Could One of These Kids Be Yours?

China has a way of changing one forever.  I will never be the same, having been there.  I'm so very glad that China requires travel to the country to adopt, because otherwise I probably would have been content to have Luke escorted over to us, primarily because I'm just not a big fan of flying.  China opened my eyes to so much.  

I came home and thought about all the children still waiting for families.  I look at Luke and think about what his file said and how his medical needs might have kept him from being in a family and then I think about all the beautiful children still waiting, in orphanages or foster families, for the love of a forever family. 

I have to give my Joy, whose has a huge heart and is so compassionate, the credit for urging me that we should DO something.  Actually, she took the initiative and asked if she could email and see if SHE could advocate for some of these kids.  I gave her my permission, not knowing if anyone would let her at her age.  I was so happy, (and she was bubbling over), when we both received an email back from FTIA (Journey of Hope) not only giving their permission, but thrilled that she would want to help. There have been other agencies that have sinced emailed giving their blessing as well and thrilled that she wants to help!

Therefore, Joy and I together, have decided that weekly we will pray about finding certain children and posting their pictures and information on our blogs, in hopes that they will find their way to their forever families.  

So this week, I have chosen four children that I felt led to mention here.  Maybe the boys just have a soft spot in my heart right now, but all of the ones I am showing you today are boys.  After taking a look here, please visit Joy's blog, Doodlebug, and take a look at the children for which she felt led to advocate.

First of all, this is Sean.

Sean is 11 years old.  (That's the age of my Joy).  This guy really grabbed at my heartstrings!  He has so much to offer and just listen to his desire for a family!  The description about Sean says he is bright and has been living in a foster family for 4 years but desperately wants a forever family - maybe with an older brother and sister.  He's in the 4th grade and his favorite subject is computer.  He enjoys reading about science and technology and his favorite sport is soccer. Sean’s personality fills a room! He is great with the younger kids and was nicknamed the “Little Director” because he was keeping them all in line for their program. Sean was disappointed last year when he participated in another Journey of Hope program but did not find a family. He wants to live in America because everyone has a house! (That part really gets me....all he wants is a family with a house).  Sean was born with cleft lip and palate and has had surgery for both. He may need some reconstruction and some dental work; however his speech is excellent and he liked practicing his English on the volunteers from Journey of Hope.  You can click here to see a video of an interview with Sean.  Sean is also an encourager, so I read.  He was encouraging his friend, Natalie (also waiting for a family) to smile for the Journey of Hope pictures.  Natalie is never far from his side.  He sounds like such a sweet guy!

Next, we have Ben.  He is so precious and this medical need seems so manageable to me.  He even looks like he has a spark in his eye, don't you think? 

Ben is 5 years old and a charming little boy. He has a diagnosis of thalassemia. The medical team was amazed at how well he is doing, and his overall health. At this time, he gets blood transfusions every two months and does perfectly between those transfusions.  Ben has excellent gross and fine motor skills. He is described by his caregivers as smart, the “little boss”, and cooperative. Ben came to his orphanage at the age of three. He is often the leader. His language development is on target. This friendly little boy has so much to offer. To learn more about thalassemia, please watch this video.

Then, we have Drew.  Just look at that adorable face!  Handsome...

His description says:  Drew is a 4 1/2 year old whose beautiful face will capture you. Drew has congenital DY of the spinal column. The volunteers were unsure at first how Drew was physically affected by this condition, until they saw him jump down three stairs! His gross and fine motor skills are great! Drew is in kindergarten and his language is superior. He is confident, outgoing, and friendly. He toilets independently and performs many activities of daily living with minimal assistance. He is just an amazing boy. Our medical team suggests an MRI of the spine and possibly a surgery upon Drew’s placement with his family.

And there's Mason.  He is a cutie too!  

Mason is a 5 year old boy who is in the Half The Sky pre-school program. He has had surgery for a spinal meningioma and also has a right club foot. Mason was a very cute performer in his program. His caregivers say he has a good memory, is clever and can dress himself. They also report that he is quiet and likes to watch the other children dance, but he didn’t seem to shy away from the microphone during the Journey of Hope program!

Could one of these kids be yours?  Could they call you mom or dad?  If you would like to know more, please email me (on the email button on the side of my blog) or visit FTIA, Journey of Hope, for more information.  There are many more children listed there as well.

Even if you can't adopt one of these kids, you can pray for forever families for them!   God bless you all for taking a look!  What a great report to be able to come back and say they have a forever family!

Thanks for stopping by!  :)

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Oh, and come back Friday and enter my fall giveaway!  And thank you so much for stopping by!   :) 


  Blessings!
~ Tammy ~