Holt Graduates - Holt International

ChristmasFall 2011For the sake of the least of theseinsideCelebrating the 2011Holt Graduates

One Gift…A Lifetime of OpportunityGive a Gift of Hope todaydirectionsThe graduate issue of the Holt International magazine is always afavorite. We treasure the chance to recognize Holt graduates for theiraccomplishments. And we admire their efforts. Although their livesbegan with uncertainty, these children have become vibrant and giftedyoung adults with many opportunities in front of them. We celebrate thismilestone with them.As we approach the holiday season, our thoughts and prayers turn tothe children who don’t yet have stable, loving families. They need oursupport.In this issue, we have included our Gifts of Hope catalog, listing itemsand services you can help fund by giving them as gifts to family andfriends. Each gift in our catalog brings hope to children and familiesaround the world. What would it mean in the life of your own child ifyou not only gave him the toys on his Christmas list, but also toys inhis name for toddlers in China? What if, in the name of your sister, youhelped provide clothing, cribs and bedding for children in Korea? Or agoat for a struggling family in Ethiopia, providing both nutritious milkand a source of income? Even a small donation can give a girl in Indiathe materials she needs to excel in school – as well as the confidence sheneeds to complete her education.The graduate issue of the Holt International magazine is a symbol ofHolt’s work. God gave these children the gift of life. Donors like youhelped them survive before coming home to their families. And lovingparents presented them with opportunities that led them to their graduationday.This Christmas, you can give this same hope to children around theworld. One gift is all it could take to help a family survive. Help a childgrow. One gift could change a child’s life forever.For living proof of what gifts of hope can do, take a look at this year’sgraduates.Merry Christmas! | From all of us at Holt InternationalLike us on Facebook. Stay tuned in and find outhow you can partner with Holt International toimpact the lives of over 2,500 children with ourGifts of Hope catalog.

New York Times best-selling author and Holt advocate Donna VanLiere recently returned from India with Christian musicgroup NewSong. “God is here. Among us,” she says. “Disguised as an 8-year-old orphan with withered legs, standing in themiddle of a slum with outstretched hands. He doesn’t speak but we know what he is saying...'Will you help me? Will you offer me any bread?'”Years ago, I read that the apostle Thomas made India his missionfield. Remember Thomas? He was one of the twelve apostleswho made it clear that he would not believe Jesus had risen fromthe dead until he saw the scars on His nail-pierced hands. Doubtnips hard at the heels of belief. That was Thomas’ problem. In John14, Jesus was speaking of Heaven and said, “You know the way tothe place where I am going.” Thomas, always confused, alwaysdoubtful, said, “… We don’t know where you are going, so how canwe know the way?” We can’t be too hard on Thomas. Even the wisestamong us doubt and question and scratch our heads.Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No onecomes to the Father except through me.” This is a crucial momentfor Thomas. A choice has to be made…believe what Christ saysis true, or that he’s either a diabolical liar or clinically insane.Time marched on and doubt and disbelief still drummed awayat Thomas’ mind and nerves. When Christ was crucified, thenflung off his grave clothes three days later, the other apostlescame to Thomas and said, “Great news! He’s alive!” Thomas shookhis head. That’s the nature of doubt. It’s a head-shaking disease.His reunion with Christ is laid out in John 20. Jesus held out hishands like a magician proving there was nothing up his sleeves.“Go ahead,” he said. “Touch them. They’re real. Stop doubtingand believe.” And Thomas did. The last time the apostles werewith Jesus he gave them a simple directive—Go into all the worldand spread the gospel. “Go Thomas. Be brave. I am with youalways. Remember, I tell you the truth. Whatever you did for oneof the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Accordingto ancient records, Thomas traveled farther than any otherapostle. His life reveals that he came to know Christ best throughhis missing him. His desire grew stronger and his longing deeper.He loved and fed the people of India as if feeding God himself andThomas gave himself for that love, dying at the end of a spear.I just returned from a 9-day trip to India. My husband Troy and Iwent there with members of the Christian music group NewSong.In Bangalore, we visited a care center