A Family For Everyone: LWB Kids

JACK_________________________________________________

We knew it would be difficult for Jack to be matched with the right family as it is a true leap of faith to take on a congenital medical need such as Xeroderma Pigmentosa (XP). Many months have passed, and the right family has not yet come forward for Jack. However, in our hearts we are still hopeful that he will be united with a permanent family soon.

Since out last feature on Jack (“Just Jack”), he has continued to learn more songs and progress in his studies. Now seven years old, Jack has learned about 100 Chinese characters with which he can write complete sentences. He can count from 1 to 100, has learned addition and is starting to learn subtraction. Another activity Jack enjoys is reciting songs and poems by memory.

Jack is a very capable boy who not only has good self-care skills but also helps others in getting dressed or using the washroom. Running, jumping and playing with other children fills his free time. One of his favorite games is playing hide and seek. Jack’s caregivers say he is a warm-hearted little boy who likes to help others.

We hope you will take time to read more about Jack in his previous blog as well as the XP family support site and share this post in the hopes that he will have the best chance possible for finding just the right family. This sweet-hearted boy could bring so much love to a family!

Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contactadoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.

JOHN_____________________________________________

With the help of his foster grandpa, John has mastered the art of going forward. John formed an immediate connection with his foster grandpa when he joined our Fuyang foster care program at age five. At the time, little John was recovering from spinal surgery and had experienced quite a bit of trauma (see his previous blog, “The Land of Counterpane…and Beyond”(. Learning to walk again required braces on his legs, which he still wears and may wear forever. Together John and his grandpa navigated through his recovery and continue to improve his mobility, not letting obstacles like big shoes or uncomfortable leg braces hold them back. These two are an unstoppable pair, and the progress we have seen John make has been tremendous.

John is now six years old. Since John’s special need keeps him from attending school, all of his days are spent with his grandpa. This awesome twosome keep busy by taking long walks to help improve John’s strength and walking skills, while also spending time studying math and Chinese characters.

John’s monthly reports give the impression that he is a happy-go-lucky kind of child who complains little, works very hard at everything, and smiles often. As it turns out, he is all of these things and more. Our Fuyang foster care coordinator volunteer, Vicki Hossack, was delighted to have the opportunity to meet John this past fall. Vicki was impressed and proud of this young man and remembers this about her visit with him:

I met John last October on a trip to China to visit some of our foster care children. We talked with John’s foster grandpa about his progress as John listened in intently. John was so pleased to have the opportunity to show us how well he is now walking. He grinned from ear to ear as he walked down the corridor of his home and back! John also brought us practice sheets that he and his grandpa work on together to show us the progress he is making with his math and Chinese symbols. This adorable boy is so proud of his work and accomplishments that it absolutely warms your heart.

John has the most wonderful personality and his smile is radiant, even as he sits on the sidelines watching the other children run and play. He is very obedient and never complains.

John has hopes that if he works hard, some day he will be able to climb mountains and trees. With his disposition and determination, we would not be surprised! We would love to see what John can accomplish in life given the opportunity to attend school and get additional therapy. While the love and care of a family could give him these opportunities, we think the opportunity for a family to be privileged to have a son like John is just as great.

Carly and Tommy_____________________________________

Sweet Carly is a lovely five-year-old girl in the Believe in Me School. You may remember her from her introduction in March 2010 in the blog post “A Day in the Life at Believe in Me,” when Carly was the newest student in school. This precious young girl has cerebal palsy, but she doesn’t let that slow her down! She loves spending her days in school, where she plays with many fun, tactile educational tools such as the knobbed cylinders and triangle boxes. She spends lots of time reading picture story books and loves participating in arts and crafts. While Carly is shy around the teachers, she is a chatterbox with her friends. We have been told by our China manager that she is a smart little girl. Carly loves to practice walking with the aid of her walker. She is said to get around very well and is independent in many of her life skills. Since her legs are not very strong, Carly does require some help with potty time and getting dressed; however, she is very good at walking (with her walker) and eating independently. Carly also loves the time she gets to spend at recess each day and especially enjoys the slides and swings! Can you imagine the fun she could have at a local park with her forever family? That opportunity can be hers and yours as she is on the shared list, waiting for her family to come forward to adopt her.

While reading Carly’s reports, we were excited to see that Carly has a sweet “best friend” in Tommy. Tommy knows something about waiting for his family as he has been on the shared list for awhile and is still waiting for his family to find him. Carly and Tommy love to play with toys and sing nursery rhymes together during their quiet time before bed. We can just picture the two of them sitting on the floor at the end of the day reciting nursery rhymes and helping each other with missed words and incorrect tones. So sweet!

