Ohana

 

 

 

Can you imagine growing up in an orphanage?  Although I'm sure in most cases the nannies and staff love the children and do the very best they can, it's not the same as having a family of your very own.  Children need parents to cheer them on, love them, guide them, discipline them, tuck them in at night, kiss their boo boos, celebrate their achievements, be a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear when things get tough.  The three boys that I will highlight in this post want what every other child wants and deserves; they want to belong.  They want to be part of a family. 

 

Three host families took these boys into their homes for one month.  Why?  Well, honestly, a hosted orphan has a much, MUCH greater chance of being adopted than an orphan who is just a blurb and a dated photo on a website. 

 

David Platt said, "Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names.  They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.  It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms.  But once you do, everything changes."

 

The boys will go back to China on March 14th.  Our greatest hope is that all three go back with a forever family pursuing them for adoption.  And that's where you come in.  WE NEED YOUR HELP.

 

Please share this post with anyone who might be even slightly interested in learning more about the boys.  We will be hosting a Chinese food luncheon THIS SUNDAY at noon, at West End Presbyterian Church, in Richmond, VA.  This will be an opportunity for anyone who wants to, to meet the boys, see them in action, ask questions about them, etc.  We will be advocating for them on different social media advocacy sites, too, but often times, word of mouth from a friend of a friend is just as effective!  To learn more about adopting from China, click here.

 

Yes, there are MILLIONS of orphans.  Millions upon millions.  We can't help them all, but we will do for one (or in this case, three) what we wish we could do for all. 

 

Now, meet the boys!  I'll go youngest to oldest...

 

This is Je Ti, and he is 8 years old.  Je Ti is deaf, and was fitted with a cochlear implant two years ago.  His language, as you would reason, is quite behind.  Je Ti is very smart, though, and very creative! 

He is energetic and loves to swim and ride a bike.  He's great at math, drawing, painting, and he's recently discovered Mickey Mouse and is quite a fan!  He's currently missing his two front teeth, so you'll know just what to get him for Christmas.  ha!

For more information about Je Ti, please contact his host mama, Heather, at heather.p.jarvis@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Now, meet Ji Nuo!

JiNuo just turned 10 years old, and the only time he's not smiling is when he's sleeping.  I'm not kidding!  He is just a happy, happy little guy.  We have been able to communicate with him using a translating app, and it's worked out well.  He can read and do basic math, and he claims that his favorite subject in school is Science.  His 3 English words are thank you, goodbye, and iPad!  JN has CP and he is pigeon toed.  When he walks, it looks like he's wearing invisible stilettos.  He doesn't have a lot of coordination or strength, and he would benefit so much from physical therapy and treatments of some type.  He walks, goes up and down stairs, and even runs- he won't be stopped!  He is very snuggly and affectionate.  He loves soy sauce, bath time, and being tucked in at night.  He goes to bed without a peep and sleeps through the night.  Jackpot!

To learn more about Ji Nuo, please email me at tracy.scoggins@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Last but certainly not least, this is Yangcai! 

At 11 years old, his time is running out to find a family.  In China, once you turn 14, you are no longer eligible for adoption.

From host mom:  "Yangcai is a great kid who likes to engage people with his sense of humor. He has a lot of energy but can focus and be still when needed. He is very willing to try new things. He is easy going and has been happy to go along with our family's routines. He loves to make things with his hands in a constructive and mechanical way and likes to figure out how things work.

He has moderate hearing loss in the right ear, but it does not hinder him. He communicates well and is picking up English words easily.  His repaired cleft lip/palate do not seem to bother his speech and he prefers soft foods, noodles being his favorite.

He does not appear to have much confidence in school work and struggles and or quits when he can't do something well. He doesn't have many social skills but that is to be expected and will require patience and attention to help him "catch-up" 

 

To find out more about Yangcai, please email his host mama, Ali, at alifogarty@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

I'm so hopeful that the right people will read/share this post, and that these boys find their Ohana.

 







 

 



 

 

 



An Inch is a Mile.

