Shannon Devine captured the title of Mrs. International^® while competing among 51 of the most dynamic and accomplished women from across the world at the 23nd annual Mrs. International^® pageant in Skokie, Illinois. Jason Devine was honored to crown his wife before an audience, which included their 2½ year-old daughter, Halle-Grace

Shannon is a Musculoskeletal Specialty Manager with Genzyme Biosurgery, one of the world's foremost biotechnology companies. Shannon graduated from Appalachian State University as a member of the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society, Alpha Phi International Sorority and the Dance Team. Shannon funded her education by the Miss America scholarship program.

Shannon and Jason will celebrate a decade of marriage this December. After several heartbreaking scenarios the Devines expanded their family on September 1, 2008 when they adopted their precious little angel Halle-Grace from Vietnam.

“Our adoption story began in 2006. We realized early in our marriage we would become parents through the miracle of adoption. "Through many losses, heartaches, sleepless nights, and tears, God was simply preparing us for the journey to our daughter, a journey that would eventually place us in a third world country where we found ourselves adopting the most beautiful little girl from a Northern Province of Vietnam. God’s perfect plan for our family materialized that day. Although it is not my blood that flows through my daughter's veins, it is in fact her heart that beats inside my chest. From that moment I no longer lived for myself, but rather, for Halle-Grace. Regardless of the worldly means by which she came to us, there is no doubt our family was created in Heaven.”

In the United States there are more than 500,000 children in the foster care system. Worldwide, nearly 150 million orphans wait and hope. As Mrs. International^®, Shannon will continue to work with the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) to shine a brighter spotlight on the miracle of adoption. NCFA remains the premier adoption advocacy nonprofit in the United States, promoting a positive culture of adoption through education, research, and legislative action. Because of NCFA, more children are adopted out of foster care, women facing unintended pregnancy receive comprehensive information on the positive option of adoption, and intercountry adoption remains a viable, ethical alternative to building families.

Shannon and Jason worked tirelessly to bring their daughter home despite the numerous deflating and heart-wrenching roadblocks that at times seemed impassable. Rather than becoming discouraged about adoption, the Devine’s chose to assist other waiting families navigate the tumultuous waters of adoption and continue to be a ‘voice’ for orphans worldwide. Being personally motivated, their goal is not merely to educate others but rather call them to action because they believe all children deserve a loving, permanent home.

To learn more about adoption, visit the following:
www.adoptioncouncil.org

www.shannondevine.com