Gladney Blog

For many international adoptees, traveling back to China is more than just a trip—it’s a deeply meaningful step in the lifelong journey of adoption. At Gladney, we believe these experiences have the power to strengthen identity, deepen family bonds, and create lasting connections to culture and heritage. 

At just 7½ years old, Wren already shines with a bright spark for learning and caring for others. She loves reading picture books with the help of phonics, counting money when shopping, and takes pride in learning her 9s multiplication tables. But more than anything, Wren knows one very important thing about herself: she wants gentle parents.

A Warm and Caring Spirit
Wren has been diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, and she’s working hard to navigate some really big feelings. She thrives when adults encourage her with praise and celebrate her accomplishments. Motivated by small rewards and her natural competitive spirit, Wren listens well when reminded to slow down. A calm, quiet environment helps her feel safe and grounded.

Her big heart shines through in her love for helping younger children. With a strong sense of justice, Wren notices when someone is struggling and makes sure they get the support they need by finding an adult.

The Simple Joys
Wren’s favorite things are simple yet meaningful - strawberry-flavored treats, lending a hand around the house, and listening to soft music before bedtime. At night, she often talks quietly to herself as she drifts off to sleep, comforted by knowing an adult is nearby.

The Right Family for Wren
Wren will thrive with parents who are patient, understanding, and trauma-informed-parents who will honor her request for gentleness. She needs caregivers who can walk with her through the challenges of big emotions while cherishing the sweet moments, like when she gestures for a hug.

📩 If you think you might be Wren’s future parents, please contact us at superkids@gladney.org to review her full profile.

Understanding ADHD: Seeing the Brilliance Behind the Buzz  
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”  
- Dr. Seuss  

Recently, Gladney’s Director of International Advocacy/Bulgaria Program, Sarah Hansen, MSW, was invited to be a guest on the Creating a Family podcast. In this episode, Sarah joined host Tracy Whitney and fellow guest Simi Riesner, Executive Director of Mazi Adoption and Family Services, to explore the unique joys and challenges of older child adoption.

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person,” you already know the first golden rule: autism is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. It’s more like a giant, beautiful quilt—full of different colors, patterns, and textures—stitched together with individuality. 

At Gladney, our International Adoption team is committed to advocating for children who are still waiting for the love and stability of a forever family. Every trip we take reminds us that behind every file and photograph is a child with a story, a spark, and dreams for the future.

Being adopted has meant constantly living in- between. I am Chinese by blood, but despite my parents taking me to China and observing customs
and traditions, I do not feel that these Chinese customs and traditions are my own. I feel like my face betrays the life I’ve actually lived. I’m American—but people still ask me where I’m “really” from. That question sticks like seaweed in my throat. I don’t honestly belong here or there.

Gladney's international trips are one way our team connects with children waiting for a forever family. During each trip, our program leaders reconnect with in-country partners and meet the children. This opportunity helps us nourish partnerships, collaborate with governments, and work together to improve any and all facets of the international adoption process that are in the best interests of the children. Every face-to-face connection helps us better understand each child, equipping us to advocate on their behalf when we return—bringing us one step closer to creating brighter futures through adoption.

The Aleda Madison Scholarship recognizes and uplifts international adoptees who are pursuing their dreams in higher education in honor of an international adoption legacy: Aleda Madison. This year’s winners are not only talented and determined, but they are also storytellers, creators, and visionaries who represent the bright future of their fields.

At just 11 years old, Jean has already proven himself to be a boy full of resilience and determination. Growing up in Thailand, Jean has faced challenges that might have held others back, but instead, they have revealed his strengths. By the time he reached school age, he had already begun learning sign language; he has mastered the US alphabet and is able to sign it correctly in any order given to him.