On Friday, August 1, families with their adopted Brazilian children will gather at Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Drive, North Chili for a weekend reunion ending on Sunday. About 20 family members, nearly half of them children, will come from across the United States, including California, Texas, Virginia, Ohio, New York and Canada.

The weekend's events will include social and recreational events as well as discussions. "The purpose is for us to celebrate the uniqueness of our families," said Doni LaRock of Brockport. The LaRocks adopted three Brazilian children nearly three years ago. "It is also a time for our children to connect with other children like themselves and to recognize and celebrate the language, culture and country of Brazil."

Among many events will be soccer clinics, a trip to the Rhinos game, Capoeira (a Brazilian form of martial arts and dance), a store with Brazilian food and items, a Brazilian dinner, and Brazilian movies. Learning will take place in forums on the adoption process, forums for teens and young adults and for parents. Workshops will include the care of black skin and hair and how to create a life book.

David and Mary Scheffer of Spencerport attended the same event last year at the University of Pittsburgh, before they adopted Brazilian children. "We went last year to talk with families about adoption," David said. "Now we are enjoying the real experience." The Scheffers, who have a biological daughter, Faith, adopted Christina, 6, and Jose, 8, on June 21 this year and all will be attending the upcoming reunion.

The event is sponsored by LIMIAR: USA, Inc., a not-for-profit organization which has assisted in more than 1,000 adoptions of children from Brazil.