They're Off!

Marc, Lori and Mia

Today Marc and Lori Arenson leave to pick up their precious new daughter, Isabella, in Taiwan. Their journey began in July of 2006 when they signed on with Journeys of the Heart (JOH) adoption agency to adopt a baby from China. As many of you know, in fall of 2006 China made some major changes in their policies and procedures which is currently making the waiting period about 3 years. The Arenson's were given the opportunity to switch to JOH's newly acquired adoption program in Taiwan. After much thought, Marc and Lori decided that the switch would be the best decision for their growing family. They already have a 4 1/2 year old daughter, Mikayla (Mia). About a year later, Marc and Lori received a referral for a beautiful baby girl. She will celebrate her first birthday on February 4th with her forever family.

Isabella

Isabella (Bella) is currently awaiting her parents arrival at St. Lucy Center in Tainan, Taiwan. St. Lucy Center (stlucycenter.org) is an orphanage run by the Good Shepherd Sisters. They saw a desperate need to help women in a culture where unwed mothers are shunned by family and society. The center provides loving care, education and adoption services for these mostly teenage mothers.

Marc and Lori will arrive in Taiwan on Jan 28th and receive their daughter at St. Lucy's center on Jan 29th. They will spend a few days sightseeing and completing adoption paperwork and will be home in less than a week. I will post an update on their journey in the next few days.

Lori is the Director of Taiwan adoptions for theAsianBridge. If you have questions about adopting children from Taiwan you may contact her at larenson328@yahoo.com.