Tommy is a handsome seven-year-old, who, like Carly, has cerebal palsy (CP). Tommy also has epilepsy, but we are told that both his CP and epilepsy appear to be mild. This cute young boy is said to be quite outgoing, lively, and active. When Tommy was five, he had a successful tendon release surgery which is very common for children with CP. Now Tommy has found a new love in morning exercises and is able to complete them all. He also discovered that, after many years of being unable, he now loves to RUN! Handsome Tommy is a popular boy on our blog, having been featured in numerous posts, including “Fun in the Sun with Tommy”, “Tenacious Tommy,”and “Tommy Boy.” Several of Tommy’s friends have been adopted, and he understands that they now have forever families…something that he really wants too! Our China program manager told us that Tommy is working extra hard in school so he can be ready when his forever family comes to adopt him. He hopes to master his Chinese pinyin soon and excels at writing Chinese characters. He is also excited about learning some basic addition.

We hope that you will share the news about these two best friends waiting for families together. Hopefully they will both be with their forever families soon!

Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contact adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.

KATHRYN__________________________________________

Some children are naturally nurturing and attract younger children to them. When she was a student in our Believe in Me School, twelve-year-old Kathryn was one of these nurturing types. Missy, LWB’s former education director, was fortunate enough to meet Kathryn in November 2007 and was impressed by the way she cared for the younger children. Ever since, Missy has affectionately referred to Kathryn as “The Little Mother.” She recalls how Kathryn not only took care of these younger children but was almost always bouncing two little ones on her knee whenever she sat down. Each time Kathryn sat down, it seemed she had children crawling onto her lap with curiosity and love.

While Missy was visiting the her SWI, she was able to sit down and complete an art project with Kathryn. It was difficult for Missy to get one-on-one time with her since the younger children did not want to leave her alone long enough to let her have some time to herself. However, in the end she created a unique piece of art.

Kathryn’s special need is postoperative glossal lymphangioma. She was in LWB’s Believe in Me School from 2007 to 2008 where she confidently completed her school work and also helped with chores. She got along well with other children and enjoyed a variety of activities. In 2009 Kathryn started in public school, and now we have just learned that her adoption paperwork was filed and is ready to be matched with a family!

“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.” ~ Deepak Chopra

A new door with the possibility for a new future has opened for Kathryn, who will be 13 later this year. Kathryn is eligible for adoption until she turns 14 –just about one more year. We hope that this year is when her future can truly begin — with a family who can allow Kathryn to not only act as a mother but to be mothered herself!

CHARLIE___________________________________________

The young man who possesses this brilliant smile is Charlie, and 2012 is starting out as an eventful year for him. He has started attending school in LWB’s Education program (and we couldn’t be happier to have him) and has also had his adoption paperwork filed! Since Charlie is almost 12 years old, his chance to be adopted is unfortunately limited by time. Yvonne, LWB’s China Education Director, recently met Charlie and couldn’t wait to tell us how much he impressed her. Aside from reiterating how cute Charlie is (which is quite plain to see), Yvonne told us that Charlie is eager to learn. He answered all of her questions fluently and correctly. She even talked to him about adoption, and he specifically told her that he wanted to have a mom and a dad. Once she heard this, she knew that it was important for us to find out if his file had made it to the waiting children list…and we are delighted to announce that it has! Charlie’s special needs are that he has missing toes and paralysis of his left arm. We hope that by getting the word out, Charlie will be matched with a family and 2012 will turn out to be one of the most eventful years of his life! Could this charming young man end up making 2012 one of your family’s most eventful years as well. Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contactadoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.

DIDI_______________________________________________

Dear sweet Didi!!!!

Our newest Believe in Me school, has a student who seems to light up each and every photo we see of him: six-year-old Iker DiDi. DiDi means “little brother” in Chinese, and since there is an older boy named Iker at the school, they call the younger boy “Iker DiDi.” It’s pretty obvious that Iker DiDi enjoys school a lot! He loves to learn Chinese characters and math and particularly loves to sing songs. The teacher reports that he is very intelligent and active, and optimistic. His special need is that his left hand is smaller and weaker than his right.

Sweet Iker DiDi has been waiting on the shared list for over a year for his family to find him. Please help us spread the word that he is available by sharing his story!

SAMMY____________________________________________

Please meet our sparkling, smart, delightful Sammy! Sammy is a very bright little nine-year-old boy at our Believe in Me Jinjiang School, who is also on the shared list. Many of us who know and love Sammy are thrilled to think that there is a family somewhere who will be blessed to have him as a member. This dear boy is as clever as can be and has such a bright future ahead of him. He is speaking, singing, dancing, running, beginning to memorize and read, and is working hard to learn and grow in school. His kind heart and very funny sense of humor endear him to everyone. There is not a person who has met Sammy who doesn’t walk away forever changed about the way they think of someone with Down Syndrome. He is one of those children for whom the word “charm” was coined…and we mean charm in the best sense of that word. He is engaging, delightful, sweet, thoughtful, and filled with a goodness that draws people to him. Add to that a very capable and able mind, and there you have our Sammy! In class at school, Sammy is attentive and diligent in his work. One of the most social little guys in school, he is sure to participate in all of the activities, especially if it involves playing with his friends. He loves to play and is making much progress in learning through the play-based teaching that his teacher uses. He can label colors, shapes, and counts up to 10. This amazing, high-functioning boy soaks up every minute of learning when he is in school. The staff is amazed with how smart he is, and we are sure that he is teaching them as much as they are teaching him. There are no limits to this silly boy’s potential.

