by GIFT Coach | Nov 18, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Adoptive parents had a soul-deep desire for their adopted children. It is important that we help our children understand that we benefited as much as they did when we became a family. The previous statement is point number thirteen from our Adoption Philosophy, a...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 12, 2015 | Adoptive parenting, General Discussion
Parenting can be very rewarding; it can also bring us to our knees, leaving us overwhelmed, frightened and desperate. Kids with tough starts, trauma histories and strong wills can prove difficult to manage. What parent has not had the frustrating experience of...
by Gayle Swift | Aug 3, 2015 | General Discussion, Power of Names
Identity formation in adoption is a complicated process and we have explored it from many angles recently. In last week’s G.I.F.T. blog post, eighteen-year-old adoptee Elias Ankerfelt shared some insights about his recent visit to the Philippines and the...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 29, 2015 | Blogs by Sally Ankerfelt, General Discussion
Sally Ankerfelt, one of the co-founders of GIFT Family Services recently returned from a homeland trip to the Philippines. (Sally’s middle child, Elias, was born there.) They have agreed to share their thoughts about this trip. Their experience dovetails nicely...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 22, 2015 | Birth Day--A Study in Contrast, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
I’ve mentioned earlier this year that our first grandchild will be born any day. I’ve been caught up in the tidal wave of excitement along with other family members and friends. A wide swath of support and joy has surrounded the delighted expectant...