day should be around $10.00.2. Does everyone in my family have to participate in the lan-guage program? No, you can elect to have part of your familyenrolled in the program and part of your family not, enrolled.See Ala Carte programs and services for such options.3. Can the adults and children be in different classes dependingon their language levels? Yes, as long as younger children arebeing monitored and assisted in the classroom by an adult en-rolled in the program.4. Where is the Foreign Langauage and Culture University Cam-pus? Like most colleges/universities in Beijing, the campus ofFLCU is located off of Xueyuan Lu in the Wudaokou area ofHaidian District where there are many other schools, many smallrestaurants and groceries catering to students. This is at the north-west corner of the city between the 3rd and 4th ring roads.

Contact OCDF for the 8-page brochure (right):309-829-8202 or Toll Freee 1-866-460-OCDF.

Brochures: [email protected]

Questions? Email [email protected]

Group Programs: Email [email protected]

Download info from www.ocdf.org/camps

Page 5: OCDF Summer Fall

C

Let real life in China be yourclassroom!

5. Has OCDF offered language and culture programs before?Yes, we have (see photos in brochure). In 2004 we began offeringLive and Learn in China Language and Culture Program andArtisans and Crafts Program, both in Beijing. While people likedthese two-week programs, they were not intensive enough aslanguage learning experiences so we decided to expand to a 6-week program and selected FLCU as the site for our new option.6. Who has attended these programs in the past? Participants inour language and culture programs have included adoptive fami-lies with children from China, first and second generation Chi-nese-American families, and students/families from immersionschool programs.7. What are the dormitories and apartments like? The facilities atFLCU are designed for students from abroad so they are muchlike dormitories and campus apartments would be at your nearbyinstitution of higher education. There are single and double dormrooms with western bathrooms and apartments that offer a west-ern bathroom and kitchen in addition to sleeping rooms. Theywill not be posh but they will be clean, air conditioned, and safecampus locations. There re coin-operated laundry facilities.8. Are there recreational facilities on campus? Yes, as a student atFLCU, you will have access to the sports complex with swim-ming pool, park areas, as well as public spaces on campus.9. What other resources are there for us on campus? In additionto the library and bookstore, there are social activities on campus.OCDF will also be providing evening events and cultural pro-grams as part of your language and culture experience. Duringyour free time you can not only explore the Haidian District ofBeijing but the entire city with easy access to public transporta-tion (subway lines and city train lines) from nearby campus.10. What if we need help or have an emergency? OCDF is on-call24/7 for our clients in case of medical emergency or other needs.Depending on the number of families/groups on campus forthis program, we will set the number of OCDF staff workingwith participants accordingly. Our staff will always assist yousuch as Sun Xiao Bing - Coordinator of the Mandarin Languageand Culture Program and your OCDF China Tours guide forsightseeing and cultural programs.11. Can teens enroll without their parents? We prefer that teensbe supervised while on the campus but they may take the lan-guage and culture programs without their parents attending withthem. Students 18 and older may attend on their own. We willnot have a residential staff member unless we have suitablenumber of persons requiring such assistance. Should a familywish to enroll their teen for this 6-week program, we will thenwork with the group to assign staff and have someone on-sitefor supervision. Each dormitory does have personnel on-site 24hours a day.12. Can we stay off campus and just sign up for the MandarinLanguage and Culture portion of the program? Yes, see Ala Carteoptions. Be sure you know the distance to campus and account for itwhen booking hotels, the homes of relatives, or other housingoptions so you can be on time for class given the traffic in Beijing. Ifyou need assistance in booking hotel rooms, please let [email protected] know as we have contracts with most of the hotels in Beijingand may be able to save you on your hotel costs. Also, we do havea contract for dormitory rooms and apartments in Yayuncun at theUniversity of International Business and Economics, close to the2008 Olympics venues. Contact [email protected] if you wish to liveon that campus and commute to FLCU.13. Who do I talk with if I have questions? Please email Sun XiaoBing - we call her Bing. [email protected] is her email. Start there

and if she needs to talk with you by phone, she can call you. Youcan also call our US OCDF Office and ask for Lynn or Jane 309-829-8202. And, you are always welcome to email [email protected] any questions you may have.14. What if I want to bring an entire group? That’s ok - happy toassist you. Please email [email protected] or call Jane at 309-829-8202 to discuss the details and arrange a suitable program.15. How will the level of classes be determined? At the time ofarrival (Day 1 in class), there will be some testing and placementof students by levels. We will see if you or your child are a “purebeginner” - knowing no Mandarin or only knowing a few words(that will be the B level). If you know words but can’t put thosewords into sentences, that will be an Advanced Beginner (AB). Ifyou can read/write some Chinese and speak some simple sen-tences but are stuck and can’t progress, that will be an Intermedi-ate level. Our focus will be on having everyone learn how tospeak Mandarin in sentences. And, while there will be readingand writing of Chinese characters (simplified Chinese), this willnot be the emphasis. This 6 weeks is designed to get you out andabout as a functional speaker of Mandarin where you can inte-grate into Beijing and enjoy using the language. This program isnot designed to be a rigid scholarly immersion but a practicalimmersion into learning the language in a way that you can useit daily. While we trust that everyone will progress and be mo-tivated to continue learning more Mandarin as a result of theprogram, this program is really focued on using the language.Most students studying outside of China have the challenge ofpracticing the language and using it in order to progress. In thisprogram Beijing will be your language lab. There will be noneed for tapes and studying, only the need to go out your doorand USE your Mandarin skills daily. The amount you gain reallydepends on your own efforts both inside and outside of theclassroom.16. How will we practice speaking? Ordering food, buying gro-ceries, sightseeing (your guide will deliver the sightseeing in-formation first in Mandarin, then in English), arts and craftsprograms with artisans who do not speak English, interactingwith and meeting local people, using public transportation, etc.17. What will the books be like? The instructional materials willhave English, pinyin, and simplified characters.18. My child’s a picky eater. Are there any western restaurantsnearby? You’re in luck! In addition to MacDonalds and KFC, youwill find Grandma’s Kitchen, a mexican restaurant, places withpizza, etc. Remember, you still need to try Chinese food andpractice your language skills!19. What do we need to bring with us? We will post to ourwebsite www.ocdf.org/camps a listing of items you might finduseful if you are staying in the dormitory versus staying in anapartment. While both are furnished and have linens, you mayfind you will need some utensils and other items to make cook-ing/eating in the room easier. And by the way, there are cook-ing facilities for those living in the dormitories as well (sharedkitchen). You will need normal summer weather clothing, sun-screen, toiletries, basic school supplies, comfortable shoes. Seepacking list for OCDF China Tours AND visit www.ocdf.org/tours for information about pre-trip medical preparation (vacci-nations, medications, etc.).20. Should we get Typhoid shots and Malaria medications? No,they are not needed but we do recommend Hepatitis ! & B vacci-nations well in advance of your trip. It is important to reviewthe medical and travel information on www.ocdf.org/tourswebsite, especially if you have allergies and any medical needsso we can assist you properly.

Page 6: OCDF Summer Fall

New! American Culture Summer CampProgram in the USA for Teens from Chinaand Teen Adoptees from ChinaThe focus of this teen summer program ison understanding and experiencingAmerican Culture through visits to the keyhistorical and cultural sights in the north-east region and through an adventurouscamp program for teens. This programwill bring together kids from China with

teens adopted from China!Adoptees from China have the choice of joining week

#1 only, week #2 only, or a combination such as weeks 1 &2, weeks 2 & 3, or all 3 weeks!

OCDF staff member, Tony Zheng (photo inset), willbe one of two Maine-based counselors (one male and onefemale) for the summer program hadnling weeks #2 and#3. OCDF’s Teen programs are all coordinated by WesleySmith from the Beijing Office of OCDF (see new staff introon page 30). Likewise, a bilingual OCDF staff member willcoordinate the week #1 program for all groups and accom-pany the groups from Washington DC through NYC por-tion of the program.

!"#"$%&'()*+)&$,-.&/+0&1!"#"$%&'()*+)&$,-.&/+0&1!"#"$%&'()*+)&$,-.&/+0&1!"#"$%&'()*+)&$,-.&/+0&1!"#"$%&'()*+)&$,-.&/+0&1$$$$$See www.ocdf.org/campsWeekly programs from mid-June thru mid-August with 8 op-tions to join in!

