Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the glamour of pageantry. Just like a bride planning her wedding, a contestant preparing for a national pageant can spend hours shopping for her wardrobe, working on her fitness and skincare regimes, and rehearsing answers to her potential interview questions.
Then, discouragement comes. The expenses of pageantry are hanging over our heads, and sponsorship is slow in coming. A friend introduces us to others as "Miss Wisconsin," and your momentary pride drains as someone asks if you want "world peace" or if you have eaten anything besides laxatives that day. You get injured or sick and fall out of your workout routine. Just like sports, business, the arts, or anything else that has potential for great achievement, pageantry also demands dedication and hard work.
If the glitter and spotlights were all that pageantry was about, I can't say if it would be worth it. But, yesterday, I was reminded of why I applied to be Miss Wisconsin in the first place.
If you've been following me for any length of time, you remember my friend Susan, and the story of her and her husband's journey to host Anna, a teen who was an orphan, from Ukraine. After Christmas, Anna returned to the orphanage, but Susan was determined to find a family for her. Time was short- Anna would turn sixteen soon, and would age out of the Ukrainian care system. She would be left to fend for herself in the streets of Ukraine. We prayed. We spread the word. We prayed some more. Then, a family stepped up. They would adopt Anna, if Anna was willing to join their family.
Susan called Anna in Ukraine and, through an interpreter, explained that she and her husband loved her very much, but they couldn't adopt her because of they didn't meet the Ukrainian age requirements. However, Susan explained that another family had fallen in love with her and wanted her to come home to them. Would Anna leave the country, the culture, and the language she had known for her entire life and come to the United States? Would she open her heart to these people she had never met, allowing them to become her mother and father? This family wanted to provide for her, care for her, and love her for the rest of her life, but would Anna understand this?
Susan finished the conversation and left Anna with time to think. We all waited and prayed. Susan made several attempts to get in touch with Anna again, but technical failures prevented them from being able to speak to each other. Then, yesterday, the email came from the adoption agency. Anna said yes!!!
This was why I first applied for the Miss International system. God had broken my heart for the children around the world without families, and I knew I needed to do something. I'm not a politician, a celebrity, or a multi-millionaire, but I am a pageant competitor. If I can play a part in bringing Anna home, I can also help bring the 153 million orphans around the world to their families. As Miss Wisconsin International, I have been given a voice for my cause. True pageant winners don't choose a platform for their crown; they go for a crown so they can fight for their platform.
We praise God for the way He has orchestrated the events that lead to Anna and her family finding each other, but we also need your help more than ever right now! Anna's family will need to raise $15,000 to bring her home. You can send donations to bringorphanshome@gmail.com (using paypal, or visit Susan's blog to donate with a credit or debit card). You can also shop at any of the following businesses:
Susan's Etsy Shop (Check out Susan's gorgeous, unique handmade jewelry! All her profits go towards adoptions. Some jewelry is specifically designed for other adoptive families, but everything else goes towards Anna's adoption!)
Susan's Skincare and Cosmetic Business (through Mary Kay, 100% of profits go toward Anna's adoption)
Appleton Enterprises (My business through Amway, 100% of my profits go towards Anna's adoption)
Stefanie's Chocolate Business (Stefanie has set up a party under "Bring Orphans Home" with all profits going towards Anna. This is some seriously amazing chocolate!!!)
Let's all bring Anna home!!!!
(Note: this is separate from sponsoring ME in the Miss International pageant. All sponsorship donations can be made here:)
Friday, March 22, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
The "Adoption vs. Humanitarian Work" Debate
In my ventures advocating for adoption, this is a debate that I encounter: "Is adoption of orphans really an effective way to make a difference? Shouldn't we be more focused on humanitarian work that eliminates the orphan crisis at it's roots?"
I guess I can understand where some people get this mindset from. Throughout American history, there are repeated examples of the "our way is the right way" attitude. Americans have tried to "fix" other cultures by forcing their own culture upon people who are different. Is this what happens with international adoption? Do we see ourselves as the heroes that "rescue" these children from their host cultures?