I was hoping to blog a little sooner than this, but I'm finding that hosting while working is a whole lot different than hosting while everyone is home on Christmas vacation.  Phew!  I fall into bed completely spent every night, but in a good way.  :-)

If you haven't read about the night he arrived yet, you can do so
HERE

My friend Kim is a ROCKING storyteller and photographer, and you'll feel like you were there at the airport with us!  :-)

Things are going really well with our smiley guest- I can't believe he's been here 5 days!  He is a precious little treasure, for sure.

I was so worried about hosting again, after hosting my little crush, JQ (swoon.)
BUT...I am happy to report that the human heart is capable of making room to love another!  Who knew?!?

They are very different little boys, but equally special. 
Ji Nuo (I'll call him JN) is so eager to please.  He does anything I ask of him (short of eating broccoli), and I never have to ask twice.  If you haven't noticed in the photos, he smiles CONSTANTLY.  My friend Deanna asked, "Does he ever stop smiling?!?!??"  I told her no  (maybe when he sleeps?!?) 

Much like JQ, at first, he wasn't very open to affection, and hugging him was like hugging a board.  Now?  Oh my- every time he walks into a room he comes right over for his hug.  It doesn't take long for them to figure out, "hmmmm... I like this.  I think I've been missing out!"

JN has CP and is pigeon toed.  He is very weak.  He can only get up stairs if he pulls himself up with the banister, or just crawls.  His upper body is very weak, too.  He can't lift a gallon of milk, or close the van door by himself.  His balance isn't good, and his coordination is even worse.  Bless.  Today Reid asked him if he wanted to play catch, and he replied, "No.  I am not good."  Ugh.  I told him that was ok, and that Reid would be very patient, but I think he is self-conscious.  We will definitely work on that, and celebrate the small victories!

He seems much younger than he is (just turned 10 on the 8th), but boy oh boy is he sweet.  And brave.  Wow.  these kids utterly amaze me.

He had a checkup at the dentist today, and he was SO GOOD.  He was nervous and maybe a little scared at a couple of points (the X-rays, mostly), but he listened to me and trusted that this was all for his good, and he did it!  AND...no cavities!!!  WOW!!!



the panoramic X-ray machine really freaked him out.  What a trooper!

Dr. Chris, checkin' out the chompers,

Done, and super proud of himself!

Before the dentist, my dad and I took him out to lunch at this little hole in the wall Chinese place called Wok and Roll.  (LOL) We were the only ones there, and the staff was falling all over him.  He was chatting away with one of the employees, and she said, "He just told me that he likes being with your family."  I said, "He does?  What does he like about it?"  His reply?  "Everything!" 
OK...my point here is this:  we have done NOTHING SPECIAL.  I took him to Costco.  I took him to Chickfila.  He has lightsaber battles with the kids.  We play Zingo.  We hug him and tuck him into bed at night.  We eat meals as a family.  He plays on the iPad.  We play outside.  We went to church.
I feel like we've barely done anything (an inch), but to him?  It's EVERYTHING (a mile)

If you've EVER considered hosting an orphan, but felt like you couldn't offer them much...please reconsider.  What you offer will be SO MUCH to them.  It will be more than enough.

We do have some fun things planned (we need to make sure he has some fun stories to tell when he returns to China!), but it will just be icing on the cake.  He is happy and content just being in a family. 

I'll close with this picture, taken at dinner.  (yes, I know- I shouldn't be snapping pics when we are praying, but I couldn't help myself!!)

Here We Go Again!

Time to blow the dust off the ol' blog...the Scoggins family is getting ready to host again! 

One week from today, we will be picking up little Ji Nuo from Dulles airport.  I wonder several times a day what's going through his head, as the day of his departure draws near.  All of the anticipation, excitement, fear of the unknown...can you even imagine??  He's been given a photo album filled with pictures of our family, and a letter of introduction, translated into Mandarin.  Other than that, he is stepping out into the great unknown.  These kids are so brave.  SO. BRAVE.

 

Ji Nuo turns 10 years old on Monday February 8th.  When he's here, Chris and I will have a 9 year old, a 10 year old, an 11 year old, and a 12 year old.  Bring on the crazy!