Sammy charms our socks off. We can’t wait to hear about how he will charm some lucky family waiting just for him!

LAUREN____________________________________________

Lauren was featured this past April on our blog (“Lauren: LWB’s Featured Child of the Week“). At that time she was unable to receive an education of any kind. Thanks to our generous sponsors, Lauren now has a personal tutor with whom she has formed a close relationship. We can see the evidence of their relationship in the reports we receive. It is doubly rewarding to be sharing the news that Lauren is available for adoption in addition to how much she seems to be benefiting from our education program.

Lauren’s tutor has fantastic things to say about her progress over the last six months. They have been working together physically, emotionally, and academically. They are physically strengthening her legs and fingers by doing exercises and hand work. During this time the tutor talks with Lauren about how she is doing, her studies, and her dreams in life. Finally, of course, they get to the actual tutoring! The areas in which she receives academic tutoring are Chinese, math, music, and art. In Chinese, her tutor reports that she is always learning new words and utilizing her creativity in language by creating stories from pictures. She has mastered addition and subtraction at this point, so the tutor is working on word problems in math in hopes of making it more applied and fun to learn. Lauren is singing songs and getting to know them well. In art she practices her drawing skills, as well as makes larger projects with scissors and glue…all of which helps to develop her creativity and imagination.

Just listen to some of the things Lauren’s tutor has shared that we think demonstrate who Lauren truly is:

* Her smile is not so shy anymore. You will see her smile now so happy and confident.
* She can feel the fun of singing songs now and has mastered the right rhythms.
* She can cut any patterns using her imagination.
* She is anxious to learn more and always looks forward to meeting me again.

Finally at twelve years old, Lauren has the opportunity to be matched with a family through the CCCWA’s Waiting Child Program. What we know about her special need is that it is referred to as “extrophy of the lower limbs.” A fellow LWB volunteer and physical therapist who volunteers with LWB had the pleasure of meeting Lauren this past summer reports that she cannot bear weight on her lower limbs and is currently using a wheelchair. We know there is a family waiting for Lauren, and we hope that they will soon come forward.

Please contact us for more information on Lauren!

UPDATE: Sweet Lauren is now listed with FITA and this agency has totally waived their agency fees for this wonderful child!

CHELSEA___________________________________________

One of the most fabulous things about people is that we are each unique. A combination of our innate personality and environmental influences will eventually create the adult we become, and children in particular allow their innate personality to shine through without inhibition. When reading the reports of the many children who we are fortunate to assist through our programs, one is reminded constantly of how each individual child has unique needs and is reached in a different way. Chelsie is a girl whose drive and curiosity set her apart. Although her disability prevents her from attending school with other children, Chelsie never stops learning (read more in “Chelsie: Longing to Learn”). Her foster family has been teaching her characters and how to draw. At just eight years old, she can be an inspiration to us all to never give up on who we are and what we want. LWB hopes to support her hunger for learning by helping her receive more formal education in the near future. We also want to spread the word that Chelsie is currently available for adoption through the shared list. To learn more about how to locate her file you can contact LWB’s Adoption Assistance Team at adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com. Imagine what Chelsie’s drive could accomplish with the support of a family!

ZANE______________________________________________

This is what is written about this sweet boy from LWBs who wants a family so badly:

Please be informed that I am still waiting on word that my family has found my file and sent in their paperwork to bring me home. It’s pretty hard for me to understand what is taking so long as I have been ready to meet them now for such a long time! While I wait, I have been trying to stay busy. Besides my schoolwork, I have been very busy rehearsing for the upcoming Children’s Day performance. Because I have a reputation for having great rhythm, I have learned many dances that I would be pleased to show anyone who is interested.

You might remember that I used to be a very sick boy. In fact, my heart didn’t work properly, and my coloring was blue (you can read all about it in “Zane’s Miracle”)! Breathing in the winter time was especially difficult. However, thanks to some extremely generous folks from around the world, I was able to have the heart surgery I desperately needed and now am feeling great! My heart is not only healthy but happy too. I love to play with my friends as well as sing and dance. I also had fun dressing up as Santa for the holidays

UPDATE:

The last time we met up with Zane, we imagined that he was hard at work writing a memo to his future family. It seems that they are not responding as quickly as he had hoped, and he is still waiting for them! So while he waits, he’s decided to take a break from work and play for awhile…like the ten-year-old boy that he is.