Anyone who has been through the adoption process will tell you about the extreme scrutinization of every aspect of their lives, the grueling mounds of paperwork, the mounting expenses, and the emotional roller coaster that they face. With maybe a few exceptions, the only parents who make it through the process are the ones who are driven by love for a child, not by their own desire to be a "hero." I'm not talking about individual families here; I'm talking about the United States or other big "adoption" countries as a whole society. Of course we can't allow ourselves to believe that we are the "good" nation sent to save the rest of the world (keep in mind, you don't have to travel overseas to meet a child who is considered an "orphan"!), and our priority cannot be "Bring Every Orphan in the World to the United States."
The orphan crisis is a symptom of many, many other problems that need to be fixed. Women give birth to children they cannot raise because they are victims of rape or human trafficking. Children are orphaned when their parents die of diseases that could easily be prevented or treated, but medical treatment wasn't available. In places where poverty and illiteracy are extreme, parents may be tricked into signing away parental rights or encouraged to send their children away "temporarily, so they can work and earn money," so that money can be made from the adoption process. Until we fix these roots of the problem, the orphan crisis will only continue. Some countries have an age limit as low as 14 for providing care for orphans, due to lack of space or resources. Children who are sent away from orphanages as teenagers, with no place to go, often see no other option but to use crime or prostitution as a means to survive, and some will become birth parents of a new generation of orphans.
Humanitarian work absolutely plays a vital role in fighting the orphan crisis. Organizations such as Amazima Ministries, the International Justice Mission, and Compassion International all fight issues such as poverty, lack of education, and human trafficking. As these issues are tackled, the hope is that families will be able to raise their children in healthy, stables homes in their native countries and cultures.
However, that's not to say that humanitarian work is the only solution to the problem. Finding the cure for cancer would be a great accomplishment that would benefit millions of people, but that doesn't mean we can forget about those who are already in need of cancer treatment in the name of freeing more money and people for cancer research. The same principle holds true for the global orphan crisis. Even if every humanitarian issue could be resolved by tomorrow morning, there would still be an estimated 153 billion children around the world without families. We cannot ignore these children in the name of freeing up time, money, people, or resources for humanitarian work. Some may focus on one over the other, but that does not mean humanitarian workers and adoption advocates are arch rivals. Our lines of work may be different, but our goal is common: to ensure that, throughout the entire world, every child has a family that can provide for him or her in every aspect- physical, emotional, spiritual, educational. This is what every child deserves!!
I guess I can understand where some people get this mindset from. Throughout American history, there are repeated examples of the "our way is the right way" attitude. Americans have tried to "fix" other cultures by forcing their own culture upon people who are different. Is this what happens with international adoption? Do we see ourselves as the heroes that "rescue" these children from their host cultures?
Anyone who has been through the adoption process will tell you about the extreme scrutinization of every aspect of their lives, the grueling mounds of paperwork, the mounting expenses, and the emotional roller coaster that they face. With maybe a few exceptions, the only parents who make it through the process are the ones who are driven by love for a child, not by their own desire to be a "hero." I'm not talking about individual families here; I'm talking about the United States or other big "adoption" countries as a whole society. Of course we can't allow ourselves to believe that we are the "good" nation sent to save the rest of the world (keep in mind, you don't have to travel overseas to meet a child who is considered an "orphan"!), and our priority cannot be "Bring Every Orphan in the World to the United States."
The orphan crisis is a symptom of many, many other problems that need to be fixed. Women give birth to children they cannot raise because they are victims of rape or human trafficking. Children are orphaned when their parents die of diseases that could easily be prevented or treated, but medical treatment wasn't available. In places where poverty and illiteracy are extreme, parents may be tricked into signing away parental rights or encouraged to send their children away "temporarily, so they can work and earn money," so that money can be made from the adoption process. Until we fix these roots of the problem, the orphan crisis will only continue. Some countries have an age limit as low as 14 for providing care for orphans, due to lack of space or resources. Children who are sent away from orphanages as teenagers, with no place to go, often see no other option but to use crime or prostitution as a means to survive, and some will become birth parents of a new generation of orphans.