run by a beautiful, saintlywoman named Mary Paul. One night at dinner, NewSong memberEddie Carswell and his wife sat with Mary Paul and she told themthat twenty generations ago her great, great, great (do this twentytimes) grandfather met the apostle Thomas and Thomas sharedthe truth with him. I doubt I will ever again meet anyone whocan trace their faith journey directly back to one of the apostles!Ancient documents do not describe Thomas as a dynamic oratorlike the apostle Paul, but rather, a quiet man who drew people tothe gospel of peace through his saintly ways and the message oftruth. Twenty generations later, Mary Paul sees God dressed asabandoned children and shares hope and love with them.You would expect me to write of the misery of the orphans, butthat’s impossible to do when writing about the care center MaryPaul runs. The walls are bright, the staff is warm and the childrenare loved. Very loved. They smile and laugh easily and are quickto wrap their pencil-thin arms around you. A little boy walkedup to Troy and I, grinning. “My name’s Vanej,” he said. “I’m nineyears old.” NewSong sang a couple of songs for the children andthen the children sang for us, little Vanej holding one of the twomicrophones and singing loudly. Eighteen months earlier, Vanejwas on an outing with his parents when he was somehow separatedfrom them. The orphanage advertised in the papers, on TVand radio, looking for his parents. They traveled where Vanej saidhe lived and put up flyers and talked with people on the streets,with no results. In a country of 1.1 billion people, it’s much likefinding a needle in a haystack. Vanej talked of missing his motherand his sister. It was heartbreaking, but he still smiled.Little Pria (her name means love) was four years old but the sizeof a pixie. Her black eyes were saucer-wide as we walked towardher bed and her face lit up the room. I picked her up and realizedI’ve purchased a sack of potatoes that weighed more than she did.5Holt International.org

Graced by his LegacyAdoptees from the around the country come to Eugene, Oregon to celebrate the 80 th birthday of Dr. David KimSaturday, September 22, 2011. Approximately 300 people gathered in Eugene to celebrate the 80 th birthday of Dr. DavidH. Kim. Many of the guests were first generation adoptees coming from around the country to celebrate David. Somecall themselves the “first wavers,” indicating they were the first wave of children who came to the U.S. to their adoptivefamilies.I first met David Kim in Korea when I was 4 years old. He remembers that I was a little girl with a round face, sadeyes and hair that had been dyed coal back to make me look more Korean. My hair was in the process of growing out,and David recalls that the grow-outs “looked like there was a saucer on [my] head.”I knew David before I knew my mother and father. It was David who helped to fill in the blanks of my history thatbegan in Korea. A history that was unknown to me. When I was growing up, I saw David a number of times, and hiswarm and generous personality was always a comfort to me.One of the most important blessings of my years at Holt has been to work with David, a wonderful teacher, mentorand friend. His vision and commitment are contagious, and it is an honor to follow as he has led through adversity,challenges and victories on behalf of children.Much of what I believe about adoption and advocacy I learned from David. I’ve listened to him talk with passion aboutthe needs of children and our responsibility to respond – and to respond with urgency. I’ve often heard David say, “Ifchildren have to wait until adults and governments agree on what should be done, the children will have white whiskers.They can’t wait.”David has pioneered motherland tours, heritage camps and the commitment to acknowledge the importance of cultureand heritage for adoptees. He was a powerful and forceful advocate during the drafting of the Hague Conventionon adoption, teaching that the life-long issues of adoption should be considered a priority.Holt International / Fall 201110I am not alone in my regard for David Kim. Over the years, he has personally touched the lives of many of us. Forthose adoptees who have not had the good fortune to know David personally, you should know that your life has beengraced by his life, by his efforts on your behalf. In a small way, we are all a legacy to the devotion and compassion ofthis extraordinary man.Happy Birthday, David Kim.Susan Soonkeum Cox | Vice President of Policy and External Affairs“Children can’t wait,” says David Kim. You can respond to the urgent needs of children by giving a Gift of Hope to a child in need thisChristmas. Go to www.holtinternational.org/gifts or look through the catalog in this issue.