Zane was once a a boy with unhealthy blue lips and fingers who caught the eyes of one of our medical team in photos taken at his orphanage. Sponsors from around the world stepped in to fund his heart surgery (see “Zane’s Miracle”), and now he is no longer blue…and has energy to spare!

Now that he’s healthy and feeling good, Zane is curious about everything around him and explores the origin of any new sound. He is especially interested in anything new to him and invents opportunities to use these new things. For example, when he became interested in an umbrella he created many opportunities to use it, even wanting to take out the trash while using the umbrella! Zane is quite tactile and likes to touch this and that as a way to explore his world. Sometimes he sets the table, sometimes he arranges the toys. He also enjoys exploring the classroom when the teacher is not there.

Zane has struggled with math in the past, but he is improving in this subject. However, his teachers say that he needs to spend more time working on his Chinese! Maybe they can ask him to practice by composing some new memos to his future family. We hope Zane won’t have much longer to wait!

JERRY_____________________________________________

New to LWB Community this month is Jerry! Jerry is an eleven-year-old boy with cerebral palsy whom LWB has worked with for many years. In May 2006 LWB established our Believe in Me School. Jerry was the most memorable child we met on that first trip; in fact, the group that went there still laughs today about how adorable and charming he was!

Our staff was trying to assess the children identified as students for the school and take photos of them. Jerry would grab a child in the room, stand them in front of the photographer, step back, and say “cheeeeeeeeze,” so we could get a picture. After the child was dismissed by Jerry, he would come over to where we were recording notes and check our work. During that visit he earned the nickname of “The Assistant.”

In the spring of 2007 another group from LWB went to visit the school once it had opened. Jerry snuggled into the lap of one of our volunteers, sweetly kissed her cheek, and then proceeded to show her some functions on her camera she didn’t know she had. This seems to be a recurring theme with Jerry. His natural curiosity and friendliness have afforded him the opportunity to make many international friends.

That fall we again visited the school. One of our volunteers had been one of Jerry’s school sponsors since the school opened. She had closely followed his progress and was anxious to see the changes the school had made for him with her own eyes. He greeted her so excitedly and was a star at following classroom instruction (even though she was quite sure he secretly wanted to be “the assistant” once again). He worked well in small group instruction, followed directions, worked hard at the class project, and showed off his very good manners. Last summer another LWB volunteer brought some new teaching materials to the school. Jerry held her hand the whole day and was sweet and thoroughly interested in everything she did.

This friendly, helpful guy needs a home, and we are pleased that he now has the chance for that to happen! Some lucky family will be blessed to have this willing “assistant” as part of their lives!

WINNIE____________________________________________

UPDATE:

Beautiful Winnie!!!! This precious child is being cared for at LWB's and has been waiting so long!!! Please read about this wonderful child!

Winnie is full of good cheer! Always smiling in the photos we see of her, eight-year-old Winnie lives in the Orphanage, where LWB has done orphanage assistance projects. We featured her in a blog piece (“Winnie’s New Coat for a New Year”) right before Chinese New Year last year and were hopeful that she would be with a family of her own before the next new year. Although it doesn’t look likely for this year, we are going to take a hint from Winnie and remain happy and optimistic that her family will find her soon!

Winnie attends a special school and loves to teach her friends from the orphanage the songs and dances she learns there. We hear that school has been wonderful for Winnie and has helped her to become more open, outgoing, and happier than ever before. In her weekends off from school, her nanny says she enjoys assisting her with housework and helping with the babies. She truly loves to be helpful!

Just think of the smiles and love that Winnie could bring to any family. We return Winnie’s wish for peace as she waits for them!

In China, many people believe it’s important to welcome the new year with new clothes. Eight-year-old Winnie is so proud of her new coat and is ready to bring in the Year of the Rabbit! Winnie is a very sweet girl who lives at an orphanage, where LWB has done orphanage assistance projects. This girl is always smiling and is very outgoing. The nannies love her because she is an excellent helper! Cleaning the table, mopping the floor, making beds, folding clothes and feeding babies are all fun and games for Winnie. She has a little humpback (a frontward curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back), but it is said to not be too serious. Winnie walks very well, although occasionally she is a little unsteady. She expresses herself well but has difficulty articulating some of her words. Winnie is very happy to have a new coat (even it is a little bit too large for her) and can’t wait to celebrate Chinese New Year. Perhaps next year she will be able to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with her forever family! Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contactadoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.

I have seen video of this sweet girl! She is precious and very capable! if you would like to see her videos, please email me at 5puppies@comcast.net. Please consider being her family!

JOSIE XING________________________________________

Look at this precious child! Please read about Josie Xing!