2&&3$4#2&&3$4#2&&3$4#2&&3$4#2&&3$4#567*8)6-$ '9/$:+0*+)'0$,6;.*7&&69;567*8)6-$ '9/$:+0*+)'0$,6;.*7&&69;567*8)6-$ '9/$:+0*+)'0$,6;.*7&&69;567*8)6-$ '9/$:+0*+)'0$,6;.*7&&69;567*8)6-$ '9/$:+0*+)'0$,6;.*7&&69;

Washington DC - Capital, Smithsonian Institute, US MintColonial Williamsburg & Busch Gardens

Philadelphia - Liberty Bell and Lancaster Amish FarmNew York City - UN, Statue of Liberty, Broadway

2&&3$4!2&&3$4!2&&3$4!2&&3$4!2&&3$4!<=&)6-'9$</>&9*+)&$?&&9$:'=(<=&)6-'9$</>&9*+)&$?&&9$:'=(<=&)6-'9$</>&9*+)&$?&&9$:'=(<=&)6-'9$</>&9*+)&$?&&9$:'=(<=&)6-'9$</>&9*+)&$?&&9$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(

Lobster Boating and CookoutBoating, Swimming, and Watersports on a Lake & Pool

Hiking at Acadia National ParkWildnerness Adventure Program

Performing Arts & Music, Amazing Crafts with Glass

2&&3$4C2&&3$4C2&&3$4C2&&3$4C2&&3$4C?&&9$D&'/&)7.6($:'=(?&&9$D&'/&)7.6($:'=(?&&9$D&'/&)7.6($:'=(?&&9$D&'/&)7.6($:'=(?&&9$D&'/&)7.6($:'=(

69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(69$@'69&$'*$56//&9$A'00&B$:'=(Stay one additional week longer at camp and return homehaving experienced an amazing Teen Leadership programat HVC’s new facility - Blodgett House. Discover new waysto be eco-conscious, community-focused, and teamengaged. Experience new activities and adventures livingwith teens committed to making a difference in their world.Goals: Develop skills in self-sufficienty, leadership, and com-munity service at home, in school, and in any work-related activ-ity. The Environments: Live in a restored farmhouse on 17acres of woods and fields, prepare your own meals, spend time inthree environments - your micro community, the camp (HiddenValley Camp), and the neighborhing Maine towns.

2.812.812.812.812.81 Teens from China (Foreign citizensor Chinese citizens) attending Interna-tional Schools and Public/Private Chi-nese Schools in Beijing, Tianjin, Shang-hai, and other regions within Chinawith teens adopted from China liv-ing outside of China (residing in theUS, Canada, UK, Europe, Scandinavia,Australia).

<;&71 12-16, girls and boys.

,-.&/+0&$8E$<-*6>6*6&71$,-.&/+0&$8E$<-*6>6*6&71$,-.&/+0&$8E$<-*6>6*6&71$,-.&/+0&$8E$<-*6>6*6&71$,-.&/+0&$8E$<-*6>6*6&71$For a dayby day schedule of activities, please seewww.ocdf.org/camps or contact WesleySmith, Director of Teen Programs in theBeijing Office of OCDF. [email protected] 010-8403-4979 for a copy by fax, email,or mail. For brochures, please [email protected].

D

Page 7: OCDF Summer Fall

ECopyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request

F)8+($,6G&1F)8+($,6G&1F)8+($,6G&1F)8+($,6G&1F)8+($,6G&1$Each group will have 20-30 Teens + counse-lors (some groups will have teacher/adults accompanyingfrom China).

H7-8)*71H7-8)*71H7-8)*71H7-8)*71H7-8)*71 OCDF China Tours will provide their bilingualstaff (English/Chinese speaking) as escorts to accompanyteens throughout the program. In addition, Hidden ValleyCamp will provide camp counselors for the Maine Adven-ture Program and Teen Leadership Program. All staff areFirst Aid and CPR trained and certified and have many yearsof family travel experience. All staff pass extensive screen-ing and security checks.

,-.880$H7-8)*71,-.880$H7-8)*71,-.880$H7-8)*71,-.880$H7-8)*71,-.880$H7-8)*71$FCC/China adoption support groupsor Chinese immersion schools who book an entire 2-weekprogram (20 persons minimum) will receive 2 adults as es-corts at no cost. Parents wishing to join the group may con-tact us and if there is room in the program, we willaccomodate them and quote their program costs. Contact:[email protected] for more information.

I)8;)'=$:87*71$I)8;)'=$:87*71$I)8;)'=$:87*71$I)8;)'=$:87*71$I)8;)'=$:87*71$The complete program costs will beposted to our website by the end of August www.ocdf.org/camps - click on American Culture Summer Camp. If youwould like a written copy, please contact the US OCDF Of-fice at 309-829-8202 or Toll Free 1-866-460-OCDF or theBeijing Office at 8610-8403-4979. Email: [email protected] [email protected] for cost sheet.

I)8;)'=$J9-0+/&71I)8;)'=$J9-0+/&71I)8;)'=$J9-0+/&71I)8;)'=$J9-0+/&71I)8;)'=$J9-0+/&71$Daily transportation, lodging, laun-dry, meals, entertainment and program fees, and staffing/escorts will all be included in the program fee. Participantswill only need to bring with them some spending money forsnacks, beverages, and gifts. International airfare is includedfor those departing from China. All others will need to ar-range their transportation to join the program (internationalor domestic airfare/car to Washington, DC or Portland,Maine or directly to camp in Freedom, Maine - see optionson the program cost sheet for bus pickup for week #2 fromvarious Northeast locations). If you have questions, don’thesitate to let us know. For international participants, pleasebe sure your medical insurance will cover your teen while inthe USA. If it does not, let us know and we will arrangeinsurance through IMG as we will do for our Chinese teens.This cost is listed on the program cost sheet as well undersupplemental insurance.

I'77(8)*$'9/$A67'$K&&71I'77(8)*$'9/$A67'$K&&71I'77(8)*$'9/$A67'$K&&71I'77(8)*$'9/$A67'$K&&71I'77(8)*$'9/$A67'$K&&71 It is the responsibility of theindividual participant’s family to obtain a valid passportfor their country of citizenship. We will provide a programinvitation letter and assistance for those applying for the UStravel visa. All fees associated with passports applications

F&9&)'0$ L&M+6)&=&9*71F&9&)'0$ L&M+6)&=&9*71F&9&)'0$ L&M+6)&=&9*71F&9&)'0$ L&M+6)&=&9*71F&9&)'0$ L&M+6)&=&9*711. Valid passport for non-US citizens (photocopy of pass-port due at time of application). Qualifies for tourist Visa tothe USA if non-US citizen. OCDF Academic Connectionswill assist Chinese travelers and those students from coun-tries needing a Visa for travel to the USA.2. Currently enrolled in lower or upper middle school/highschool and in good academic status (grade reports and schoolstatus will be requested). Report from the teen’s school indi-cating any disciplinary actions or problems in the schoolwill disqualify a student from participating.3. Agrees to conform to the no-smoking, no-alcohol, no drug*use policy of OCDF and Hidden Valley Camp. *Prescriptionmedications are the exception with doctor’s written direc-tions for use.

F&9&)'0$I)8;)'=$'9/$<((06-'*689$ J9E8)='*6891F&9&)'0$I)8;)'=$'9/$<((06-'*689$ J9E8)='*6891F&9&)'0$I)8;)'=$'9/$<((06-'*689$ J9E8)='*6891F&9&)'0$I)8;)'=$'9/$<((06-'*689$ J9E8)='*6891F&9&)'0$I)8;)'=$'9/$<((06-'*689$ J9E8)='*6891Go online for our forms, schedule and itinerary, programcosts and payment deadlines, visa information, packing list,meeting schedule): www.ocdf.org/camps. We encourage par-ticipants to apply early as space is limited in each group.Please note we will fill each group from the beginning of thesummer to the end of the summer in order. If you have chil-dren who will travel with friends, it is important to indicateon the registration forms that they will be traveling together.

N);'96G&)71N);'96G&)71N);'96G&)71N);'96G&)71N);'96G&)71 This program was developed by OCDF ChinaTours (www.ocdf.org/tours) and OCDF Academic Connec-tions (www.ocdf.org/academicconnections) in conjunctionwith Hidden Valley Camp, an international camp in Mainewith amazing teen programs owned and coordinated by PeterKassen and spouse Meg. They are parents to two daughtersadopted from China. Hidden Valley Camp is one of onlytwo summer camps featured in the “Exceptional Programs,Ventures, Voyages For Your Child” chapter of a new bookentitled “Kids Who Think Outside The Box” by StephanieLerner and published by the American Management Asso-ciation. Lerner suggests that Hidden Valley has all the keycomponents for contemporary kids to achieve their best. Weat OCDF are happy to be working with Peter and Meg onthis global teen project!

Teens can now enjoy one week, two weeks,or three weeks with kids who live in China!

and visa applications are not included in the program fee.