Live Simply So that Others May Simply LiveA Holt adoptee volunteers at IlsanMy name is Robert Daze and I am an adopted Korean-American. My heart was set on meetingmy birth mother. The file had been opened and the first initial contact had been made. Isigned up to volunteer at Holt Ilsan for the summer of 2011 in the hopes that I would be ableto meet her while volunteering. The final puzzle pieces of my identity as an adopted Korean-American would finally fall into place. Yet this meeting did not come to pass, for little did Iknow that something greater was in store.Recounting my experience in Korea will never give it complete justice, for human words cannotfully express the experience I had at Ilsan. It is one of those things that must be done in action– love in action. My volunteer duties consisted of various “activities” to engage the residents inmutual bonding moments. I often took the residents off the Holt premises and indulged their paletteswith ice cream and Coke. Having my Bachelor’s degree in dance from Santa Clara University,I was asked to teach the residents a weekly dance class. I did everything I could to assimilatemyself to their daily lives. Being a premedical student, I was asked to escort some of the residentsto the local hospital. Coming face to face with some of the more severe cases of cerebral palsy andmental retardation opened my eyes to my future as a doctor. But more importantly, the experienceI gained in Korea transcended that of medicine. I began to see the residents beyond the scope oftheir disabilities. The recognition of each person’s humanity and human dignity was the end-all forme. The sense of humility that became ingrained in my experience was instrumental in shaping myidentity as a Korean-American – these were my people. My activities extended beyond the normal setschedule, as I could not part myself from the residents. The epiphany came when some of the youngermale residents began to call me “older brother.”The hardest day for me was the day I boarded the plane back to the United States. It is a day I will neverforget. The brother I never had, Gyu, wrote me a letter that stated, “Robert, my brother. Thank you. I love you.Come back soon.” Even in the simplest of sentences this message carried maturity far beyond his years. I leftIlsan crying, as one of my other brothers begged me not to leave. The relationships I built at Ilsan were not aconsequence of my volunteer commitment. They were grounded in something deeper. I came to the realizationthat these people were not just residents at Holt – they were my family. A family who I was destined tomeet. A family whose bonds will never be broken. A family who I will love forever.This trip was not about volunteering, but rather, a homecoming. I originally signed up for Holt to helpothers. Little did I know that this wish would not be fulfilled as I thought; for in coming toKorea, they were the ones that helped me. I may not have gotten what I wanted, but Igot something I truly needed.When I got back home to America, my friends would praise me for my heroic deedof volunteering in Korea. But in fact, I was no hero. The true heroes are the men andwomen who work at Holt Ilsan. The works of charity and compassion exuded by thehousemothers and staff are timeless examples of what it means to be selfless. They werethe ones changing diapers, feeding the residents, cleaning up the messes – they are theones fighting the good fight.Even though every journey must come to an end, I rest assured that this was only a steptowards something greater. A chapter of my life has been written—written by the ones Ilove. I came to Korea to find my mother, but instead I found my family. They have walkedinto my life and left their footprints on my heart. I am forever indebted to my family forhelping me become the man I am today. I know I was meant to come to Ilsan. And I knowthat one day, I shall return. Till we meet again.By Robert Daze | Santa Ana, California11Holt International.org

from the familyTo Karen,From China, With Love;The Fuzhou 10We met in Hong Kong, in November of 1995. We were all soon-to-be adoptive parents, traveling to pick up our daughtersin China. We thought that we would only know each other for the duration of our trip. But the Lord had a very different planfor our lives – a plan that would make us a family, forever.We were a group of ten families - nine of us Christian, one Jewish, all united by two common threads: the thread of oneFather, and the thread of our daughters in China.In China, we very quickly received our daughters. Over the next few weeks, we bonded with our daughters as well as witheach other. We did not realize then that God was forming a family of ten families – and a bond that’s stronger than blood.We imagined what questions our daughters might ask as they get older, and discussed how we would help them process theirfeelings. Soon, we realized we could support each other as our daughters grew, and our daughters could help one another aswell. God’s plan was coming together.One evening, we decided to have a special service before our journey ended, and we all went our separate ways. Ourpastor, Steve, prayed a special blessing over our daughters, our families and our trip home. Karen, being Jewish, wanted topray a special Hebrew blessing upon our daughters, so she and her husband, Phil, sang a Jewish blessing for us. The servicewas truly beautiful, and the culmination of God’s recent work in our lives.As we sat in the crowded hotel room, Karen announced, “May, 2007! We will all meet in Cincinnati for Paulina’s BatMitzvah in May of 2007! Everyone is invited!” At that moment, imagining our baby girls as 12-year-olds was not in any of ourthoughts – except for Karen’s.We decided to keep in touch through a Round Robin letter, including updates and pictures on our daughters. We thoughtthis would be the extent of our relationship. With that, we felt satisfied, and journeyed back to our respective homes.However, once again, the Father had his hand on our lives.The Round Robin letter turned into a bi-annual family reunion. Every two years, we meet – both parents and daughters– near one of our homes.As time passed, we began discussing the possibility of taking our daughters back to visit their homeland. After about fiveyears of prayer and discussion, we decided we’d need to go before our oldest girls entered college. We asked the girls whatthey wanted to do, since it was their journey this time. They narrowed the trip down to four things: spending some timeworking in an orphanage; visiting major sites in China; returning to Fuzhou; and visiting their birth cities.On June 23, 2011, we met in Chicago for our trip to China. After a year of preparation, it was finally a reality! We spentour first few days in Beijing, working at Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village, a Christian orphanage for special needs children.This was such a deeply moving experience for all of us. We talked, walked and played with children who are waiting forforever families, just as our girls waited so many years earlier.Finally, we returned to Fuzhou, in Fujian Province, where 16 years earlier we adopted ourgirls. We stayed in the same hotel as before, and retraced our steps – this time, with ourdaughters walking beside us.Holt International / Fall 201112From there, our journey took us back to our daughters’ orphanages, in Jian‘Ou, Shaou Wu and Song Xi. As our group divided to visit the three orphanages, anxietybegan to build for all of us. We were each going to a place that we had never seenbefore – a place our daughters had once called home, but had no memory of.At the orphanage, we met with the directors, and visited some of the children.The next day, we traveled back to Fuzhou to meet up with our group, and share ourexperiences. We all had been so blessed!