Humanitarian work absolutely plays a vital role in fighting the orphan crisis. Organizations such as Amazima Ministries, the International Justice Mission, and Compassion International all fight issues such as poverty, lack of education, and human trafficking. As these issues are tackled, the hope is that families will be able to raise their children in healthy, stables homes in their native countries and cultures.
However, that's not to say that humanitarian work is the only solution to the problem. Finding the cure for cancer would be a great accomplishment that would benefit millions of people, but that doesn't mean we can forget about those who are already in need of cancer treatment in the name of freeing more money and people for cancer research. The same principle holds true for the global orphan crisis. Even if every humanitarian issue could be resolved by tomorrow morning, there would still be an estimated 153 billion children around the world without families. We cannot ignore these children in the name of freeing up time, money, people, or resources for humanitarian work. Some may focus on one over the other, but that does not mean humanitarian workers and adoption advocates are arch rivals. Our lines of work may be different, but our goal is common: to ensure that, throughout the entire world, every child has a family that can provide for him or her in every aspect- physical, emotional, spiritual, educational. This is what every child deserves!!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Please support this family in their adoption for a chance to win some great Apple products!
The Up Look: APPLE GIVEAWAY!!!: We are having an Apple Giveaway!!! Thanks to a VERY generous Donor, we have several Apple items that will be included in our giv...
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Thank You, Jim Kryshak Jewelers!!
Thank you to my third business sponsor to come on board with me, Jim Kryshak Jewelers of Wausau!!
Jim Kryshak is a name that I have heard among many of my friends in Wausau, and they have all had positive things to say. Some have a one-time experience of purchasing wedding or engagement rings, others buy all their fine jewelry there, but they have all told me that the deals on jewelry are great, the selection is fantastic, and the customer service is wonderful! One customer sent in the following testimony: ""I wanted to thank you for your kindness and willingness. After losing my engagement ring, your team of staff was very helpful. With your help, I was able to replace my ring wth the best deal possible. Everyone I worked with was caring and professional. It was obvious the staff really did care about my situation,and everyone did their best to help out. I would greatly recommend your store and services to others."
On their own website, jimkryshak.com, Jim Kryshak shares their promise to customers: "Our promise at Jim Kryshak Jewelers Inc. is to provide our customers with a shopping experience that will exceed their expectations of our store, our merchandise, and our service."
In addition to engagement rings, wedding bands, and a variety of fine jewelry, Jim Kryshak also offers Custom Designs, Diamond Education, and offers customers a chance to request a diamond of a specific shape, size, and other features.
If you are looking to make a jewelry purchase and would like to support a local business with great selection and customer service, please visit Jim Kryshak at 3808 Rib Mountain Drive or visit their webpage. You can also "like" Jim Kryshak on facebook. Thank you, Jim Kryshak, for helping me represent Wisconsin at the Miss International pageant in July, and to be a voice for my platform, "Bringing Orphans Home: The Power of Adoption"!
I am almost one-third of the way to raising my sponsorship!
If you would like to sponsor me, either as a business or individual, please send paypal payments to misswiinternational2013@gmail.com, or use the link below:
Jim Kryshak is a name that I have heard among many of my friends in Wausau, and they have all had positive things to say. Some have a one-time experience of purchasing wedding or engagement rings, others buy all their fine jewelry there, but they have all told me that the deals on jewelry are great, the selection is fantastic, and the customer service is wonderful! One customer sent in the following testimony: ""I wanted to thank you for your kindness and willingness. After losing my engagement ring, your team of staff was very helpful. With your help, I was able to replace my ring wth the best deal possible. Everyone I worked with was caring and professional. It was obvious the staff really did care about my situation,and everyone did their best to help out. I would greatly recommend your store and services to others."
On their own website, jimkryshak.com, Jim Kryshak shares their promise to customers: "Our promise at Jim Kryshak Jewelers Inc. is to provide our customers with a shopping experience that will exceed their expectations of our store, our merchandise, and our service."
In addition to engagement rings, wedding bands, and a variety of fine jewelry, Jim Kryshak also offers Custom Designs, Diamond Education, and offers customers a chance to request a diamond of a specific shape, size, and other features.