<((06-'*689$I)8-&771<((06-'*689$I)8-&771<((06-'*689$I)8-&771<((06-'*689$I)8-&771<((06-'*689$I)8-&771 An application form availablefrom www.ocdf.org/camps will collect teen and family con-tact data. Application deadline is February 1, 2010. Wesuggest you apply before the holiday break to assure spacefor your teen in the program. A non-refundable applicationfee of $200.00 US is due at the time of application. This feewill be applied to the cost of the program for students whomeet the requirements for enrollment. Deposit payment of50% due on February 1st. Final payment/balance due onMarch 1st.

Page 8: OCDF Summer Fall

Copyright OCDF 2009- Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon RequestF

New! Two-week Teen LeadershipSummer Camp Program in China

Program Length: 2- weeks (revised from former 3-weekprogram)

Time of Year: Summer Break and Winter Break

Target: Ages 12 and up (individual enrollment) We wishto have a minimum of 10 persons in a group so when individualsenroll we will let you know if the group is large enough for theprogram to be a “go” for that date. If you can let others know sothat the group size is 10 and up, we would appreciate that help!

Location: Beijing and Inner Mongolia (summer) & Beijingand Harbin (winter)

Housing: 3-4-star Hotels

Focus: The OCDF China Tours Teen Leadership Programis designed to meld Chinese culture experiences, sightseeing,volunteering, and exploring where teens are able to worktogether as a team to fulfill the needs of an orphan-supportsight. Daily language tips are included but languagelearning is not the main focus – engaging with daily life inChina is the primary focus. This program includes a trip toInner Mongolia (for summer groups) and Harbin (for wintergroups).

Note: Parents typically do not participate in this programbut could elect a customized parent program during thesame time-frame if they wish to be in Beijing at the sametime. Group leaders and chaperone positions for each groupwill be by application to OCDF and based on the size of thegroup.

Customized Groups: OCDF arranges customized TeenLeadership Groups for teens from the same area, school, orFCC group. For more information contact [email protected].

What is this program like? The Teen LeadershipProgram is a two-week residential program for teens adoptedfrom China and their siblings in grades 7-12 (ages 12-18),focusing on leadership development, image-building, self-confidence, community service, and connecting to peoplein China. There will be small group leadership projects,including volunteering on-site at an orphan care locationsin the Beijing area. Participants will experience a homestayweekend with a Chinese family in Beijing!

Cost per teen participant: $2,400.00

Includes: Airport transfers, hotels, guesthouse/homestayas per itinerary, breakfast daily, lunch and dinner meals asspecified on itinerary, all inclusive tour program,sightseeing and entrance fees, bilingual guides and escorts,experienced professional staff, domestic transportation,

domestic travel insurance,luggage handling at hotels, alltips & gratuities for guides/drivers, teen program materialskeyed to itinerary, crafts, luggagetags, name tags, and t-shirts.International airfare, passport,and Chinese Visa are NOTincluded.

Program also includes: Hiking the Great Wall at Simatai Team activities with orphanage volunteering Meeting with orphan care leaders in China Chinese hair/makeup/clothes styling for teens withprofessional photo-shoot

Hands-on projects with artisans in their studios 3-day train trip to Inner Mongolia for Nadaam Festival~ includes staying in a yurt on the grasslands at Hohotand desert at Baotou (summer) or Harbin for the IceFestival ~ includes visiting the ice sculptures and thenortheast Tiger nature preserve (winter)

Outings and visits to 2008 Olympic venues Music/dance performances Great Hall of the People with visits to each adoptee’sProvincial meeting room.

Supervised by OCDF Staff 24 hours a day!

Itinerary: The complete itinerary can be downloaded fromwww.ocdf.org/tours and www.ocdf.org/camps.

Registration/Payment Deadlines:Summer Program: Register by mail by March 1st. Finalpayment due by April 1st.Winter Program: Register by mail by September 1st. Finalpayment due by October 1st.

Page 9: OCDF Summer Fall

0

New! China Travel Planning Guidebookand Mini-CDRom for your Computer!

Obtain your copy of our new OCDF Travel Planning Guidebook from the USOffice: [email protected] or call 309-829-8202 or Toll Free: 1-866-460-OCDF

Open-enrollment Group Tours Volunteer China ProgramsCustomized Group Tours Orphanage Volunteer OptionsIndividual Family Travel Mandarin Language InstructionTeen Leadership Programs School and College Programs

If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a team of professionals toprovide the best quality homeland tour programs available!

Page 10: OCDF Summer Fall

Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon RequestG/

OCDF Adoption Update

Michael Li continues to serve as Director of OCDF Adop-tions from our Beijing Office. He is also the Coordinator ofOCDF Volunteer China programs. Both Michael Li andMable Meng, Director of Orphan Support Projects, facili-tate adoptions for the many families in-process with dos-siers sent to China in 2007-2008. The agencies we workedwith via the consortium did not get Hague Accreditation

but we remain on hand for those families to do their adoption processingonce they have referrals and travel approval.

As adoptions from China have slowed for all agencies, includ-ing those families we have “waiting” for some time, expat adoptionsfrom China have increased in number (though still suffering from thesame delays as their counterparts waiting from their home country).

OCDF is stepping up our efforts to increase services to expats(those living in China wishing to adopt) and shifting resourcesto this effort. Our social worker, Karen Friedman,continues busily doing homestudies for interestedfamilies.

Only eight countries may adopt as expats liv-ing and working in China. They include the following:USA, UK, Canada, Australia, The Netherlands,Sweden, Spain, and France. New OCDF Adoption ma-terials have been prepared in all languages to assistfamilies in their decision to adopt and the adoption pro-cess while living abroad. If you know of an expat familyliving and working in China, don’t hesitate to let themknow we’re able to assist them with their adoption pro-cess, homestudy, and facilitation of adoption. [email protected] for more information. Or call: 0011-8610-8403-4979.

The process of expat adoption is similar to anyinternational adoption from China except that applicantsmust reside in China for one full year prior to submitting the dossier toCCAA. The travel cost is lower since the family is already in-country. Each country hastheir own procedures for it’s citizens and Michael can assist with that process. We havetranslators/interpreters for those not speaking English.

Information meetings will be held in various locations - Embassies, InternationalSchools, Social Clubs, and Housing Developments to provide information to families desiringto adopt while living in China. For the schedule contact [email protected] for more information.Or call: 0011-8610-8403-4979. Schedule will also be posted to our website: www.ocdf.org/adoption

For copies of these multi-lingual materials, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] our Beijing Office.

Adoptions in total from China?Estimates:

US 70,000Spain 14,500Canada 10,000Netherlands 5,000Sweden 3,000Norway 2,000

UK 1,000Denmark 1,000France 1,000Belgium 1,000Finland 700Australia 700

Ireland 300Iceland 100Other countries:New ZealandSingaporeComing soon, Italy!

Page 11: OCDF Summer Fall

GG

The Betty Chandler Lending Library is a placewhere adoptive families can come with theirchildren and learn more about adoption, adoptionfrom China, and Chinese culture. We have manybooks donated by their authors and by adoptivefamilies who no longer need them in their home andhave generously shared their collection with us. It’sa special place within the Chinese Culture LearningCenter.

Thank you to those authors who generouslydonated books recently. We hope you will supportthem by seeking these books out in your locale oronline. If you live in the Central Illinois area, pleasefeel free to come and check-out our books. JennySnyder is our OCDF Librarian and she’d be happyto assist you.

If you have books you’d like to donate to thelending library, please mail to OCDF, 109 WestMonroe St., Bloomington, IL 61701. Thanks!Our Blessings from China, edited by D.L. Fuller;donated by Susan Morgan.

This book is an anthology of 9 authors fromacross the United States , all of whom have adoptedchildren from China . Each story is a personalaccount of adoptive parents’ journeys to form afamily via international and cross-cultural adoption.A photo is included at the beginning of each story,which helps form a connection with that family.

This easy to read paperback is for anyone whois touched by adoption, curious about adoption fromChina in particular, or considering an internationaladoption.Adoption Conversations—What, When and Howto Tell, by Renee’ Wolfs, donated by the author.

“When shall I begin to discuss the adoption?”“What do I do if my child becomes angry and saysthat we are not his real parents?”

This in-depth practical guide explores thequestions adopted children are likely to ask, withsuggestions for helpful explanations and answers.Some topics the book considers are: how and whento tell your child’s adoption story, common fears,talking about painful events, and more. It will helpyou be well equipped to communicate difficult issues.

New Arrivals in the Betty ChandlerLending Library at OCDF

Star of the Week-A Story of Love, Adoption, andBrownies with Sprinkles, by Darlene Friedman,donated by the author..

It’s Cassidy-Li’s turn to be Star of the Week atschool, so she’s making brownies and collectingphotos for her poster. She has pictures of all theimportant people in her life—with one big exception.Cassidy-Li, adopted from China when she was ababy, doesn’t have a photo of her birthparents. Butwith a little help from her family, she comes up withthe perfect way to include them.Maya’s Journey Home, by Susan Lindsley and TinaChristiansen, donated by Susan Lindsley.

