First Days

I am a second year student at the University of Texas Arlington getting my master's in social work. I heard about Gladney from fellow peers and one of my professors who used to work here as a caseworker for domestic adoptions. My heart and strengths are working with and for children and they all had wonderful things to say about this organization. I knew this is where I wanted to come Intern. I started on Monday and every experience has been wonderful. I am working with Grace in Family Services and learning all the ends and outs about paperwork and post-adoption requirements for international adoptions.

On my first day I was blessed to be able to meet a family who had just come back home from adopting internationally. They brought their new little boy up to Glandey for everyone to meet. It is so good to see the real life effects of what everyone does here. They were so happy and proud of their new son. It was very inspiring.

Also, I was able to go to my first employee meeting this morning. It was great to see slide shows and hear about trips to Costa Rica and Honduras. Both trips visited orphanages and connected with kids who needed adopted and the advocates in those countries who partner with us to make that happen.

It stirs my heart to see all these people working together to help children and families in need. But more importantly, is the staff's attitudes and encouragement to each other. I have been here four days and still have not heard a single negative word about their work or the organization. And that has not happened at any other place I have worked. I know it is a hard job and at times their are frustrations, but thank you for staying so positive and encouraging.

I am so excited for my next four months and will keep an update on everything I get to learn!