If you are looking to make a jewelry purchase and would like to support a local business with great selection and customer service, please visit Jim Kryshak at 3808 Rib Mountain Drive or visit their webpage. You can also "like" Jim Kryshak on facebook. Thank you, Jim Kryshak, for helping me represent Wisconsin at the Miss International pageant in July, and to be a voice for my platform, "Bringing Orphans Home: The Power of Adoption"!
I am almost one-third of the way to raising my sponsorship!
If you would like to sponsor me, either as a business or individual, please send paypal payments to misswiinternational2013@gmail.com, or use the link below:
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Where Children Are Waiting: Uganda
Uganda is a country close to my family's heart, as it is where my one and only brother calls home. When he comes home for Christmas or a short summer visit, he has all kinds of stories about the beautiful land, the rich culture and the wonderful people that make up this nation long-known as "The Pearl of Africa."
Uganda's population is approximately 33,796,461 spanning over 241,551 kilometers of fertile land. It is the third poorest country in the world, with half it's population under 14 years old. One in every six people is dying of the AIDS virus, and orphans make up ten percent of the population. Children in Uganda die daily from malnutrition, lack of medical treatment, and basic necessities. Many sleep on dirt floors infected with lice and flees every night. Many will never have the opportunity to obtain an education (2).
Uganda has become a well-known name among those with a heart for adoption, particularly with the recent release of the book, Kisses from Katie. This book shares the story of one young woman who has become a foster mother to thirteen girls in Uganda (check out her blog here!). Uganda is not a party to the Hague Convention. Adoptive parents are expected to reside in Uganda with the child for three years, but exceptions can be made. Applicants for adoption must be 25 years of age or older and at least 21 years older than the adoptive child. Married couples may adopt jointly, and singles may also adopt a child of the same sex. For international adoption, parents must demonstrate having no criminal record, financial stability, and approval from their home country to adopt. For American families wanting to adopt, more information is available on the Intercountry Adoption page for Uganda.
For those wanting to help, but not ready to formally pursue adoption, please check out Amazima Ministries, founded by Katie Davis:
You may also wish to explore Orphans Heart, which includes opportunities to donate and even travel to Uganda short term to minister to orphans.
If you think your son or daughter might be waiting for you in Uganda, you can contact all agencies placing children from Uganda with one form at Rainbow Kids.
Disclaimer: Information is gathered from various sources, including adoption blogs, government websites, and adoption agencies. Policies may change in accordance with time of adoption, adoption agencies/ orphanges, and other factors. It is the responsibility of potential adoptive parents to gather accurate information before and during preparation for adoption.
I have $450 raised so far for the Miss International Pageant! If you would like to sponsor me and help me represent Wisconsin and be a voice for orphans, please donate here or send paypal donations to misswiinternational2013@gmail.com
Uganda's population is approximately 33,796,461 spanning over 241,551 kilometers of fertile land. It is the third poorest country in the world, with half it's population under 14 years old. One in every six people is dying of the AIDS virus, and orphans make up ten percent of the population. Children in Uganda die daily from malnutrition, lack of medical treatment, and basic necessities. Many sleep on dirt floors infected with lice and flees every night. Many will never have the opportunity to obtain an education (2).
Uganda has become a well-known name among those with a heart for adoption, particularly with the recent release of the book, Kisses from Katie. This book shares the story of one young woman who has become a foster mother to thirteen girls in Uganda (check out her blog here!). Uganda is not a party to the Hague Convention. Adoptive parents are expected to reside in Uganda with the child for three years, but exceptions can be made. Applicants for adoption must be 25 years of age or older and at least 21 years older than the adoptive child. Married couples may adopt jointly, and singles may also adopt a child of the same sex. For international adoption, parents must demonstrate having no criminal record, financial stability, and approval from their home country to adopt. For American families wanting to adopt, more information is available on the Intercountry Adoption page for Uganda.
For those wanting to help, but not ready to formally pursue adoption, please check out Amazima Ministries, founded by Katie Davis:
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