This story, told from the perspective of a youngpanda who is full of questions, focuses on love andfamily. This sweet book tells the tale of how two littlepandas in a Chinese orphanage find their foreverfamilies.The Dragon’s Daughters Return, by VirginiaCornue, donated by the author.

A heart-warming account of 21 families whoreturn to China with their adopted daughters as partof a heritage tour. This book is an excellent teachingtool to prepare children and adults for what theymight expect to see on a visit to China. Each pageoffers bite-size bits of information about Chinese

c u l t u r e , s y m b o l i s m ,language and history. It hasbeautiful artwork and true-to-life photographs, plus an a r r a t i v e t h a t i sinformative, well-plannedand educational.Our lending l ibrary isnamed for Betty Chandler.She was an avid readera n d s h a r e d h e r b o o kcollection with anyone

who stopped by her Beijing apartment. Her love ofbooks and people made it possible for many to learnabout China and her experiences there from 1936until 2006 when she passed away. Both Jane Liedtkeand Virginia Cornue (author above) have countedthemselves amongst the fortunate to have knownher as a neighbor and dear friend. (Photo with Bettyin her OCDF T-shirt)

Page 12: OCDF Summer Fall

G. Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request

Order Mooncakes for Caregivers, FosterFamilies, and Waiting Children

Page 13: OCDF Summer Fall

GA

OCDF Orphan Support Projects - Update

Xuanhua OrphanageBuilding on Dreams

Left at the “orphanagegate” was this newborn (2 weeksold in the photos - right). Bornwithout an anus, the local doctorscould not perform the surgery.When we visited in July we trans-ported her to Beijing for surgery.Within a week she was doing just fine. She wasreleased from the hospital on July 20th and takento Hope Foster Home for medicallysupervsed care. Once herhealth improves she willreturn and hopefully beadopted. Her name is RenAi.

Among the 11 chil-dren now at the Xuanhua Or-phanage is this boy, 4 yearsold, with Downs Syndrome.He’s a bouncing and activeboy capable of a good life ifadopted by the right family.This summer-fall efforts will bemade to have the local civil af-fairs office process the childrenwho can join waiting lists andspecial needs lists for adoptiondomestically and internationally.

Far right, three of the original5 children taken in by Mrs. Ren and her husbandprior to the orphanage being built. Now 17, 12,and 10, the three children attend local publicschool via sponsorships and each take violinlessons.

One of the original five children has mar-ried and moved away. The older boy (who is now19) is living in foster care. Several of the childrenfrom the Xuanhua facility are in foster care withlocal Catholic families.

In the last year the facility has not beenmaintained adequately due to lack of volutneers.This summer a large group of volunteers (20)fromFCCNW in the Seattle region - teens and parents,

will spend two days getting the large facility backin shape. In this past year the local governmentput a road right through the front of the orphan-age building and garden area causing two roomsto be lost from the original family home and halfof the garden and yard area destroyed. It will takesome real work effort to revive the garden andclean up from the construction dust/dirt of thehighway 50 feet from the orphanage. The entireneighborhood changed so much that we wouldhave never found the place had it not been for amural painted on a wall that is now exposed tothe outside (once an inside wall).

Page 14: OCDF Summer Fall

OCDF Orphan Support Projects - Update

GB

Backpacks for Aids Orphansin HenanBackpacks continue tobe needed for childrenliving in orphanagesdue to their parents dy-ing o f HIV/Aids .School will soon being(September 1st) andchildren living in rural foster care do not have the ability toget those things that help make their school lives successful.You can help - collect backpacks and school supplies andmail to:

OCDF Orphan Support199 ChaoyangmenneiRichland Court Room 105Beijing 100010 China

Or, fundraise and send the money to OCDF and we’llbuy the supplies/backpacks in Beijing and send to the chil-dren in Henan. Please do not send backpacks to the US Of-fice of OCDF as we do not have adequate storage for themand we need them to go to China for the children to receivethem as soon as is possible.

Items needed in their backpacks: backpack, pencil case, pen-cils, pencil sharpener, eraser, pens, whiteout, markers, paints andbrushes, crayons, paper, notebooks, calculator, compass, ruler,jump rope, jianzi, water bottle, chopsticks and spoon, binder,harmonica, and dictionary (Chinese).

Coal for KidsThe number is never small -$30,000! That’s the numberit takes to buy sufficientcoal for 6 orphanages toheat 24-hours a daythroughout the winter.Anything less means it’sgoing to be cold indoorsas children sleep.

D o n a t i o n s t onon-profit organiza-

tions have dropped in the past year - globally. Thisprogram is no exception. Still, we must provide theheating - we can’t stop just because of a bad economy.

Please Fundraise NOW!

Your projects and donations toorphanages:

Fischler Family sponsored YuLei at the Xinyu Orphanageto go to school

Criezis Family do-nated a washing ma-chine to Jiujiang SWI.

Webb Family visitto Xian Orphan-age where they donated clothing.

Yuepingplays hernew guitar.

Bartik Familydonation of

formula

Wargo Family givesa bike to HuangWenli whom theysponsor.

Page 15: OCDF Summer Fall

Emma Stewart raised $700 forthe Fenyi Orphanage

Printer and FAX donationAND

School Sponsorship!

Preadoption giftfrom the Gael

Nicole’s Familyto Henyang

SWI’s Cen Si Ya.

Risser Family donation of clothing to theDatong Orphanage

Smith Family hotwater heaterdonation toChenzhou 1 SWI

Duiett Family donations toJianxin SWI

Tolan Family clothing donations toChengdu SWI

Evans Family dona-tion of fans to DawuSWI

McDonough Family donation of washers toChangde SWI

White Family Donation of AC to YiYang SWI

GC

Page 16: OCDF Summer Fall

GD Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request

Molly Feazel-Orr and Maria House have a lotin common but they don’t know each other.They have grown up in different homes, goneto separate high schools, and live in differentplaces. What they have in common are at leastfour things: they were both adopted fromChina, they attended their Senior Prom inSpring before graduating from High School,they will soon leave home for college to discoverthe world, and their adoptive parents will missthem dearly! Two parents reflect on this...

From Mike Feazel (Molly’s Dad):About a dozen years ago, shortly after we movedhere, Molly (Changsha, Hunan) and her sisteroohed and aahed as a stretch limo pulled up topick up the girl next door for her senior prom.This year it was Molly’s turn, and the girls acrossthe street oohed and aahed. Thus the traditionperpetuates itself.

Actually, the prom itself wasn’tthat big of a deal for us. It wasMolly’s second prom, and shehad gone to a half dozenhomecomings and otherdressup affairs. But it was thefirst time for the stretch limo (a16-seat Hummer, of all non-PCthings). Stil l , she lookedparticularly gorgeous. Andshe wouldn’t be doing it againnext year.

For us, the focus really isn’t onprom. It’s on the fact that in justa few short months, weeksreally, Molly will be going1,000 miles away to college.We’re already thinking aboutsetting up checking accounts,organ-izing doctors, andmaking lists of things to take.And we’re starting to think

about the big hole that’s coming in our lives. She’llbe back for Christmas, and summers and stuff.But Molly probably won’t ever live here fulltimeanymore. And she’s our first to do that.

I don’t think it’s any different because Molly cameto our family a different way. It’s our girl. Going1,000 miles away. For months. There arecellphones, and videocams for the computer, andinstant messaging and texting and Facebook.We’ll probably be in touch almost every day. Butshe won’t come stomping down early in themorning, rummaging through the refrigerator forpasta or leftover baked potatoes for breakfast.There won’t be the daily fights with her sister. Orher brother. There won’t be the silliness and thefart jokes. Food bills will get infinitely smallerand the house will seem a lot bigger.

There’ll be a hole. And the prom is just the veryfirst part of it. This wasn’t part of what you werethinking of the first time you went to China. Butit’s part of it.

From Molly about Prom:Putting a group of 20 couplestogether, going to about 4different shopping malls tofind the perfect dress, andmaking dinner reservations ata time that fit to every onesneeds all seemed to be worthit once I saw the whitehummer limo pull up to myhouse.

The theme of my prom was, ‘tonight never dies’, and thatwas for sure, it was a night Iwill never forget. I feel promwas not only great because itmarked the ending of the yearbut because it was a time allof my friends from the 4 yearscould get together and dressup nice one last time.

Prom & Going to College ~ Growing Up!It’s tough on parents!

Page 17: OCDF Summer Fall

Looking to the future - changing the world, making adifference, and living the American dream has become a partof the adoptee experience as China adoptees leave home andenter college, careers, and the world of work. Children adoptedin the early 90’s or adopted as waiting children are nowfinishing their high school years - entering new pahses of theirlives and creating new experiences for their adoptive parents.