For memory’s sake, we then traveled to Guangzhou and visited the last few adoption stops. As we traveled back to theUSA, we were all so thankful for our trip to China! We knew that God set this into motion many years ago, and He saw it tocompletion in July 2011, as we all returned safely home.None of us would have imagined that such an eclectic group of people would meet in a foreign land, spend nearly threeweeks together, and become a forever family. But God did. He imagined, designed and set it into motion 16 years ago, and weare forever thankful for His guidance and direction in our lives.Sadly, Karen died of breast cancer in October of 2006. She did not get to see her daughter Paulina’s Bat Mitzvah. Many ofus nevertheless traveled to support Paulina on her special day. We knew Karen would have been proud to know that we werethere. Karen believed in family, and wanted us as her extended family. We may not have realized at the time how much weneeded each other, but Karen did. She did not get to return to China with us, but she did go back a second time – to adopther youngest daughter, Bayla. Both girls traveled with us on our return trip to China.Karen had a dream for us to be a family, and we havebeen a family – a family brought together by God and ourChinese daughters.Sixteen years ago, we all met in Hong Kong. Ten setsof parents, along with two grandmothers, one big sister,and a friend. We all came from various occupations,states, and situations. However, we now had three commonthreads: God, our Father, our Chinese daughters,and our Fuzhou Family.“A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”Ecclesiastes 4:12Mindy Heitkamp | Shiloh, IllinoisPlaces Rememberedin the HeartHolt Heritage Tourswww.holtinternational.org/tours

CONGRATULATIONS!Class of 2011Amich, TaylorArmstrong, ChristianBach, Nathaniel Bockhorn, Ashley Brand, SirhiannaBryan, JillianBusso, ElizabethCassin, JuliusCatiggay, Alex Cavendish, Mindy Chow, JadeChristie, Rachel Chryst, Lynda Cowan, AllisonAmich, Taylor— (Vietnam)Armstrong, Christian—Evansville, IN; service club, football,homecoming court. Plans to join the workforce until deciding oncollege or a career. (Korea)Bach, Nathaniel—Scotch Plains, NJ; select choir, men’s choir,track and field, church mission trips. Plans to major in crime andjustice at Albright College in Reading, PA. (Korea)Bockhorn, Ashley—Steeleville, IL; cheerleading, Fellow ChristianAthletes, Future Business Leaders of America, art society. Plans tomajor in nursing at John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL. (India)Dahl, EvanDavis, RobbyDietsche, ThomasDiTomaso, PatrickHolt International / Fall 2011Brand, Sirhianna—Madison, WI; Bharatanatyam (devotional,millennia-old, classical South Indian dance). Plans to major ininternational studies at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.(India)Bryan, Jillian—Sioux Falls, SD; National Honors choir. Plansto attend South Dakota State University in Brookings. (UnitedStates)Busso, Elizabeth—Bandon, OR; National Honor Society, jazzband, John Phillip Sousa Band award. Plans to major in art atSouthern Oregon University in Ashland. (China)Cassin, Julius—Galloway, NJ; Plans to major in molecular biologyand biochemistry at Rutgers University in New Brunswick,NJ. (Korea)Catiggay, Alex—San Mateo, CA; 2nd degree black belt in KungFu, 3-time champion in martial arts, composes and plays piano.Plans to major in psychology at Loyola University in Chicago.(Philippines)Cavendish, Mindy—Beaufort, SC; M.S. in Speech/LanguagePathology; Phi Kappa Phi. Plans to work with children withautism. (Korea)14Chow, Jade—Eugene, OR; cheerleading, photography, yearbookeditor. Plans to study criminology at Lane Community College inEugene. (China)Christie, Rachel—Des Moines, IA; Attending La Salle University.(Korea)Chryst, Lynda—E. Strondsburg, PA; journaling, piano, tennis,music competitions, drawing, playing piano for church servicesand youth group. Plans to major in piano performance at IthacaCollege in New York. (China)Cowan, Allison—Springfield, TN; B.S. in Communication fromthe University of Tennessee; HONORS: Order of Omega-GreekHonor Society, Phi Eta Sigma-Honor Society, Hope Scholarshiprecipient, Mortar Board-National College Senior Honor Society,School of Advertising & Public Relations scholarship recipient,Cindy Britt Anderson Honorary Scholarship recipient. Plans onhaving a career in healthcare, public affairs or public relations.(United States)Dahl, Evan—Brookings, SD; marching, concert and pep band.Plans to major in music or art at South Dakota State University.