This post has been written by a friend of LWB, Leigh Stevens. Leigh was recently in China adopting her son, and while she was there she met a little girl named Josie Xing who made a huge impression on her in just a moment. Leigh was inspired to advocate for Josie Xing’s adoption in hopes of giving her the moment she has been waiting for.

January 17, 2008 would mark the day that changed my life forever. I received an email about a little five-year-old boy who was an orphan in China who needed a family. When I looked at his pictures, I knew instantly he was ours. Through hurdles and impossibilities, we officially became a family on February 14th, 2011. Throughout the three years we waited to meet our son, I grew to know about the other children that lived with him at his orphanage. I saw pictures and heard their stories. One of these children was Josie Xing.

On our Gotcha day, I was able to meet Josie Xing. I was there when they told her she too was going to have a Gotcha Day soon because a family had chosen her! I saw her smile and jumping up and down. We promised she would see our son again in America. Sadly, at the last minute we were notified that the family would not be completing the adoption. We were all heartbroken. How can we tell Josie Xing she has to continue to wait? She has been waiting over five years for her family. I have included a note written by my son’s foster mother in China who pleads for a family for this amazing little girl:

This jolly little girl is in need of a special family. She is said to enjoy the company of her peers as well as attention from adults. She is described by her caregivers as a very active little girl who enjoys smiling. Upon admission she was found to have a deformity of both of her arms. It is reported that her ulna and radius bones are absent in both arms, and that she has delayed motor development. She is able to use her hands to feed herself. She has also had surgery in April 2008 for a congenital heart defect which was successful.

Are you looking for your daughter? She’s waiting, and her story can be similar to my Aiden’s where all it took was one email/blog post. ~ Leigh Stevens

Kim Dorr, an Australian volunteer who helps at a school for the children in Josie Xing’s orphanage, has also been struck by this memorable little girl and wrote this to help advocate for her adoption:

Josie Xing is currently five years old and without a doubt is a true battler in life. At age three, she fell ill with pneumonia; through this illness it was discovered she had a heart condition. She was immediately operated upon and has made a complete recovery. Josie Xing does suffer from malformed and stunted growth in both her arms. In our world this condition may seem like a hindrance or a disability, but for Josie Xing her determination and positive outlook on life have meant this “disability” has very little impact on her ability to be an independent regular child.

Josie Xing is truly one of the most magnetic and charismatic little people you could ever wish to meet. She truly lives up to the expression of a person who can “light up a room.” Unfortunately, for Josie Xing, her time is running out. No matter how hard she battles, her future life journey still remains confined withing Lang Fang orphanage. Currently at the age of five, she has been on the adoption waiting list for three years with little to no interest from prospective parents. How, I ask myself, can this be? She is beautiful, highly intelligent and one of the happiest people I have ever met. Time is running out for Josie Xing! She needs her forever family to find her soon. She is just waiting for someone to believe in her, like she has believed in herself for the past five years. ~ Kim Dorr

We hope that the testimonials of these three women who have met Josie Xing face to face will help give her the moment she is waiting for…the thrilling moment when she meets her family and goes to be with them always.

UPDATE: Sadly little Josie's file was pulled. LWB's is hoping her file will be made available again soon. I just could not take her off so, I will post when her file shows up again:(

JAY______________________________________________

With so many children waiting to be adopted, sometimes our efforts at advocacy don’t feel like enough. Some of the children wait so many months that their paperwork is no longer reflective of their age and development, making it even more difficult to advocate for them. While we realize that not every waiting child will find a family, we also realize that many children are overlooked and lost amongst the thousands of waiting child files available. In an effort to make others aware of the various children that are currently waiting, we want to tell you more about Jay.

Jay is an almost five-year-old boy with an outgoing personality. This little guy loves to have his photo taken! His special need is that he is deaf. His nannies tell us that Jay is polite, has a good memory and is very non-verbally expressive. Jay reportedly gets along well when playing with other children, and he is sociable and happy. It would be great to see this little boy join a family that could provide him with every opportunity possible.

Of course, Jay is just one of many children currently waiting to be found on the shared list and matched with a family. Sometimes it is easy for these children’s files to be overlooked if their paperwork is not current, if there is not enough information about their diagnosis, or not enough detail on what they can do developmentally or physically.

Adoption is the key to changing the life of a child. It accomplishes what nothing else can by giving a child a family to love and to love them back, a place where they can belong and have every opportunity to reach their fullest potential. As advocates for all children, our hope is that by sharing this brief introduction to a waiting child who is not in a Love Without Boundaries program, it will encourage us all to be an advocate in some small way for any and all children who are waiting and waiting.

Meg Montgomery is an Adoption Assistance Advocate for Love Without Boundaries. She is a social worker, living and working in New York.