From Mary House (Maria’s Mom):I am looking at the 200+ pics of Maria(Jinzhou, Hubei) and friends at her promand graduation. I am remembering thatshe once told me in all earnestness abouther school life in China. “They didn’texactly hate me. But I was the one theyliked the least.” Living well is the bestrevenge.

Around here anyway, boys don’t just aska girl to the prom. They have to DOsomething to ask. Like hide it in a fortunecookie. So Maria goes to a White Sox gamewith a bunch of boys. They are sitting intheir seats in the rain waiting for game time.All at once, one boy says “Mia! Look at thescreen!!!” There it was - up on thejumbotron: “MIA PROM? PAT”

According to her mom: “The wonderful Maria(Mia) House, age 18, has a big fat scholarshipto the Illinois Institute of Technology where shewill major in Biomedical Engineering. She ispretty sure she will continue on to medicalschool. Maria is committed to helping othersand improving the world. I don’t have a doubt she willcarry through!”

Maria joins her older biological brother,Michael House (Jinzhou, Hubei), at IllinoisInstitute of Technology where he hasscholarship for Computer Science. Michaelwrote an impressive essay for hisadmission to IIT where he described, whenasked what person or event caused him tobe the what he is today, his early life as achild living in the Jinzhou Social WelfareInstitute.

GE

Page 18: OCDF Summer Fall

GF

A Visit withChris Lin: Authorof Mandy andPandy

Mandy and Pandy is an exciting series of twelveeducational children’s books, teaching parentsand their children to speak Chinese starting withMandy and Pandy Say “Ni Hao Ma?” and Mandyand Pandy Play “Let’s Count.” These twowonderful books not only inc lude anaccompanying CD, they also display Chinesecharacters as well as pin yin phonetics, which helpthe reader pronounce the Chinese characters.

Author and creator Chris Lin says he sees theimportance of learning Chinese as a goodfoundation for the future so that now more thanever all have a reason to learn a little bit ofChinese. Chris’s daughter, Mandy, was adoptedfrom China about 4 years ago. He developedMandy & Pandy books as a way for him to teachhis daughter about her own culture and language.

“Mandy and Pandy look forward to helping teachChinese to children and those who are young intheir hearts,” said Chris Lin. “Our year is full ofappearances across the country and we arealways excited to be in the Chicago area as wecontinue on our journey.”

Author Chris Lin stoped by theOCDF Chinese Culture LearningCenter for a Mandy and PandyProgram!

Mandy and Pandy books and CDs areavailable from OCDF - call 1-866-460-OCDF toll free!

A big thanks to Chris Lin for coming byand sharing his approach to languagelearning with Central Illinois kidsadopted from China. A big thanks tothe Muzzy and Warren families forjoining in the event. And, for dressingup as Pandy, Chrisine Roth, our ISUintern deserves much thanks!

Page 19: OCDF Summer Fall

Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request G0

Page 20: OCDF Summer Fall

./ Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request

Like David Letterman, everyone who lives inBeijing has their “top ten” list, whether it’s what to seeor do there, best restaurants, where to shop, things youlike or don’t like about living in China, or how peopleperceive you as you live in China. We asked MeganZaroda (Project Manager for OCDF for 2 years inBeijing) to give us her “Top Ten”...

Top 10 Reasons Why People Don’t NecessarilyBelieve that Beijing Constitutes Living in the“Real World”by Megan Zaroda

10. In your early 20s, you had a maid, weeklymassages and manicures, and a personal tailor.Yet you rode a squeaky bicycle to work andcringed at the thought of paying more than $1 forlunch. Livin’ the dream…

9. You could single-handedly supply all thejewelry shops on the US east coast with pearlsfrom your personal collection.

8. Yak steak with truffle sauce. Peking Duck.Herb-steamed langoustines. Enough said.

7. You posed for many a Chinese family photoholding someone’s baby because the familymistook you to be Shawn Johnson, KieraKnightley, or <insert name here> for any short,white celebrity with brown hair.

6. You squatted with the Olympic stadiumconstruction workers at lunchtime talking aboutwhy Yao Ming is too dang tall to actually be human.

5. You bungee jumped for $15 with nothing buta Velcro strap holding your ankles, ATVed in thedesert during a record sandstorm, and habituallycross 8 lanes of traffic without thinking twice. Andyou don’t consider yourself a risk-taker.

4. Your idea of an excellent weekend afternoonis riding a bicycle through dusty alleys, eatingstreet snacks from vendors that should have been

shut down by the healthdepartment about 4 grease-stained woks ago, andplaying a pickup game ofbadminton with a 50-year-old man with his shirt tuckedunder his armpits.

3. You had your first successful 3-hour dinnerconversation with a group of people from aroundthe world whose only common language wasChinese. Only 3 months into your stay in China.

2. You sipped wine at a rooftop bar overlookingthe Forbidden City during the OpeningCeremonies for the Olympics and saw each of thefootprint fireworks explode from Tiananmen tothe Bird’s Nest.

1. You scaled an unrestored section of the GreatWall at sunset, and were dwarfed not only by itssize, but in the knowledge that, at that moment,you were the only person on the Wall.

Living in China is for adventures - special timesand amazing experiences. Megan took to the streets andsoaked it up. I’m sure she’ll be back to China in shortorder. It’s pretty easy to get “hooked” on the uniquenessin such a city as Beijing.

As adoptive families consider whether or not tolive in China, one suggestion I will offer you - whetheror not you think YOU are a risk taker.... Megan wasNOT a risk taker when she arrived in Beijing two yearsago. The city overwhelmed her, the change from collegestudent in a dorm to finding an apartment in the bigcity and to learning Chinese - they were challenges.But, about a month into her stay she jumped out intothe world and made Beijing her home. That’s exactlywhat you have to do if you are going to really benefitfrom living in China. You just have to get over anyfears you may have and “go for it.” Luckily she did andamazing experiences she had. The list of 1,000 thingsMegan didn’t include were just as exciting as her TopTen!

Jane

Megan’s Top 10 List -

Page 21: OCDF Summer Fall

.G

Books Worth Reading

Curbing Birth DefectsChina will soon launch a new health pro-

gram to provide free folic acid suppplements for12 million rural women of childbearing age, theministry of Health announced on June 18th. Suf-ficient folic acid levels in mothers help preventbirth defects in newborns.

The program will cost the Central Govern-ment 160 million yuan ($23.5 million USD) in 2009.China, particularly the rural areas, has high num-bers of various birth deformities, which afflictabout 1.2 million newborns each year, accordingto the National Maternal and Child Health Sur-veillance Office.Source: Beijing Review July 2, 2009

Shanghai Girlsby Lisa See

This novel opens in1937 China where sistersPearl and May work asmodels . Their fatherforces them to marry twobrothers from LA so he canpay off his gamblingdebts. The story followsthe emotional journey asthe women leave theirglamorous lives in Shanghai behind on their tripto a new life in the U.S. Once there they struggleto assimilate into Los Angeles and Chinatown.

Undress Me in the Temple of Heavenby Susan Jane Gilman

Though this bookh a s m e t m i x e dreviews, the patientreader wil l be re-warded with a memiorthat looks back on thepost-college Chinajaunt that Gilman tookin the 80s when Chinahad just begun to let inindependent travelers.Y o u ’ l l l a u g h a n dcringe at the culturalfaux pas and also learnalong the way!

Lucky Girlby Mei-Ling Hopgood

Hopgood’s memoirexplores the author’s expe-rience as an adoptee as shediscovers the deep dark se-crets behind her birthfamilys background and thetruth behind why they gaveher up.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moonby Grace Lin

As Minli journeys tofind Never Ending Moun-tain, the home of Old Manof the Moon, she is joinedby a flightless dragon whohas lived for years uponyears in the forest, hidingand alone. Along the way,Minli meets and hears thefortunes of the very rich andthe very poor until shelearns an important lesson about herself, herfamily, and their fortune.

About every other chapter, there is aChinese fairy tale told by one of the characters(never Minli though). Each one of these storiesare interwoven with each other like the tangledstrings of Fortune that Old Man of the Moon tiesto the figures on the earth.

There are many good “teachable moments”in the story from each encounter than Minli hasin her journey and enough food for thought thatadults who read it will come away satiated.Review by Jane Litte “Jane at DearAuthor.Com”

In the Chinese News:

Page 22: OCDF Summer Fall

..

Learning Chinese CultureProvided by OCDF Publications ~a division of Our Chinese Daughters Foundation www.ocdf.org© Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by OCDF Publications

The Pets of ChinaCricketsSome people in China believe crickets bring goodluck. They also make nice noise. When you arewalking and you can hear a cricket very well, theyturn their sound like it was far away. They make theirsound by rubbing their wings together.