(Korea)Davis, Robby—Eugene, OR; soccer (sophomore & junior year),International High School, International Baccalaureate candidate.Plans to major in business administration & sports marketing atthe University of Oregon in Eugene. (Korea)Dietsche, Thomas—Albany, NY; tennis (Raider award, ScholarAthlete award and Varsity letter), violin, fitness training, highHonor Roll, President’s award for outstanding academic excellence,Presidential/Dean’s scholarship. Plans to major in biologyat Siena College in Loudonville, NY. (Korea)DiTomaso, Patrick—Simi Valley, CA; Graduated from Village GlenHigh School. Plans to attend Moorpark college, and may join theNational Guard. (Korea)Erb, Maria—Burlington, VT; Master's degree in Education fromUniversity of Vermont, emphasis in interdisciplinary studies– higher education, leadership/counseling; 4.0, Pi Gamma MUInternational Honor Society in Social Sciences. Currently theassistant director of the ALANA student center, University ofVermont. (Korea)Evanowski, Emily—Beachwood, NJ; orchestra, tennis, St.Barnabas B.A.T.S., High Honor Roll, TREA scholarship, South TomsRiver Elementary School scholarship, Fr. Rucki scholarship. Plansto major in illustration/art therapy at School of Visual Arts in NewYork City. (Korea)

Erb, MariaEvanowski, EmilyFroese, Tanner Grise, Joshua Hale, LydiaHall, LaurenHall, Sylvia Halverson, Grace Halverson, Isaac Hodge, WhitneyHolm, JuliaJuengel, MicahKerr, Marie LinKlein, Isadora Kostner, Lindsay Lehmann, Benjamin Lohuis, Christina Lohuis, JaniceLohuis, JosephMartin, Melanie McCall, Jordan McPeak, Elizabeth Miller, Benjamin Norris, CalebFroese, Tanner—Athena, OR. B.S. in English with emphasis injournalism, minor in biblical studies from Corban University.Magna Cum Laude. Sports editor for Hill Top news, active insports, outreach for youth “salt," editor for College Web News,4-year Ford scholar. Studied abroad in Germany for a semester.(Korea)Grise, Joshua—Lexington, KY; Graduated with high distinction,cultural society, violin, erhu. Plans to attend Pitzer College.(Korea)Hale, Lydia—Eugene, OR; International High School graduate,French immersion with local & state honors, Drama Thespian (1stin State), concert choir (2nd in State), captain of Petanque team,National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate, outstandingsenior research paper award. Plans to major in internationalrelations at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. (Korea)Hall, Lauren—Bellevue, NE; Planning to attend University ofNebraska in Omaha. (Korea)Hall, Sylvia—Bellevue, NE; B.A. in Art History from University ofNebraska. (Korea)Halverson, Grace—Grovetown, GA; National Honor Society, Betaclub, French club, art club, varsity volleyball, track and cheerleading,cotillion dance club, chorale, art museum teen council,church vocalist. Plans to major in international business/marketingat Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. (Korea)Halverson, Isaac—Grovetown, GA; National Honor Society, Betaclub, drama, chorale, debate team, impromptu and extemporaneousspeaking, extreme Taekwondo (also instructor), Latinclub, Science Olympiad, youth group and camp counselor. Plansto study pre-law at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. (Korea)Hodge, Whitney—Williamsburg, KY; cheerleading, art club,UNITE club, National Honor Society, student government, colonelpride award, visual art award. Plans to major in biology & premedat Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. (Korea)Holm, Julia—Brookings, SD; choir, competitive dance, FFA. Plansto major in equine management at Ellsworth Community College.(China)Juengel, Micah—Tulsa, OK; National Honor Society, studentgovernment, soccer, band, cross country, academic team. Plansto major in international business at Oral Roberts University inTulsa. (Korea)Kerr, Marie Lin—Cedar Hill, TX; B.S. in Business Administration,emphasis in international business from Northwood Universityin Cedar Hill, golf scholarship, golf (4 years in NAIA division).Currently living in the Netherlands. (China)Klein, Isadora—Colfax, CA; Collaboration of the Fine Arts-ballet& violin, mixed martial arts & Taekwondo. Plans to attend collegefor ASL. She currently has a massage business called “Hands ofMercy.” (Romania)Kostner, Lindsay—Merritt Island, FL; varsity soccer, varsity track,Best Citizen, 2010 4A all-state girl’s soccer first team, 2010Prudential Spirit of Community award, mission trips to Nepal,Thailand, Ethiopia and Egypt, Take Stock in Children scholarship.Plans to major in health/exercise science and/or physical educationat Bryan College in Dayton, TN. (Philippines)Lehmann, Benjamin—Sonora, CA; film, photography, ROP medical.Plans to major in fine arts at Columbia College in Columbia,CA. (Korea)Lohuis, Christina—Gettysburg, PA; track & field, National ArtsHonor Society. Plans to major in cosmetology at Paul MitchellVision Academy in Ambler, PA. (Korea)Lohuis, Janice—Erdenheim, PA; Associate's degree in photography.1st place and Best of Show in photography contest for Fall2010. Plans to pursue a career in graphic design. (Korea)15Holt International.org

