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Changing the World Through Adoption Joe and Annie Silipo have been been in the ministry for over 25 years. They have served in Boston, Los Angeles, Phoenix and now serve in Milan, Italy. They had their first two children, Lynda and Joseph before deciding to adopt Sammy. Joe, Annie and Sammy live in Milan, Italy. Lynda and Joseph are both a part of the campus ministry in Blacksburg Virginia.
Background information about the Silipo family.
The Silipos moved to Italy three years ago when Joseph was going into his junior year of High School. Much to the delight of Joe and Annie all of the children were excited and encouraged to move to Italy to lead the church. Joseph was the only baptized teen in the Milan church, and the only male teen. The church has multiplied greatly and there are now 10 baptized teens in Milan!
Sammy was also very supportive and excited for this new experience. Sammy is a very exuberant boy, and has always adapted well to new situations. He enjoys making new friends, and is well-liked. Since his favorite sport is soccer, he fits right into the culture of Italy. They feel very fortunate to be able to serve in the church in Italy and love helping meet the needs of God’s kingdom in Italy and all of Europe.
What are some of the reasons you decided to adopt?
There were several reasons for us adopting. First, we had planned to have three children, and felt that adoption was the best choice for the third. We also wanted to give an opportunity to an orphaned child to have a family. We realized there were so many children in the world without this most basic need fulfilled. How sad it must be to grow up on the streets and fend for yourself, all alone, with no care, daily living in fear and anxiety. Joe and I sought much advice before we made our decision to adopt because we realized it was a huge decision and not to be taken lightly. Everyone we talked to really encouraged us to go for it. This of course, helped us to feel confident and ready to move forward with the process.
What are some of the fears or apprehension you had to overcome to adopt?
The cost is very high for non-U.S. adoptions, but God provided the finances in amazing ways. One of my (Annie) greatest fears was the adopted child rejecting our love and affection, especially with an older child adoption. Sammy was three years old when we adopted him. Were we going to be able to understand him? Being from Cambodia, Sammy didn't speak English, only Khmer. Would he accept his brother and sister? Would he feel secure in our family, because he looks very different from us (Asian, and dark skinned). Would we be able to gel as a family, could we become one as a family.
How has adoption changed the life of your family?
Adoption has been an amazing opportunity to grow both spiritually and emotionally for every member of the family. It has taught us so much about the depth of God's wonderful, and unconditional love for us. It has taught us how to relate to people very different from us in many different ways (language, culture, personality, and different preferences). It has taught us the need to grow in understanding, and practice of unconditional love. We have grown in compassion, acceptance, and humility. More than ever, we embrace God's kindness through his many gifts of answered prayer and guidance. Because of adoption have grown in our vulnerability and openess in seeking advice and direction. We continue to learn and grow in depth of relationship with one another as we had to work to build unity in our family.
What recommendations do you have for families considering adoption?
Pray for God's guiding hand and seek advice from spiritual people that know you, your marriage and the dynamics of your family. Don't hesitate to speak to other families that have adopted to get their perspective. Read some good books on adoption, but be careful...they are not the Bible. These can give you different perspectives, and perhaps open your mind to some “out of the box thinking.” It's important that you include you biological kids (if you have any) in this decision. It needs to be a family decision and everyone needs to be on board.
Share any additional thoughts you have about adoption.
Adoption is an amazing opportunity to change the life of a child in great need, but it is also an amazing opportunity to change and enrich your own life. We can't imagine not having adopted our son, Sammy. To us it seems like he has always been with us. Adoption makes a statement of love and sacrifice like nothing else can or will. People will be moved when they see your love and sacrifice to adopt children. Not that this is the reason for adoption, because adoption is certainly not for the faint- hearted. It is a commitment and a decision for life to love and care for a person that is not your own, but will become your own in time, through the process of love and sacrifice.
—Joe and Annie Silipo
Editors Note: Do you have a good news adoption story>>> to share? Download the Adoption_Story _form >>>,tell your story and submit it to Toney Mulhollan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is a great way to share your story and encourage more and more disciples to fulfill James 1:27: "to look after orphans and widows in their distress"
Lynda, Sammy and Joseph Silipo