Pet CricketsPeople in China like to keep crickets as pets. You can hear them chirping from windows as you walk along the

street. It is a tradition that has long history in China. During the Tang Dynasty (618-906 B.C.E.), crickets were trained tosing and fight. Spectators would place large bets on the cricket they believed would win a fight. Today many Chinesechildren and adults keep crickets as pets, especially during the summer months. People often hang the cricket cagesoutside of their shops so their pets can breathe fresh air but still be close enough so the owner can appreciate themelodious singing of the cricket. When you walk around Beijing or any other Chinese city in the summer, look around thedoorways and windows of houses and businesses; you will see quite a few crickets! Can you hear crickets in the summernear your house?

Crickets, though at first may seem like an odd pet to have, really are quite friendly and quite amusing. The largecrickets look a lot like a grasshopper with the multiple eye and mouthparts. The male cricket is the one that you want asa pet because he is the one to make the chirping sound. Did you know that crickets are like ventriloquists? They canthrow their sound to another direction, so that their predators cannot find them.

Crickets are better to keep as pairs, but be careful, you cannot put two in the same cage together. They will fightuntil one has killed the other. There are double cricket cages where both crickets are side by side, but there is a wallbetween them so they cannot reach each other.

Crickets will chirp when they are happy. What makes a cricket happy? They like to be in the sunshine and to bewarm. They like to eat and have a full tummy. They like for you to take them out of their cages and give them exercise byletting them walk all over your arms or on the table or bed.

Crickets are easy to feed. If you like it, they will like it! Be careful not to give them anything oily though. Cricketslove noodles, rice, soybeans, grapes, and cucumber. When they chirp a lot they need a lot of food to supply more energy.

You can take your cricket with you when you go to the park or shopping or for a walk. You can buy small cricketboxes carved out of gourds, or made of brass, or porcelain that will fit just inside your jacket in the winter. The crickets willbe warm and happy close to you and will chirp as you go on an outing with them.

So, crickets can be very fun pets for young children and also for the elderly who have a lot of time to care for them.

Try a traditional Chinese pet, a cricket!

You can see the size of thecricket compared to theearphone of an Ipod (farleft).

Cricket Cages

Page 23: OCDF Summer Fall

Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request .A

Birds in their cages waitingfor their walk!

All sorts of dogs including the local favorite: Pekinese

FISH, FISH and more GOLDFISH! This is the lo-cal goldfish man above. He will bring goldfishright to your door if you wish to buy some!

Local pet markets have all kinds of petsupplies and foods!

CatsSome families in China have cats, but people do not frequently

allow their cats to wander around the city neighborhoods, so you donot see as many cats as you will see dogs in most neighborhoods.People get their cats from a pet store or from a street market. Thiscat above belongs to the owner of a hardware shop, so he spendsthe day keeping bugs and mice out of the shop.

DogsThe daschunds above are two years old and live in central

Beijing with owner, Lao Wang. Every morning and every eveningthey to go out to the courtyard of the housing complex so Wangcan spend time with his friends

Wang has a neighbor with a Pekinese named Guigui, whosename means “well-behaved.” Guigui is a very popular breed of dogin China. Five years ago, most people who had dogs had this kind,but today you can find many breeds of dogs in big cities like Beijing,Shanghai, or Hong Kong.

The government charges a tax for the privilege of having adog. The first year they charge 5,000 yuan, or $625, then theycharge less each subsequent year, so Lao Wang now pays onlyabout 2,000 yuan per year. The government has also long had strictrules about when people can walk their dogs. The governmentrestricts dog-walking to early morning and night-time in order to keepthe streets clean.

FishPeople usually have these lion head and bubble-eyed goldfish

in tanks in their living rooms. Fish are a symbol of plenty or wealthand bring families good luck. The fish salesman will bring manytanks around the neighborhood so you don’t need to go far to addfish to your tank.

Page 24: OCDF Summer Fall

.B

</>&9*+)&7$8E$F69;&)$69$:.69'OB$F69;&)$'9/$H=60B$D6&/*3&

F69;&)$F8&7$*8$,-.880

Hi - my name is Jiang (it means Ginger, like the Chinese root usedin cooking) and I am a bilingual dog. That’s right, I can under-stand Chinese AND English when people speak to me! Like myhaircut?

Hi - my name is Emily (in Chinese my surname is Jiang meaningRiver and my given name is Xiao Min meaning little clever). I amalso bilingual. I am adopted from Jiangmen, China and I lived inBeijing with my mom and my dog Ginger for 9 years.

This story is spoken by Ginger . . .

Emily and Ginger “Then”

Did you ever wonder what it was like to go to school in China? I did. Emily takes the bus every day to her Chineseschool called Fang Cao Di. I ride with her in the car to the bus stop. I always want to go with her on the bus but Mom makesme stay in the car.

One day I decided to sneak out of the car when the school bus arrived and Emily started to put on her backpack andget out of the car. It was not long before I scooted up the steps of the big tour bus that she rides to school each day. I slippedunder the seat quickly and Emily followed not knowing I was there!

Mom drove away and we were half-way to school before she realized the car was pretty empty without me!I arrived at school just as it was ready to start. Children came on the backs of bicycles with their grandpop or

grandmom. Some kids arrived with either their mom or dad. Some walked to school with their heavy backpack on their back.Some came by car and hopped out at the curb right by the front door.

I heard some special music. I had heard this music before from the TV. I think it’s the national anthem of China! Sureenough, it was time to raise the flag and all the children were outside to watch as the school band marched by playing theanthem. Da ‘da da da daaaaah da, dum dum da da-da-da dum.

I stood at attention just like the kids. Some kids wore special red scarves for the Young Pioneers. They wear schooluniforms too. Not Emily though. She is in the International Section of her school. The kids in that section wear regularschool clothes like jeans and tennis shoes.

I wonder what it means to be in the Young Pioneers and wear one of those red scarves. I want to join the YoungPioneers too. The teacher standing nearby put a red scarf on me too! I am so proud to be a Young Pioneer. It means I amloyal to my country, China.

I was born in China, did I tell you that before? I was born in Beijing and my parents (both cockerspaniels) were alsoborn in China.

I visited several classrooms today to see what was going on. First I went to Chinese class. With 5,000 characters tolearn, I’ll bet it takes kids a long time to learn to read and write Chinese!

Wow, I counted almost 50 kids in the first room I went to, it was a first grade class. I ran up and down lots ofstairways. Then I found Emily and her classmates in the International Section. There are about 25 kids in her class. She’sin 6th grade now. They were reading some Chinese poems by Du Fu from the Song Dynasty. Mo Laoshe, Emily’s teacher,caught a glimpse of me in the hallway!

Before I knew it, Mo Laoshe was in the hallway and I was in trouble. “Jiang Xiao Min!” she called from the hallway.Emily sprung to her feet and flew to the hallway. She was pretty happy to see me but Mo Laoshe wasn’t sure what to makeof it all.

“Jiang Xiao Min. Jie shi ni de xiao gou ma?” (Emily, is this your little dog?), asked Mo Laoshe.

© Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by OCDF Publications

Page 25: OCDF Summer Fall

.C

See more OCDF Learning Chinese Culture 4-page handouts online atwww.ocdf.org/publications

© Copyright 2009 - All rights reserved by OCDF Publications

“Dui” (Yes), replied Emily to herteacher who only speaks Chinese.

“Weishemme ni de xiao gou xiao xuelai le? (Why did your little dog come to school?),questioned Mo Laoshe.

“Wo bu shi dao” (I have no idea), declared Emily in Chinese.“Jiang Xiao Gou, weishemme ni lai xiao xue?” (Ginger

Little Dog, why did you come to school?), asked Mo Laoshe.I smiled as best as I could. Being a bilingual dog isn’t

always easy you know! I decided that silence was the best solution.So I sat nicely and showed her all my bright shinny teeth in a bigsmile. Emily was so excited I was there. By now all her class-mates were at the doorway pushing each other aside to see me.

Mo Laoshe said, “Jiang Xiao Min!” (that’s Emily’s Chi-nese name) “Ni de xiao gou shi tai ma fan” (your little dog is toomuch trouble). “Dian hua ni de ma ma!” (call your mother on thetelephone!). So, while Emily called Mom to come and get me, I

got to sit in the classroom with Emily and all her friends.The class continued as if I wasn’t even there and before you knew it the bell rang and it was time for physical

education. The entire school went outside for exercises and I wanted to join them!All the children lined up in neat rows by class. Music started and the head of the PE department, Li Laoshe, blew his

whistle. Burrreeeeppp! Burreeeppp! Oh my ears!I stood next to Emily and tried to do whatever her exercise was. It was kind of like doing “heads and shoulders knees

and toes.” Do you know that song? When Emily jumped, I jumped. When Emily ran, I ran. Whew, this is hard work! Anybones for all this effort?