MICKEY___________________________________________

Mickey is a sweet five-year-old boy with a mild, easy personality. He was born with congenital cataracts in both eyes. As a baby, he received cataract extraction and then had lens implantation surgery in May 2009. Bright lights can bother Mickey, and he will put his hands over his eyes in these situations. We are told that Mickey does have vision, but there are some things that are difficult for him. For example, although he is physically capable, he does not walk around independently.

Around strangers, Mickey is quite shy…but he is quite attached to his nanny! He reportedly gets along well with other children and loves to play. Although he is a man of few words, he does understand well when people talk to him. His favorite toys are a wooden horse and slide. He is able to feed himself and dress himself in summer, but in the winter, he needs some help with the multiple layers of clothes. This young man awaits a family who is prepared for the needs of a vision-impaired child. Please help us spread the news that mild Mickey needs a family!

DAVID MATTHEW____________________________________

Just like Jackie Chan, David Matthew looks ready to take on the world! He’s making his first appearance on LWB Community, and we’re so excited to tell you about this fantastic seven-year-old. David Matthew is a student at our Believe In Me Change School, and his teachers have nothing but praise for him.

David Matthew’s special need is listed as congenital cataracts, two eyeball tremors, and amblyopia, or “lazy eye.” As a result, he cannot see very well in dim light. He can tell light and shadow but has to approach the blackboard in order to see what is written on it. Even in unfamiliar settings he is able to get around without assistance and can take care of himself well enough to meet his daily needs. He sees well outside, but it takes him a little more effort to read inside. These conditions do not affect David Matthew’s ability to learn, and he reads and writes very well. In fact, in quarterly reports submitted by his teachers, they frequently mention how bright and conscientious he is. Here are a few excerpts:

* David Matthew gets along well with his classmates. And he is very smart! You would be surprised to find that his homework could be finished perfectly every time. His best subjects are math and reading. He is a nice boy who always smiles at you.

* David Matthew finishes his homework in good quality. Every day after school, he helps another student carry his walker upstairs. At school, he gets along well with the other kids. He knows what sharing means.

* David Matthew is a very smart boy who loves reading. Now he is a great assistant in the classroom. He is a very kind kid and he always wants to protect his friends. He writes beautiful characters.

Besides being a very smart boy who can do everything as well as most other kids, we want to also emphasize what a kind-hearted kid David Matthew is. He is always looking to do a favor for his friends and classmates. One day, David Matthew’s teachers asked him whether he wanted a family. He nodded his head and shyly said, “Yes, I would love a mom very much.” But later, as he watched his friend Rocky, a boy who has club feet, he said, “If I would find a family, I could feel so happy! But who could take care of my best friend for me after my leaving?” David Matthew is a positive child who hardly ever loses his temper, for he knows what’s right and what should be done. He tries to be kind to everyone around him.

David Matthew is a terrific kid who is loved by everyone around him! We’re looking forward to the day when he’ll have a mom and a dad who love him just as much. We feel sure he’ll karate-chop his way into their hearts, too!

Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contactadoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.

SHANE____________________________________________

Adorable Shane loves to dance!!!

Shane is a darling four-year-old boy. His multiple special needs include a deformity of his right ear, rickets, and a right arm deformity. The person who took these photos for us noted how extroverted he is and how much he likes to dance. Apparently, it took some convincing to get him to stop showing off his dance moves so she could get a good photo of him. It sounds like he is a fun-loving little boy!

DAVID____________________________________________

Remember when we were waiting for David to show us his smile? We can tell the summer agrees with him as he is grinning from ear to ear in his recent photos! Since David is still waiting to be matched with an adoptive family, we felt it was time for an update on what he’s been up to these last few months. (If you’d like to see more adorable photos of this boy coming out of his shell, please read his other blogs, “David’s Smile is Shining Through,” and “David’s Sweet Tooth…and Sweet Heart!”)

We have known David for some time now and have been fortunate enough to be able to provide medical, foster care, and education services to him over the last few years. When David came into our care in 2003, he needed surgery to repair a congenital heart condition. After that surgery, he entered LWB’s foster care program and later aneducation program that we have established in his Province.

At eight and a half years old, David has fun with his classmates and, like most kids his age, loves recess! His teachers are very encouraging and observe his efforts to listen and perform. Typically a happy child, David knows what is expected of him when guests come to his foster home and will demonstrate his excellent manners by greeting them when they arrive and getting a bench for them to sit on during their visit. He remains bashful and is not very talkative.

Although David often prefers quiet activities, he has been enjoying this hot and stormy summer. The summer months and break from school have provided him time to play with friends and frolic outside. This is time that even our shy David cherishes.

Please take a moment to share David’s blogs with others and help us to spread the word that he is waiting for a permanent family to foster his sweet and calm personality.

SEAMUS___________________________________________

Sweet Seamus!!!!! Please, please read about this beautiful child!!