Peters, Kyle Phillips, Megan Pratt, Anthony Raecker, Anne Elizabeth Rathkey, DanielScoggin, ElizabethShepard, MylesSoule, RebekahSpino, TylerStiles, KoriStillwell, MelissaStolz, HollyStillwell, Melissa—Walnut Creek, CA; B.S. in Kinesiology with aconcentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences. (Philippines)Stolz, Holly—Lincoln, NE; varsity cheerleader. Plans to major inesthetics at College of Hair Design in Lincoln. (Vietnam)Stone, Wendy—Days Creek, OR; class salutatorian, student bodypresident, track, cross-country, soccer (co-captain). Plans tomajor in sociology/social services at Southern Oregon Universityin Ashland. (Guatemala)Swearingen, Lisa—Ooltewah, TN; soccer, Beta Club, NationalHonor Society. Plans to major in exercise science in Athens, TN.(Korea)Syring, Andrew—Kearney, NE; theatre, speech, mock trials, vocalmusic, Eagle Scout. Plans to major in law/theatre lighting atWayne State College in NE. (Korea)Valderrama, Jeremy—San Jose, CA; theatre, soccer, Taekwondo,Honor Roll, fire explorers program, Guatemala missions trips, CityTeam worship band. Currently employed as a gymnastics coach,plans to attend West Valley College in Saratoga, CA. (Philippines)Vermeulen, Elaina—Sterling, MA; National Honor Society,National Art Honor Society, Model UN, Young Democrats, lacrosse,soccer, Quest Christian leadership team. Plans to major in internationalrelations/global poverty at Elon University in NC. (Korea)VerNisie, Rory—Forth Worth, TX; JROTC, top band wind ensemble,baseball, soccer, chess club, Adopt-a-Street program volunteer,Holt International volunteer, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.Will join the Air Force ROTC regiment at Texas Christian University,studying engineering at TCC—Central Fort Worth, TX. (Korea)Wankowicz, Leslie—Phoenix, AZ; National Honor Society,national Spanish honors, 4-year varsity lacrosse. Plans to attendUniversity of Arizona in Phoenix. (Korea)Young, Christine—Norcross, GA; varsity basketball, varsitysoftball, director-class film, National Honor Society, NationalArt Honor Society, National Beta Club, Kenya missions trip,Mexico missions trip, autism advocate, All County Academic team,President’s List, Dale Carnegie Vision Award, Special Olympics.Plans to major in radio, television and film at University of Texasin Austin. (Korea)Zava, June—Germantown, TN; bowling team, CLICK (ChristLiving in Christian Kids), Key Club, Spanish club, FCCLA (FamilyCareers Community Leaders of America, Young Life). Plans tomajor in early childhood development and attend SouthwestCommunity College. (Korea)Holt International / Fall 2011Lohuis, Joseph—Gettysburg, PA; varsity basketball captain, VP,NHS, Heart of a Warrior scholarship. Plans to major in secondaryeducation/history at Lock Haven University in PA. (Korea)Martin, Melanie—Raleigh, NC; varsity soccer (captain, MVP,all tournament), varsity basketball (captain), varsity volleyball.Plans to major in hospitality & tourism management atAppalachian State in Boone, NC. (Thailand)McCall, Jordan—Nevada, MO; 4-year letterman in tennis, MVPin 2011. Plans to major in construction technology at CrowderCollege in Neosho, Missouri. (Thailand)McPeak, Elizabeth—Mickleton, NJ; Master's of Music degreein violin performance from Temple University in Philadelphia.Assistant Director for the summer 2011 Holt adoptee camp. Plansto attend Columbia University’s post-graduate program. (Korea)Miller, Benjamin—Mt. Juliet, TN; Graduated with honors,student government, plays keyboard in Christian rock band“Skyhook,” won many awards in fine arts competitions, playingshows for youth events in TN and other states. (Korea)Norris, Caleb—Cumming, GA; Eagle Scout, JROTC 1st lieutenant,company executive officer, Raider team captain. Plans to major ininternational affairs at North Georgia College & State Universityin Dahlonega, GA. (Thailand)Peters, Kyle—Ida Grove, IA; Mock Trials, recipient of 2 scholarshipsfrom the Western Iowa Tech Community College, scholarshipfrom