Introduction and Purpose. The many choices that follow the decision to pursue adoption can sometimes seem overwhelming... Does one adopt locally, or does one adopt internationally? If the choice is local (domestic) then the selection of an agency is in order. If the choice is made to adopt internationally, then the choice of country is followed by selection of an agency. And so on and so forth...
The intention of the Annual Adoption Expo is to help make a difference for couples who are considering their next step in a journey towards adoption. This may include those with an initial curiosity, those overwhelmed with the many questions that arise, and those who are well on their way in their journey. The end of which will eventually benefit the precious children (both here and abroad) who are in desperate need of a family and who would be even doubly blessed to find an adoptive family that would in turn guide them towards God’s family. By sharing the testimonies and experiences of adoptive families from within the Mission Hills community, the Expo will encourage others considering adoption as they see first hand the blessings that result, and by providing access to various resources, the Expo will assist those families who are ready to take the next step in their journey toward adoption.
Typical Schedule. In one evening and at one location, the Expo allows participants to gather information from various agencies and organizations involved in the adoption process to include, but not limited to, adoption agencies, infant care and parenting courses, and sources of financial assistance. After an initial opportunity to browse displays and review a summary brochure detailing the adoption agencies represented at the Expo, participants will be able to attend up to three sessions with agencies that they have selected from those present that night.
The event will open at 6:30pm, and the agencies and organizations will have their display tables (including brochures, business cards, et cetera) set up in the Mission Hills Church Welcome Center to produce an "expo/flea-market" feeling wherein participants can begin to evaluate the agencies represented and collect other information as they have interest. "Precious Stones" volunteers will staff the Information Booth, and bags for printed materials will be made available to participants. Hors d'oeuvres, desserts and beverages (coffee, tea, and ice water) will also be available so participants can grab a bite to eat and continue browsing through the displays. Event appropriate music and/or video will be playing in the Worship Center.
At 7:00pm, participants will be then directed to the Worship Center for a 30 minute introduction, which will include: (1) a welcome from one of the Mission Hills pastors, (2) a 10 to 15 minute testimony from an adoptive family who preferably will have been Expo participants from a previous year, (3) introduction of the various adoption agency representatives who will then be dismissed to their respective classrooms, and (4) instructions for the balance of the evening.
The time from 7:30pm until 9:50pm will comprise three 40 minutes sessions with a 10 minute break in between sessions. In the course of each session, each adoption agency will give a presentation followed by a question and answer time in their individually assigned classrooms. Other organizations will continue to staff their displays in the Welcome Center to answer questions during the breaks or to converse with participants who do not elect to attend agency presentations during all three sessions. Hors d'oeuvres, desserts and beverages (coffee, tea, and ice water) will continue to be made available, and "Precious Stones" volunteers and other Mission Hills adoptive family members will be identified with name tags and will be available for further informal conversations throughout the course of the evening.
The event will officially end at 10:30pm.
Logistical Details. The "Precious Stones" Adoption Expo is held in the evening on the last Friday before February 21st to commemorate the birthday of the founders’ adopted daughter. The event is held at Mission Hills Church at 5859 S. University Blvd, in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Additional information is available from the church office at (303) 794.3564. The "Precious Stones" Adoption Expo will always be a free event for both participants and agencies, although many of the agencies voluntarily contribute toward the costs of the Expo including printing, publicity, catering, set up and administrative support, et cetera.
Closing. While the name "Precious Stones" primarily reflects the wide variety of rare and beautiful children in the world without a place to call home, the Scriptures record an Old Testament custom whereby the people of Israel would pile rocks to form a cairn as a monument to and as a reminder of significant events and/or decisions. It is hoped that the "Precious Stones" Adoption Expo will serve to remind people of the significance of their decision to adopt in the midst of the myriad of choices and struggles that follow their pursuit of that goal.