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.