Harry brings love

WHEN Alicia Broadbent brought her adopted son home to Ballarat from Ethiopia it was the culmination of three long years of waiting.
Ms Broadbent and her partner first met Harry when they flew to Ethiopia to pick him up 12 months ago.
At the time Harry was as small as a newborn because of malnourishment.
Now he's at the same level as a regular 17-month-old child and is an active and bright little boy.
The process of adopting an overseas child was challenging, but brought "so much love" to the family, Ms Broadbent said.
She has recently helped establish a new intercountry adoption playgroup in Ballarat as a meeting place for other families with adopted children.
Six Ballarat families have joined the group, with adopted children from China, Korea and Ethiopia.
"We have different challenges that the kids have with adoption issues and it's great to come along and discuss these," Ms Broadbent said.
"The support from other parents is great."
Ms Broadbent said it was also important to show the children they were not alone.
All newcomers are welcome to the group, including those who are starting to think about intercountry adoption and those currently going through the process.
For details on the intercountry playgroup call 5332 1133.