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. 

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.

International adoption transforms lives. The journey brings anticipation, preparation, and financial responsibility. Covering costs can feel daunting, but families don’t travel this road alone. Friends, relatives, coworkers, church groups, and neighbors often want to help. Families simply need to offer meaningful ways for others to join the story.

For international adoptees and their families