 

Two very dear Richmond friends are hosting with us, which has really upped the excitement factor! It will be so nice for the boys to have each other to see and talk to in Mandarin.   There will be lots of playdates over those four weeks!  (that will be for Ji Nuo's sake...and mine!)

Heather and Jon's host son, "Ben"

Ali and EJ's host son, "Jack"

 

 

This will look a bit different than our other two hosting experiences, in that I'm working at a preschool and I'm not allowed to bring Ji Nuo with me.  I have a sub once a week, but other than that, we have pieced together child care.  My friend Jennifer is keeping him 6 of the mornings, and I don't think I could bake enough chocolate chip cookies in a lifetime to repay her kindness!

 

And to the thirteen families that donated towards our hosting fees to even make this possible?  Well, there are just no words.  We might be his host family, but his "American Family" spans far and wide, as far as we're concerned.  It takes a village, each and every time.

 

To be brutally honest, we are all a little nervous about hosting again, after hosting JQ...

 

...not because we're worried about having our hearts broken again (the broken hearts have healed, and they were worth it.  He has a forever family that is AMAZING, and he is thriving!)  It's just that JQ made it so darn easy on us!!!  We were told to expect the kids to be jet lagged and off schedule for one day per hour of time difference.  That's 12 days.  JQ?  ONE DAY.
We were warned that they aren't used to western toilets and to expect some bathroom challenges.  Nope.  We were warned that they aren't used to driving around and to expect car sickness and/or dislike for the car.  JQ ate road trips for lunch!  He fell right into our family, from day one.  He ate anything we put in front of him.  He even got our family's sense of humor...and dished out his own funnies!  Seriously, we reeeeeeally lucked out with him.  Alyona was a teenager, so she was old enough to figure things out, and was easy in that way.  We really just don't know what to expect with Ji Nuo, and yes, it's scary!  So why the heck are we doing this again?  Why are we juggling schedules, paying a ton of money, inconveniencing ourselves and our children?  Well, it's simple.  Because we love Jesus.  That's it.  These orphans are God's kids, and He loves them madly, so, we better love them, too.  We are commanded in James 1:27 to "look after orphans in their distress", and that's what we're going to do. 

 

Please pray for us as we prepare for his arrival, and for the kids as they prepare to come.  They weren't born yesterday, and they know what this trip COULD mean for them.  Please pray that every last one of the children coming finds a forever family through their hosting experience. 

Every child deserves and longs for a loving family.

 

The next time I post on this blog...he'll be in my arms.  Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ridin' the Tea Cups

Although I do love all things Disney, there is a reason I leave riding the Tea Cups at Magic Kingdom to the kids..

(The girl on the right is our niece, WDW 2012)

Drops?  Love 'em.  Water rides?  Hand me my poncho!  Dark rides?  Bring it.  Speed?  YES PLEASE.  Whenever I ride something that spins, though, I want to die.  I don't like getting off a ride and feeling disoriented. 

These past couple of weeks, I've felt like my life is one big,  disorienting ride on the Tea Cups.  Honestly, I'm struggling.  Every time I see a picture of Jia Qing, or think about him, or laugh as the kids imitate him, or someone asks about him, it borders on painful. 
I wonder every single day if he is a Scoggins, and if we've completely missed the boat.  I mean... good grief, look at this picture!!!

 

As you may or may not have seen, a couple of weeks ago, a gal in Boise posted on my Facebook wall, that she and her family were adopting a precious 13 year old girl from JQ's orphanage (he lives with a foster family, but attends school at an orphanage).  She said that she had been following my blog since he came to live with us, and they were feeling led to adopt him, along with the girl. We were relieved and happy, but also...conflicted.  We told ourselves that it would be awesome for him to have a Chinese sibling, and parents that are about a decade younger than we are.  So...we waited.  This past Friday, the mom told me that they released his file.  Her husband felt like they needed to just focus on adopting their daughter, especially with her special needs.  If you're counting, that was the third family to pursue him, but not move forward to adopt him.  0 for 3.

