Jeff and Amy Wineka
Our story begins on the 22nd of August 1999 when we placed our first telephone call to Cradle of Hope. I was so nervous to make that initial call, the call that changed our lives.
We chose Cradle of Hope because we simply wanted to work with the best! An agency that listened, cared, and was always there to lend a hand. All of our questions were answered in a mature and honest manner and our telephone calls were always returned, no matter how silly the question. We immediately began receiving monthly mailings, and oh how those mailings became the highlight to our lives. Cradle really is there for you while you endure the waiting process.
Upon our arrival in China, the first several days were packed with sight seeing and we even participated in a traditional duck dinner. It was fantastic! That afternoon's conversation consisted primarily of our appreciation for Cradle and how well they worked together to make this all happen. Everything was perfect! I don't know of another agency that really encourages you to take the time to just enjoy the whole experience. On the third day we traveled to where we would meet our daughter. Finally!! I will never forget the coordinators coming around the corner and asking, "Are you ready to meet your daughter?" We cried tears of joy and the minute I touched Maggie, I knew all of our prayers had been answered and dreams had come true. I will never be able to fully express the complete joy and happiness that Maggie has brought into our lives; just know that you will never experience anything more meaningful.
The anticipation before and the excitement after truly are indescribable. Cherish every step of the adoption process, for each has its own special meaning. The groups you travel in are small, creating a very special bond between you and your travel mates, a bond that can never be broken. The time spent traveling, experiencing and just being a part of the Chinese culture is extremely rewarding. This fall we look forward to beginning the paperwork to return to China for our second daughter and believe strongly in and rely heavily upon Cradle of Hope to aid in the completion of our family album. You don't give that trust to just anyone.
Our story, like all fairy tale endings, leaves on the same happy note, for they all lived happily ever after. Thank you Cradle!!
The Wineka Family
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