Although he cannot see, he uses his heart to see the world.”

These beautiful words were written by the monitor at LWB’s Loudifoster care home where two and a half-year-old Seamus lives. Seamus was born prematurely and without eyeballs. It was later discovered that he has a significant hearing loss in one of his ears. Despite these challenges, Seamus just exudes pure joy. He is small in stature but delights whomever he encounters. Our monitor describes him as a lovely, joyful, and obedient little boy. Seamus’ file is currently available on the shared list, and we look forward to some very special family finding this very special boy and calling him their own. Now THAT is worth smiling about!

Please give this child a reason to keep smiling!

UPDATE: Please go here, http://www.lwbcommunity.org/seamus-a-tiny-bundle-of-cheer for an update on this precious child! What a joy he is!

NATE_____________________________________________

Please read about sweet, mischievous Nate!!

Nate is a happy little boy. Often described as curious and helpful, Nate’s nannies have revealed that there is a playful side to this well-mannered child. He and a friend recently devised a sneaky plot to get into a high cabinet containing snacks. Together the two children cooperated to get into the cabinet, which included Nate climbing onto the other boy’s back to make him tall enough to reach into the cabinet and get the snacks out! We know Nate is good at sharing; so we can imagine the two shared their pinched treats. Nate’s ability to get along well with other children is apparent, and he certainly seems to understand the concept of teamwork!

Nate is now five years old and has been on the shared list since 2009. We hope that he is not waiting too much longer to be matched so he can share his helpful (and mischievous) side with a family. If you or someone you know may be interested in adopting Nate, please contact us at adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com.

GENA______________________________________________

Beautiful Gena is 4 years old and is blind. Please, please read what LWB's wrote about this determined soul:

Gena was born with no eyes, and her eyelids are fused shut. However, this seems to have intesified Gena’s determination to become independent and to make her opinions known. Our foster care manager reports that Gena is becoming more and more confident and can even be, well, a little bossy! She recognizes each of the family member’s cell phone ring tones. When she hears a phone ring, she calls out the name of the relevant owner and tells them to answer the phone. When she hears the family meal being prepared, she instructs everyone to take their places at the table. When adults ask one another to do tasks such as clean the floor or help with the food preparation, Gena is always there to repeat the instruction and ensure that everyone does as he or she is told.

This spring, we received a set of videos of Gena showing her chatting with and interacting with her foster family. Her little voice is so cute, and she seems to take charge of the room with her very charismatic personality!

Please go here, http://www.lwbcommunity.org/genas-in-charge to read more about this precious little girl - and - to see her wonderful videos!! Watch them (esp the 2nd video) and have your heart moved!!

HENRY____________________________________________

Last summer we published a blog about Henry. We wanted to put out the word that Henry is still waiting! Eleven-year-old Henry would love to be adopted. His special need is a mild problem in his lower left limb, which doesn’t seem to slow him down too much. It’s plain to see from these pictures that Henry has a winning smile that exudes friendliness! We think his kind heart just shines through. Wouldn’t it be great if Henry’s family finds him before he is in danger of aging out and being ineligible for adoption? Just think of all he could do over the next few years to prepare him for his life ahead if he was adopted now — learning and experiencing all the wonderful things that come from having a family! Maybe Henry’s smile will bridge the distance to a family’s heart. Please help us spread the word that he is waiting for them to find him! Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contactadoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.

Read more about this VERY sweet child:

The nannies report that Henry is very kind-hearted and helpful to both them and the other children. Younger kids like to listen to him. He pushes the wheelchairs of the special needs kids when they want to wash hands, and he peels the cover of sweets and helps feed it to children whose fingers are not flexible. Although reading and studying aren’t his favorite activities, he does enjoy hard work and often helps the nannies and teachers do some cleaning.

Suzanne from LWB's also said, "Henry would love to be adopted. His special need is a mild problem in his lower left limb, which doesn’t seem to slow him down too much. It’s plain to see from these pictures that Henry has a winning smile that exudes friendliness! We think his kind heart just shines through."

Henry is ON the SHARED LIST- any agency can request his file, and WAIVERS could be consider if a parent (s) do not meet all of China's criteria to adopt. ALSO, WACAP has a $4200 grant for his adoption for an eligible family - need to use WACAP for the grant.

More info: http://www.lwbcommunity.org/more-smiles-from-henry-the-boy-from-lishui

COLIN_____________________________________________

Last August we ran a blog on Colin from our foster care program. This young man is still on the shared list waiting to be adopted. We thought our readers might enjoy seeing how much Colin has grown since our last report. His foster family says that he is an excellent eater and will eat just about anything, which is easy to believe by looking at his photos and seeing how much he has grown since the summer. Colin’s missing teeth must not be slowing him down! Colin is a typical active boy who loves playing outdoors. He does struggle with school and would truly benefit from having more educational options and support from an adoptive family. We’re hoping that a family will come forward for him sometime soon!