 

The other day, before the file had been returned,  Chris was at basketball practice with Loren, and I read an article to the boys called The Truth About Older Child Adoption.  When I was through, I asked them how they felt, knowing adopting is a lot different than hosting.  It's FOREVER, and it's "real life" (unlike everyone being home on Christmas break, enjoying trips to Great Wolf Lodge and Sweet Frog).  Cole said "I still want to adopt him."  I asked him why, and he paused and said, "Because I love him."  Reid, always the comedian, quoted Mr. Peabody and Sherman with an "I have a deep regard for him as well."  Loren prays every night that we are his family. 

 

So, if you are a praying person, would you please pray for us?  And please, please, please pray for Jia Qing (along with the other kids that were hosted and are still waiting for a family).  One thing that we've absolutely learned about ourselves through all of this, is that we TRULY want the BEST for JQ.  And when you're having serious conversations about adoption, you NEVER feel like the best.  Like, seriously, I'm guessing there are, oh, 145,387 families that would be better for him than we are.  It's easy to convince yourself that an orphan would be better off with a family that doesn't yell.  Or is younger.  Or is older.  Or has more money.  Or lives in a bigger house.  Or has kids that obey the first time (is there such a thing?)  Or, or, or, or...

 

Chris and I both want what God wants.  Unfortunately, we aren't quite agreeing on what that is.  Good times!   It very well might be that an AMAZING family requests his file tomorrow and moves forward, or it might be that nobody does and he just goes on in foster care.  It might be that we are meant to advocate only (and there is certainly nothing wrong with that- there is a HUGE need for host families!), or maybe Jia is a Scoggins.  Chris and I are struggling to know what our role is in his life.  We need wisdom and discernment, and an extra measure of patience with each other as we muddle through this. I don't want to miss what God has because of fear or uncertainty. 

 

Who knows what I'm opening us up to by writing this post, but I KNOW there are so many friends out there who are wondering what the heck is going on.  I know I would be!!!

I'll leave you with this video.  I watch it on my phone almost every day.  It's one of my absolute favorites, because it shows what a hilarious little spaz JQ is.  He is saying "Chickfila Doug", because Doug works there and the two went hand in hand for him.  He puts on Loren's hot pink coat and says "Jia Qing!"  Oh my- he's funny, and loud, and wonderful.

 

 

 

Every time I hear this song, I am undone.  "Every child has a dream to belong and be loved."

Thanks for your prayers and support, and for loving our family no matter what happens.

 

 

 

 

 

 



One week later...

This guy:

 

 

 

It was one week ago today that we put this heartbreaker on a plane back to China.  As Bill Withers (or Lenny Kravitz, depending on which version you like) would say:  "Ain't no sunshine when she's (he's) gone."

I probably need to stop staring at his picture on our fireplace mantle or watching his You Tube video once or twice a day (there are currently 96 views.  I'm guessing 87 of them are mine...)

The kids imitate him constantly.  Oh my goodness- all 3 of them are dead ringers for JQ!  The hilarious things he did and said (or the things that were just downright precious) go on through Cole, Reid and Loren.  They miss him, too.

I'm so grateful for the pictures we've received from one of the chaperones.  Pictures of him with his foster parents and foster siblings, and pictures of him with friends from the orphanage.  Of course, he's smiling in every one.  SO happy and relieved that, at least as much as the pictures show, he is happy and not sad. 

I talked to one of the CCAI adoption coordinators yesterday, and got answers to a few of my questions...

first question:  Can he be re-hosted, either by us or someone else? 

answer:  no.  There are SO MANY ORPHANS in China, and Project 143's goal is to give as many kids an opportunity to be hosted as possible.  They will pull kids from a completely different region for summer hosting.  There are 10-ish orphans per 1 chaperone, so the kids do come in groups from specific areas.  Not just "one from here, one from there." 

second question:  Is there a family currently viewing his file?

answer:  no, there is not.  :-(

third question:  Can we keep in touch with him?

answer:  yes.  We are waiting for an address so we can mail him letters, pictures, etc.  Our contact at CCAI is also going to keep me posted on families requesting his file, more info, etc. 