local high school. Plans to major in general studies atWestern Iowa Tech in Sioux City. (Korea)Phillips, Megan—Lebanon, OR; B.S. in exercise sport science,pre-therapy allied health option from Oregon State Universityin Corvallis. National Society of Collegiate Scholars, cheerleadingand dance (4 years). Plans to attend nursing school. (UnitedStates)Pratt, Anthony—Keizer, OR; football, baseball, track, Honor Roll,DECA, weightlifting club. Plans to major in law enforcement atWestern Oregon University in Keizer. (Korea)16Stone, WendySwearingen, LisaSyring, AndrewValderrama, JeremyRaecker, Anne Elizabeth—Cedar Falls, IA; swimming, orchestra,band, junior leadership, Harmony Diversity, church and missionprojects. Plans to major in music business at Elmhurst Collegein IL. (Korea)Rathkey, Daniel—Portland, OR; varsity cross country, NationalHonor Society, President’s award for academic excellence. Plansto major in biology at Santa Clara University in CA. (Korea)Scoggin, Elizabeth—Edinburg, TX; National Honor Society,Technology Student Association, National TSA Gold award,Business Professionals of America, feature editor of school newspaper,science club, art club, graduated as distinguished student,perfect attendance. Plans to major in biology at University ofTexas-Pan American in Edinburg. (China)Shepard, Myles—Elk Grove, CA; B.A. in environmental studies &biology from California State University–Sonoma Bible study andmusic team leader for Intervarsity on campus. Plans to completea mission trip to Guatemala with Intervarsity. (Korea)Soule, Rebekah—Bloomville, NY; soccer, basketball, peer tutor,yearbook, honor student. Plans to major in social sciences/socialwork at Herkimer County Community College in N.Y. (India)Spino, Tyler—Pennsville, NJ; marching band, concert/pep band,Honor Society, Golden Eagles, multicultural club, REBEL, LMTIclub, State of NJ Epilepsy Foundation scholarship, marchingband monetary award, School to Careers academic scholarship,UCB Epilepsy USA national scholarship. Plans to major in businessadministration/accounting at Salem Community Collegeand Wilmington University in Carneys Point and New Castle,NJ. (Korea)Stiles, Kori—Anthem, AZ; top 10 of class in InternationalBaccalaureate program, goft & soccer (all-region), selected forgirl’s state team. Plans to major in biology/pre-med at FresnoPacific University in CA. (China)

Vermeulen, ElainaVerNisie, RoryWankowicz, LeslieYoung, ChristineZava, JuneAccepting Who I amA high school graduate shares her college entrance essayKindergarten students are cruel. Just down right vicious.However, in their defense, they most likely do not mean to be.They are just being brutally honest. I can personally attestto this. The memories of my own kindergarten days are stillvivid — snack time, naptime, circle time and a kid namedBobby. We were gathering our belongings by the backpackcubbies. Bobby was shorter than me, with a lot of guts. Aswe were getting our backpacks, he looked up at me, pullingthe corners of his eyes skinny to match my almond-shapedeyes. I felt weird; no one had ever made fun of me before. Itwas then that I realized I did not look like my peers. Yes, I did“know” I was different, but I did not know that my differenceswere “funny” to others. Bobby was just stating the obvious.He merely characterized the differences between my peersand I. Their eyes were not almond-shaped, their hair was notblack, and their skin was not brown. I was an adopted memberof society. And for this, I resented my heritage.My biological Korean parents were engaged when I made asurprise appearance onto this earth. They gave me up foradoption right away, and I was adopted into a very southern,Caucasian family in Georgia at the age of four months. Iwas raised speaking only English, yet I was treated differentlybecause of my looks. Other than the ink on my birthcertificate, I had never had any connection to Korea. I havesometimes wished I could fit in and be like all the otherkids who matched their parents on annual Christmas cards.Why couldn’t I look on the outside the same way I felt on theinside?Kindergarten kids not only ridicule physical attributes, butmental and social differences as well. My brother has autismand often appears socially inept. In school, he was “that kid”that everyone picked on. This enraged me. My brother hasalways had trouble making friends. Autism is a disorder thataffects social interactionand communicationskills. Other kidswere harsh and unwillingto accept his differences.I despise thehardships my brotherexperienced. I still do Christine