November is...
National Adoption Awareness Month

Did you know?

More than 20 years ago, Massachusetts was the first state to make an Adoption Week Proclamation.  The idea took hold on a national level in 1988 when President Reagan issued an Adoption Week Proclamation.  Every president since has issued such a proclamation in November.

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Harvest Hay Ride for FCC Families

by Kathy Bednarek

	Thanks to FCC mom Jeanne Lischer and her daughter Sally (also known as "Tinkerbell"), two groups of adoptive families enjoyed the fun of an old-fashioned hay ride and pot-luck dinner, complete with apple bobbing and pumpkin painting! 

	Jeannie, Pastor at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, graciously hosted two separate hay rides events;  one for FCC and the other for International Families (IF).  Church members provided the wagon, which was decorated with bright leaves and scarecrows.  Old Monroe provided a beautiful pastoral setting for the fun-filled events!  The wagon, filled with cuddling families, took us past farms, fields, cows, horses, dogs, deer and a lovely pond.  Some sang, while others listened and tapped their toes.

	The cold and clear weather which occurred at the FCC gathering provided the perfect  backdrop for a roaring bonfire.  The fire was made by FCC dad Jim Miller and his daughters, Samantha and Christina.  Toasted marshmallows and "s-mores" were enjoyed by all.  Shine on, Harvest Moon!