We will absolutely continue to advocate not only for Jia Qing, but also for the other host children we met who are still waiting for their forever family to find them. 
If you look under Special Focus you will see not only JQ, but several of the other kids who were hosted and still waiting.  If there was an update in Dec or Jan, that is a good clue that you're looking at a child who was hosted, and his or her host family will be able to give you tons more info!

We will also continue to raise awareness about orphan hosting.  It's not always easy, but it is so worth it.  Those kids are so worth it!!  Our hosting coordinator was actually just in Latvia, interviewing kids for the summer hosting program.  Things are already in the works!  My work schedule will not allow us to host this summer, but Christmas 2015 is certainly on our radar!  Of course, I fear that JQ has ruined me for all other kids- ugh!!! 

I miss him.  WE miss him!  Honestly, there are times each and every day, when I second guess our decision to not pursue adopting him, even though there are probably a million reasons not to.  If we are not on the right path, I pray that mountains are moved on his behalf and ours. 
By the same token, if a different family is meant to adopt him, I hope and pray they step forward SOON, and my heart becomes more content with how things played out.  We want the best for him, and right now, only God knows what that is.  Psalm 68:5 says that He is a "father to the fatherless."  Thank you, Lord, for keeping his little heart so tender.  He is so special, and he is seen and known and loved!

Thank you for your prayers, inquiries, hugs, Facebook posts telling us how much you'll miss seeing JQ's pictures every day, etc.  We have awesome friends and family, FOR SURE.

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy. We've done it many times, between hosting and our years doing interim care for Bethany Christian Services, but that doesn't make it any easier.  What I will say, is that I believe this is what God has called us to do, and He has equipped us to do it.  So many people have said over the years, "How can you let them go??"  "I could never do what you're doing- I would be too attached", etc.  Well, you could and you would, if that's what was being required of you.  We knew with each and every child that has passed through our doors, that a "goodbye" was coming.  Of course, this particular goodbye was a little tougher.  Ok, a lot tougher. 

I'm going to warn you right now, that this post is going to be difficult to read, and your heartstrings are going to stretch to capacity.  It's long, too.  Here's what our last few days looked like...

Monday night, we put everyone to bed around 8pm.  Bedtime had NEVER been an issue with JQ.  At almost 10pm, Cole came down, exasperated and in tears.  "He just won't go to sleep!  He keeps trying to get in my bed, get me to read to him, play with him, etc.  I'm TIRED!"  After questioning Cole as to why he waited TWO HOURS to tell us there was an issue, Chris went upstairs and told Jia that it was time to go to sleep, and that Cole needed rest for school the next day.  He obeyed at that point, and went to sleep. 

Tuesday when the kids were heading out to the bus stop, Jia cried.  He just didn't want them to go (you've seen his reaction when they come home!!)  I gently told him that they would be back in a few hours, and that everything would be ok.  He pulled himself together...until Chris left for work about 5 minutes later.  Then, it started all over again.  Chris hugged him and told him he would be back soon.  I remembered at 7am that I was supposed to bake cookies for a women's bible study I was attending at 9am (nice!), so I got busy on that.  I noticed it was quiet, so I went looking for JQ, and found him in our bed.  Those were the first signs that he knew and understood what was coming. 

We kept him busy and took him swimming.  His favorite activity ever!  We enjoyed meals together as a family, and made things as fun as we could for him.

 

All the while, we were counting down the days with him.  "In 3 days, you'll go on the airplane."  "In 2 days, you'll go on the airplane.  Will your friends recognize you without your front teeth?!"  He would nod his head and say "ok", and that he was happy to go back to China.  Even the day he left, I said, "In 2 hours, you will leave with us to go on an airplane, We'll stay in a hotel, and then you'll go back to China."  He understood and seemed fine with it...until he had to say goodbye to the kids.  God gifted us with our very first school cancellation that very day (thank you icy roads!), and our kids got to spend the morning with him.  It was great.  Our neighbors kept the kids while we were gone (they are THE BEST- thank you, Rick and Carolee!)

 

 

I can't say it better than my friend Heather Beam did.  I texted her a video the day we left, showing a very sad little guy, and this was her response:

"I keep going back to the truth that video demonstrates:  that sweet boy's heart is still tender.  miraculously, God has kept his heart from being hardened from the losses in his life.  I am in awe of how available he is emotionally.  He will attach beautifully to a family as soon as they snatch him up!"