and her brother, Sean.not understand whypeople have to fit a social mold to be accepted.The impact of being Asian in a Caucasian culture and havinga brother with autism causes me to see life differently.I am keenly aware of students in my school who march tothe beat of a different drummer. I have compassion for themand want to understand their view of life. In so doing, I notonly learn about them, but I learn more about myself. Byexpanding my social circles, I expand my understanding ofthe world.Because of my hardships and struggles, I can confidentlysay that I have a passion for combating society’s ignorance.My life’s lessons have shown me that single-minded thinkingand influence does not create a healthy world. I knowwhat it means to be different and I know what it means tobe misunderstood. I have learned to accept who I am insteadof always looking to be something I am not. Because of this,I have learned to think differently and to view deeper intoothers instead of judging them based on surface appearances.Because of my life’s journey, I believe I am uniquelyequipped to contribute to the diverse learning environmentat the University of Texas.Christine Young | Norcross, Georgia17Holt International.org

updatesLes Whittle RetiresIf you’ve adopted a child from China, you may have had the pleasure of meeting Les Whittle. Apopular member of Holt’s overseas China staff, Les began his career with Holt in 1994, helpingto escort adoptive families from Hong Kong to Nanning to meet their children. “We met Les andhis wife, Vivienne, for coffee when we arrived in China,” says Everett Stiles, father of the first Holtadoptee from China, Kori. “He was and is a competent and caring man.”Les began his retirement in October. Accompanying many families on their adoption journeys, Leshas always been appreciated for his insight into the adoption process, as well as his sense of humorand ability to relieve the apprehension of anxious new parents.“Whenever Holt’s China team or adoptive families reminisce about how far Holt’s China programhas grown from its early beginnings, stories about Les inevitably will be retold,” saysLisle Veach, international coordinator for China. “From his position as China Country Director in1996, to supporting and advising our staff and adoptive families—no matter the capacity—hehas served children and families all these years, always representing the very best of Holt.”The entire Holt staff wishes Les and his wife well as they begin this next chapter of theirlives. We will always be grateful for him, and his selfless service to Holt’s children and families.“I’m really at a loss,” says Stiles. “Les is a wonderful man. He gave adoptive families a sense ofcalm as they traveled through an unknown country. It was great to have that kind of individual tocomfort us. If Les is ever needed at Holt again, I’m sure he will certainly answer the call. He’s justthat kind of person.”Les (far right) with the rest of the Holt China team.neighborhoodcalendarCaliforniaJuly 29-August 2, 2012, Dobbins—Holt Adoptee Camp foradoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is August 1)GeorgiaJuly 23-27, 2012, Hampton—Holt Adoptee Camp foradoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is July 26)IowaJuly 22-26, 2012, Okoboji—Holt Adoptee Camp foradoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is July 25)NebraskaApril 21, 2012, Omaha—Gala Dinner and Auction to benefit childrenin Holt’s care in Southeast Asia. Embassy Suites – LaVista. 5:30 PMNew JerseyAugust 5-10, 2011—Holt Adoptee Camp foradoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is August 9)OregonFebruary 4, 2012, Eugene—Gala Dinner and Auction to benefitchildren in Holt’s care in Southeast Asia. The Eugene HiltonHotel. 5:30 PMJuly 15-19, 2012, Corbett—Holt Adoptee Camp foradoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is July 18)WisconsinJuly 29-August 2, 2012, Wautoma—Holt Adoptee Camp foradoptees 9-16 years old (Day Camp is August 1)Get the InfoFor Holt Adoptee Camp information contact: Steve Kalb atstevek@holtinternational.org or go to:www.holtinternational.org/campFor Day Camp information contact: Michael Tessier atmichaelt@holtinternational.org or go to:www.holtinternational.org/camp/daycamp.shtmlFor Events information contact: Sandi Mehl atsandim@holtinternational.orgFor Holt Heritage Tour information contact:Lisle Veach for China tours: lislev@holtinternational.orgKaty Bogart for Korea tours: katyb@holtinternational.orgKourtni Rader for Holt-Bethany Korea Adult Adoptee tour:kortnir@holtinternational.org