Mom still hadn’t arrived yet so I continued on with Emily to her Math class. They were doing hard things likepercentages and I can only bark to 5 when Mom practices math with me in our living room. I am lost in this class but Emilysmiles at me and pats me on the head to reassure me. I am trying to be good.

It seemed like forever before Math class was over. The teacher had filled the entire chalk board (they call it a heiban) withmath problems for homework. Emily put her books into her backpack right as the bell range. Waaaaaaang Waaaaang. Time to go!

We walked up one set of stairs and down a long hallway before we came to Mr. B’s 8th grade English class. Oh boy,English should be something I can do well in. The class was reading about the Titanic and Mr. B had already shown themsome movies the day before. Emily talked quickly with all her girlfriends before the bell rang again. Waaaaaang Waaaaang.I have to sit still again but the kids in this class wanted to play with me.

Mr. B suddenly noticed me. Yikes!“Emily is that your dog?” asked Mr. B as he laughed really loud. The kids didn’t want to go to their assigned seats.“Yes, Mr. B,” she said sheepishly. Mom is on her way to get Ginger. She got onto the school bus this morning before

anyone noticed her there.Just then I heard someone clomping down the hallway to the classroom. It was Mom and she didn’t sound too thrilled

to climb up to the 4th floor and down that long hallway to get me. Soon her face appeared in the window to the classroom andI knew I was in big trouble. As the door opened I ran to her quickly and she picked me up like a baby. I am such a spoiled pet.

“Ginger, I was really worried about you!” Mom scolded. “What if you had been hit by a car in that Beijing traffic? Emilyand I would be so sad if anything happened to you!”

I was happy to see Mom and she put on my leash. Emily and her friends all said goodbye to me. Mom walked me tothe car and I felt really glad to have had my little adventure at school.

Note from Emily: I’m now 16 and go to high school. Ginger and I returned to live in the USA. Would you like to hear moreadventures from Ginger?

Coming soon - the series: The Adventures of Ginger in China © - this series is for children young and old!

Page 26: OCDF Summer Fall

Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request.D

Parents say they have learnedso much as a family!

Chinese CultureBooks withCDRom included!BOOK #1 - $22.00 Chinese Tradi-tional Holidays and FestivalsBOOK #2 - $22.00 Chinese Myths and LegendsBOOK #3 - $22.00 Philosophies and Religions in ChinaBOOK #4 - $22.00 Chinese Classical LiteratureBOOK #5 - $22.00 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sitesin ChinaBOOK #6 - $22.00 Geography of ChinaBOOK #7 - $22.00 China’s Provinces and MunicipalitiesBook #8 - $22.00 China’s Foods NEW!!

Cover price plus shipping and handling. Includes34-page soft-cover book with handouts and activities,CDRom with storytelling, pdf files of handouts, mu-sic, and 40+ additional activities!

Order ONLINE at www.ocdf.org/publicationsEmail: [email protected] or call in credit card order:1-866-460-OCDF or 309-829-8202Available for shipping to any country!

OCDF Publications www.ocdf.org/publications

These books are packed with even moreopportunities to make exciting discoveries intoChinese culture. Savor the flavors of China’sregional cuisines, listen to your own privateconcert of some of China’s premier musicians,participate in the same games Chinese childrenplay in the streets, and follow Chinese artisansstep-by-step as they guide you. You and yourchildren will enjoy learning about China’s historythrough carefully prepared texts and activitiesthat are suited for all ages and interests. With theChinese Culture Active Learning Series, you canexperience one of the world’s richest cultureswithout ever leaving your living room!

Each book includes a WIN/MAC CDRomwith additional activities, stories, teacher andparents resources, games, and more!

China’sFoods ishere! Are you a foodie?

Imagine learning the amazingrecipes of famous foods in China.Learn more about the culinaryhistory and styles of regionalcuisines. Have activities for kidswith step by step cooking directions,AND MORE!

At the printer!Pre-order today:

#9 China’sTraditional MusicalInstruments

#10China’sInventions

Page 27: OCDF Summer Fall

.E

Collect each Provincial Book.Available now:

Anhui ProvinceShanghai MunicipalityShandong ProvinceFujian ProvinceJiangsu ProvinceZhejiang ProvinceJiangxi Provinc$26.00 each plus shipping/handling.

Each book is extensively researched and providesa wide range of information about the province,it’s people and culture. Books are hardback with65 pages of full-color images.

Email: [email protected] or call in credit card order:1-866-460-OCDF or 309-829-8202 Available forshipping to any country!ONLINE Ordering: www.ocdf.org/publications

Coming Soon!

Page 28: OCDF Summer Fall

Shop by phone! at the OCDF Charity Gift Shop!Located at

109 West Monroe St.Bloomington, ILor call toll free

1-866-460-OCDFMidwest Timezone:Open M-F 9-5 andSaturday 9-noon

.F

New items are here from China!Order now for the holidays!

Panda Printed CanvasTotebags - in lemon ororgange. $20.00 ea.

Pink Panda Grocery Tote -collapses and snaps to fit inyour purse. $5.00 ea.

New Dolls!

Little Chinese Girl Doll. $6.00 ea.

Minority Dolls - Qing Dynasty or Wedding. $8.00 ea.

Chang-e (Moon Festival) Goddess. $18.00 ea.

Tang Dynasty Bride. $18.00 ea.

Ming Dynasty Bride. $18.00 ea.

White Tiger Doll. $18.00 ea.

Chinese New Year Doll in red or white.$18.00 ea.

Red Phoenix Doll. $18.00 ea.

Dolls are same size as Barbie.

Panda Bobble Heads ~ Single orFamily of 3. $8.00 ea.

Kids plush Panda Mittens - in blue,pink or purple. $12.00 per pair.

Kids plush Panda Scarves - in blue,pink or purple. $12.00 ea.

Panda Tea Cup with lid. $14.00 ea.

Panda Mug . $12.00 ea.

Panda Coasters. $2.00 ea.

Panda Eye/Sleep Mask. $3.00 ea.

Page 29: OCDF Summer Fall

.0

Stocking Stuffers!Pens with Chinese Girls and Pandas! $5.00 ea.

New plush Southern-Style Lion Puppet(marionette style) with Chinese NewYear Greeting. $14.00

Backpack or Cell Phone Fobs ofChinese Tiger Shoes (to wardoff bad luck). $3.00 ea.

Plush Chinese Flag and Heart “ILove China!” $5.00

Embroidered coasters. $4.00 ea.Great for scrapbooks!

Chopsticks sets with boxes andchopstick rests. $10.00 ea. set oftwo pairs.

Year of the Tigeris coming!Plush Tiger with a Heart. $5.00ea. or Plush Tiger Hand Puppet.$10.00 ea.

New Moms & TeenBlouses! Call and ask aboutsilk scarf Mandarin Blouses!Two patterns.Silk!

NEW Blouses!Cotton Mandarin Blouses in paisley orblue floral prints. $18.00 ea. Sizes: S, M,L, XL 2XL (Order 2 sizes larger thannormal.)

Crepe Mandarin Blouse comes in 3colors: black, taupe, and maroon.$15.00 ea. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL,3XL, 4XL (Order 2 sizes larger thannormal.)

New Mom or Teen SILKTotebags.$14.00 ae.

I Love China T-shirtin white cotton.$10.00 ea.Sizes: A, M, L, XL,2XL

Shop while supplies last!

Page 30: OCDF Summer Fall

Charitable donations for totals for 2009, 2nd quarter(USA & China collections/distributions combined):Orphan Care $1370.00School Sponsorships $5,870.00Coal for Kids $2569.00AIDS Orphans/900 Backpacks $122.83See the Stars $67.50Restricted Orphan Projects $15,549.00Unrestricted Donations $1,023.55Total Amount Donated $26,573.26

OCDF Donations and ProjectsH7&)-5786)43&6478;-67-!"#$-:(,I-;&II7)6-6:(-I)7J(56;79-6:(-$7&8=+6478@-K(-6:+8L-M7&-97)-M7&)-<(8()7&;-=78+*6478;-78-3(:+,9-79-5:4,=)(8-+=7I6(=-9)7'-":48+N

- $&8=)+4;48<- O- !"#$- %6+99- P(Q;- $&8=)+4;48<- O- !"#$- %6+99- P(Q;- $&8=)+4;48<- O- !"#$- %6+99- P(Q;- $&8=)+4;48<- O- !"#$- %6+99- P(Q;- $&8=)+4;48<- O- !"#$- %6+99- P(Q;

A/

Comings and Goings....WeddingsCongratulations to OCDF’s associate at China Beat (thecompany that does design/printing in China for OCDF),Jonathan Tsao who married Diana on May 28th. And toOCDF accountant, Steven Li who married Yuan Wen Jingon June 8th.