 

Although it was painful, his response was right and good, and showed that he does indeed have a tender heart that knows how to love someone.  It's a gift!

 

After a few minutes, he settled down and we were on our way.  He was good as gold on the plane, and was excited to be flying again.  He does love airplanes! 

 

 We checked into our hotel in Chicago, we got some Panda Express to go, and had a picnic in the hotel lobby.  It was GREAT connecting with 4 other families, sharing our stories and watching our host kids play together and totally enjoy each other!

 

 

We didn't get to bed until after 11pm.  He slept in one bed, and Chris and I slept in the bed next to him.  The lights were off and we were all tucked in, when we heard, "I love you daddy.  I love you mommy."  Oh my heart. 

 

The next morning he kept checking the contents of his backpack; I think he was ready to just get the show on the road.  We had breakfast with our friend, Salimeh, and her host son.  So fun!

 

Then, it was time to meet the other families at the airport.  There were 25 host kids in all, and it was madness!  He had fun seeing his buddies, and didn't hang out with Chris and me all that much. 

Then, it was time for the host parents to say their goodbyes.  We called Jia over and talked to him and held him.  We told him how much we LOVED having him stay with us. 

 

He struggled.  Lots of tears from all 3 of us.  This picture pretty much sums it up. 

 



 Saying goodbye was difficult for him, and he actually tried to avoid it.  When the kids left, and the host families couldn't go any farther, we were yelling goodbye and waving, along with the other host parents, but he wouldn't look our way. 

Late last night, I was on Facebook, and saw this photo, that my friend, Christine, posted of her host son (in the red hat).  And there was our baby, in tears.  We had no idea that he was still crying until we saw her picture, because he was facing away from us. 

 

We took comfort in knowing that he would quickly rally, like he did after his sad goodbye with the kids.  We knew he would be so excited to be on the plane with all of his buddies, swapping stories and laughing together.  We missed him (and still do, of course), but we knew he would be okay. 

 

 

I said on Facebook last night, that to make an omelette, you need to crack a few eggs.  We knew that goodbye was going to be painful.  But...it was worth it, for all of us.  We were bent and broken for a little boy who had never experienced the love of a family.  He went back to China after being completely poured into!  He had experiences that he wouldn't have had otherwise.  And he WILL be adopted.  I don't know when and I don't know by who (whom?), but it will happen.  Several of the 25 kids found their forever family while they were here.  Others have things "in the works."  ALL 25 of them had an almost zero percent chance of being adopted, if not for being hosted.  And that is why we host, even though it's hard for everyone.  They need a CHANCE.

 

So many people have called us "amazing".  Although so incredibly sweet, it's just not accurate.  FAR. FROM. ACCURATE.  We are not amazing by any means.  We just love orphan care, and we believe in the hosting program because it works.  Almost anybody can do it, really!  No "amazingness" required.  What you DO need is a bed (we didn't have one- we borrowed one from my parents), the hosting fees (huh- we didn't have those either- we raised them!), and some love to give.  You need a willingness to have your heart broken because you took a risk and loved a child like your own, who is not your own.  That's it, really.  Would you consider joining us next Christmas?!  Have your heart broken- it's for a good cause!!  :-)

 

 

Our hope is to somehow keep in touch with JQ, and definitely to continue advocating for him.  We will keep you posted on new developments, too. 

 

This crazy little guy really made a mark on Richmond, VA, and beyond.  He has captured so many hearts, and has put a face and a personality on "the orphan".  He is just one of SO MANY.  We are incredibly fortunate that for a time, he was ours and we were his.  THANKFUL.





 



 

 

 



 

 

 



Denial: It's more than a river in Egypt.

As today draws to a close, we are left with only 3 more days until JiaQing returns to China. Sure, in some ways it will be nice to be back to our normal level of loud and crazy, rather than the heightened level we've been living in.  The laundry pile will get smaller, the grocery bill will get lower, and we'll be back to a home where all of its occupants speak English. 