JAMES_____________________________________________

At the orphanage in Hefei lives a rather serious boy named James. James is eight years old and came onto LWB’s radar screen when he was evaluated by our medical program for a possible gastrointestinal issue. Although we were pleased that he did not require treatment at that time, we have remained interested in his progress. When we saw him on the shared list as a child eligible for adoption, we knew we had to spread the word about him. Perhaps a family of his own can bring a smile to his face! Our LWB staff says that James gets along very well with other kids and is quite nice and polite to everyone. He attends primary school and, well, to be honest, he is not yet a strong student. Perhaps in a different environment and with the support of a loving family, James would begin to do better academically and even enjoy school. James is said to be very healthy and ready to be chosen by a family of his very own. We would love to see him be given this reason to smile!

CHLOE_____________________________________________

Arlene Howard, our Foster Care Program Director, has worked closely with the our foster care program for the past three years. Through all the reports and children, there are a few who have especially touched her heart. Chloe is one of these children. When the foster care manager visits, Chloe is always smiling, and she has become a cherished member of her local neighborhood. Over the years, Chloe has seen many of her friends leave the SWI for adoption. It makes you wonder how much she might hope to be one of those children who leaves with a family of her own. Eight-year-old Chloe has a wonderful reputation as a sweet, considerate and compassionate little girl who tries to look out for her family members. In particular, she is a wonderful and tolerant big sister to her mischievous little brother, Anthony. Chloe will often remind her mother to be extra careful on the bus, and she enjoys doing things to make her whole family happy. When Chloe first came to us she had some vision impairment. Sometimes this makes it difficult for her to read the blackboard at school, but it has not stopped her from working hard to learn and to please her parents and teachers. She is also known to be extremely generous, sharing her snacks with others and allowing Anthony to choose his favorite television shows even when she would rather watch something else. A sensitive and gentle girl, Chloe is a loyal friend; she and her friend Rachel are often found together, smiling and giggling — Rachel is being adopted. When Arlene met these two girls, she found them to be so cute and giggly as they sat at their school desks, excited to meet her and clearly wondering what little gifts the visitors might have brought! We join Arlene in her hope that someday we will not read about Chloe’s distress when another friends leaves to be adopted. Instead, what a joyful day it will be when we learn that she has been matched through the CCAA shared list, that she has received a package from her family, and that finally she has joined her family for good!

Please feel free to share Chloe’s story and help her to join her friends from Lu’an around the world who have families of their own. If you need help or have questions that Love Without Boundaries can answer, please email us at adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com…we will be more than happy to help!
Please, someone bring this precious, sweet child home. I hate the thought of this loving child watching her best friend Rachel leave forever with her family, knowing that she does not have one!! Please!!!

JARED___________________________________________

Jared is one cool dude! In every photo we see of him, he confidently gives us the “peace” sign. In the last blog we ran on him, we reported that Jared might be the next Justin Bieber…with his upbeat, polite attitude and his love for singing and performing, not to mention his obvious sense of self-assurance. Jared is quite friendly to everyone in his orphanage. Besides his cool and amiable attitude, nine-year-old Jared is a very intelligent and inquisitive boy. He loves school and always has lots of questions for the teachers because he thinks a lot. An active participant in class, Jared accepts new things quickly and enjoys school very much. The nannies tell us that he likes to help them with housework and chores and enjoys looking after the younger kids. We think he sounds like a joy to be around! There is no question that Jared would liven things up in any family with his quick and curious mind, his confidence, and his good heart. He is still waiting for his family to find him on the shared list. In the meantime, he says, “Peace out!” Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency.

We invite you to contact adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program

JOHN______________________________________________

For nearly a year now, nine-year-old John of Lu’An, Anhui, has been waiting for his family to find him on the shared list. His sweet grin and mischievous personality remind us of Jane and Michael Banks from “Mary Poppins” when they sing their wishes for what their nanny should be like. They present their case with sincerity and giggles. Above is what we imagine John would say given the opportunity to voice his wishes for a family that would be perfect for him. John is sweet and friendly. He loves to joke and has a good sense of humor. His activity level is high, and he thrives on encouragement and peer socialization. Our foster care team has been able to put together $1000 adoption grant for John . See more information on this, see our blog entry, “A Christmas Blessing for Rachel, Chloe and John.” We have featured John on our blog on several occasions (see also“John”). John has seen a foster sibling be adopted more than once, and while we are excited for those children to find homes, we see how it impacts John when his friends and siblings have families and he is still waiting. We hope John does not have to experience this loss again and that instead he will be the child to leave with his family. Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contactadoptionassistance@lwbmail.com with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s Waiting Child Program.