InternsThis summer OCDF has had 4 interns in the US Office and2 interns in the Beijing Office. Joining us in the US from theCollege of Business at Illinois State University (ISU) were:Christine Roth (Marketing), Susann Mann from Germany(Marketing) , and Carly Griswold (Non-profitManagement). Joining us from the College of Applied Sci-ence and Technology at ISU was Maguy Kalombo from theCongo. Both Carly and Susann will continue into the fallin the Bloomington Office working on projects such as theOCDF Marketplace, promoting OCDF locally and globally,arranging for events and more! Our Beijing-based internswere Crystal Huang from New York City (NYU) and Katie-Marie Evans from Florida (University of Florida). Both areinterested in orphan support projects and adoption fromChina.

Saying Goodbye to Megan ZarodaMegan completed her contract as Project Manager for theChinese Culture Active Learning Series of books and we’reproud to announce that with her good work we researched,wrote, edited, and printed 10 books in two years! Meganreturned to the US to seek employment related to her col-lege major in Public Relations. She will be missed!

Summer StaffingA big thanks to Michelle Powers (IL) forher data entry of all the issues of theOCDF Newsletter since 1995! Manythanks! A warm welcome back to JeanMacLeod (MI) who has worked on edit-ing and marketing projects this summer.It’s always nice to have Jean’s good help

OCDF in the UK!Clients living in the UK can now access OCDF materialsand information from:

Gloria BerryEmail: [email protected]

Join the OCDF Team as aRegional Rep! Contact [email protected] OCDF’s Calendar of Events online:

www.ocdf.org/calendar.html

In 2007, a single guy working in Washington , DC , I had noidea I’d be married and living in Beijing in less than a year. Infact, I hadn’t even considered visiting Beijing , let alone residinghere. The woman I would eventually marry had taken a breakfrom teaching elementary school, deciding out of the blue tovolunteer at an orphanage in Lang Fang, 30 minutes outside ofBeijing . She quickly fell in love with China . To make a longstory short, she decided to stay and took a job; I decided to visitand took a plane; we decided to get married and start a Beijingfamily. Our interest in adopting a Chinese orphan led to mydiscovery of OCDF, and the rest if very recent history!

on our projects.Saying Hello to WesleySmith and Patti WalshWesley Smith joins OCDF in theBeijing office as Director of TeenPrograms. Wesley will be work-ing on the marketing and deliv-ery of the American AdventureCamp Program, the Pre-College

English Language Enrichment Program, and the Teen Lead-ership Program in China and Maine. Wesley comes to OCDFwith a Master’s Degree in Communication and PR fromthe University of Michigan. He is well-traveled and foundhis way to China as dscribed below:

P a t t i W a l s h w i l l j o i n o u rBloomington, IL office as an accoun-tant working part-time in the officeand assisting with our eventsthroughout the country. Patti liveswith her husband and adopteddaughter, Delaney age 12, in Gifford,IL. Patti has degrees from ParklandCommunity College and Eastern Illi-nois University in Computers and

General Studies. She just retired in June after working 30years at Parkland Community College in the Business Of-fice in Accounts Payable and as a Grant Accountant. Pattiand Delaney recently went on the Orphanage ReunionTour. Patti says “I highly recommend it to everyone!”

Copyright OCDF 2009 - Permission to Cite & Reprint Upon Request

Page 31: OCDF Summer Fall

?897)'+6478?897)'+6478?897)'+6478?897)'+6478?897)'+6478Our Chinese Daughters Foundation, Inc. was founded

in 1995 by Dr. Jane Liedtke as a non-profit Foundation withthe desire to support families who have adopted childrenfrom China. A main focus of the Foundation has been bring-ing Chinese culture and heritage to adoptive families.Initiatives:

Chinese Culture Tours - programs to provide hands-onexperiential learning for children from China. Chinese Cul-ture Camps sponsored by OCDF began in 1996 at IllinoisState University and extended to China in 1999. Now an-nually over 600-700 travelers use OCDF for homeland tours.

OCDF Adoption - OCDF facilitates expat adoptions in China.For information: www.ocdf.org/adoption or [email protected]

OCDF Orphan Support Projects enable families andindividuals to easily donate care packages to orphans orsponsor orphans for school. In addition, special projectssupport unique needs of orphans across China.

OCDF Institute - seminars and workshops for adultsand “Learn and Play” programs for children on a widevariety of topics related to China, Chinese culture, litera-ture & music, history, and language.

Annual Grant Program - each year grant(s) are awardedby the Foundation to local/regional adoption supportgroups for their initiatives in support of Chinese culture/heritage programs. Grants have been awarded for 8 years.

Publications - the OCDF Newsletter is published quar-terly and brings stories about adoption, real life stories andsituations in China from modern news sources, Chineseculture information, and resources for adoptive families.We have two published books: New American Families:Chinese Daughters and their Single Mothers was publishedin 1996 and Finding Happiness was published in 2005. Bothare collections of stories written by single mothers aboutthe adoption of their daughter(s). A portion of the proceedsfrom that publication go to our scholarship fund.

OCDF Magazine - China for Children Magazine issuesare now available. It is designed as a timeless publicationfor Chinese children growing up in English speaking house-holds. It brings art, history, culture, science and technology,music, and language through stories and activities.

OCDF Academic Connections - placement of universitystudents in internships in Beijing, China.

OCDF Online - Don’t miss our websites and specialfeatures like Ask Jane in China! a Q&A site to learn moreabout Chinese Culture, Life in China, Moving to China.www.ocdf.orgwww.ocdf.org/tourswww.ocdf.org/orphansupportwww.ocdf.org/publicationswww.ocdf.org/volunteerchinawww.ocdf.org/adoptionwww.ocdf.org/institutewww.ocdf.org/catalogwww.ocdf.org/magazineOCDF Listserv: [email protected] To subscribe: [email protected] Jane in China [email protected] Fundraising www.cafepress.com/ocdf

OCDF Email Addresses for Beijing-based Staff:Dr. Jane Liedtke [email protected] Xiao Bing [email protected] Peng [email protected] Guo Dong [email protected] Li [email protected] Liu [email protected] Ao [email protected] Meng [email protected] Li [email protected] Hong [email protected] Smith [email protected] Wang [email protected] Email Addresses for USA-based Staff:Lynn Warren [email protected] Walsh [email protected] Tiede [email protected] Luo Hu [email protected] Snyder [email protected] Griswold [email protected] Mann [email protected] Regional Reps - Southeast:Carina Morton [email protected]

!"#$- P(Q;,(66()- ?897)'+6478!"#$- P(Q;,(66()- ?897)'+6478!"#$- P(Q;,(66()- ?897)'+6478!"#$- P(Q;,(66()- ?897)'+6478!"#$- P(Q;,(66()- ?897)'+6478Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions to the quarterly newsletter areavailable by sending a check or US$ money order for $20.00 along withyour name, address, telephone number, and email address to OCDF.International Friends: Please remember to make payments toOCDF in US dollars. We thank you for your understanding.Moving/Change of Address: If your address changes please notifyOCDF. We mail by bulk mail and bulk mail does NOT get for-warded by your local post office and we do not receive notificationof undelivered mail.Advertising: We welcome China adoption-related advertising (prod-ucts or services) in this publication. Contact Lynn at the OCDFOffice to schedule your advertisement. Rates: Full page $100 perissue, 1/2 page $50 per issue, 1/4 page $25.00 per issue.

!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478PO Box 1243, Bloomington, Illinois 61702-1243

Office Telephone/FAX: 309-829-8202Toll Free in USA: 1-866-460-OCDF (6233).

In Beijing: 011 8610 8403-4979FAX 011 8610 8403-4931

AG

Do you want to schedule “AskJane in China” to speak at yourupcoming event? Please [email protected] for more information or toreserve your time-slot .

Page 32: OCDF Summer Fall

!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478>- ?85@!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478>- ?85@!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478>- ?85@!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478>- ?85@!&)- ":48(;(- #+&<:6();- $7&8=+6478>- ?85@2!-R7S-G.BAR,77'48<678>-?,,4874;-DGE/.*G.BA

!"#$- *- T+L48<- H7&)- "786)43&6478;- "7&86N!"#$- *- T+L48<- H7&)- "786)43&6478;- "7&86N!"#$- *- T+L48<- H7&)- "786)43&6478;- "7&86N!"#$- *- T+L48<- H7&)- "786)43&6478;- "7&86N!"#$- *- T+L48<- H7&)- "786)43&6478;- "7&86N