Mostly, though, I'm in denial.  I will miss him so much.  I proactively got a sub to cover my preschool class on Friday, knowing that I will spend every moment on the brink of ugly, bubble-snot crying.  I told Chris that I'll probably spend Friday staring at his pictures and watching all of his videos, like a lovesick teenager who just got dumped by her boyfriend.  His reply?  "Yeah, I figured."

Here are some of the random things I'll miss, in no particular order:

- His reaction when the kids get off the bus

- Hearing new English words every day.

- I'll miss his singing.  He's started singing to the Frozen Soundtrack (Let it Go)- My job here is done.  Ha!  He also tries his darndest to sing in church.  Here he is singing the theme song to Jessie. 

- Tucking him in at night.  He lets me give him all the kisses I want, and then I listen at the door for "Gut NIGHT, COLE!"  Well, it's not like I have to strain.  Have I mentioned he's loud?

-Watching him tattle on the other kids.  He acts the entire thing out.  Like...he'll come in and say, "Cole!"  then he'll smack himself on the head, kick the air, punch his own gut, and then say, "REID!"  Translation:  Reid punched Cole in the gut. 

- Watching him slurp his noodles and scratch his back with his chopsticks.

- Seeing him grow and change with a little bit of love.  It's like watching a flower bloom.

- There are certainly days that I'm ready to sell our kids to the gypsies.  I've got to hand it to them, though; they've stepped up to the plate and been remarkable host sibs to JQ.  Cole has given up his room and what little privacy he had.  They all love him to pieces, but, he can be a little high maintenance (I'm chuckling to myself as I type).  The kids have shown him so much love and grace and patience that I am left in awe.  Last night, we coincidentally watched the Little House on the Prairie episode,  "Fagin"
Ohhh wow, did that one hit home.  We talked about it afterwards, and I told the kids that they are a lot like Laura, who found herself having to share Ma and Pa with Albert, who seemed to be getting so much of the attention.  If you're looking for a reason to give hosting a try?  Do it for your kids and watch them rise to the occasion.

 

 

- I will miss his laugh.

 

- I will miss seeing him in my rear view mirror when we're driving, calling, "Mommy!" and putting his hand to his ear.  That means, "turn it up!"

- When he claps his hands, gives the "thumbs up", or says "OK!" because he's happy, there's nothing better.

- I love it when we're out and about, and people inquire about him upon realizing that  he doesn't speak English.  The majority of people that I've talked to have no idea what Orphan Hosting is, and raising awareness brings me so much joy!

- Watching him put his trust in Chris to try new things in the water has been amazing.  He's so cute in his goggles that I can't even stand it.

 

 

-Watching him bow his head and fold his hands to pray puts a lump in my throat.  As soon as they finish brushing teeth, he points to our room and folds his hands like, "Don't forget- we need to pray!"

 

 

- Even though he's been here for a month, he still feels the need to tell us when he needs to go to the bathroom.  He holds his front for number 1, and his back for number 2, until we say, "OK!"  

 

- I'll miss him at the dinner table.  He keeps us laughing!

 

 

 

 

 

I'll tell you right now, that not all of the host families have had the positive experience that we've had.  We've been so fortunate.  Our hosting experience in 2012 was good, but not great.  I think younger has been right for us.  I have NO CLUE what our airport goodbye will be like.  He might clutch on to us and cry.  Or, he might wave goodbye and be on his merry way.  Honestly, I could see it going either way.  He says he's enjoyed us, but he's also excited to get back to China.  I'm glad!  As far as a family here goes...we've hit a few roadblocks, and I honestly don't know what's going to happen.  One very interested potential family did not fall under China's age requirements.  The other serious family is getting some resistance from a couple of their children, and they don't want to move forward unless and until the ENTIRE family is on board (smart move.)  Supposedly, there is a 3rd family in the area that is very interested in meeting him (and they have his file), but I haven't heard anything from them.  So...we are continuing to advocate, not only for JQ, but for some of the other host kids that are still waiting for their forever family to find them.  This world is so broken, and sometimes the sheer number of orphans overwhelms me with sadness.  So, please join us in making a difference, one child at a time.