Marshall & Marnie {Siblings from Taiwan}

Meet 5 year old Marshall and his 4 year old sister Marnie! We met these adorable siblings for the first time during our visit to Taiwan in April.

Marshall is an active little guy with lots of fun energy – he just wants to play! While we were meeting he had so much fun making a game of everything. He found a pillow shaped like a lion and gave us a big ROAR! He told us that his favorite color is red and that’s why he picked out his red shirt to wear. He also told us he loves pizza, but not rice. Marshall is attending kindergarten and showed us that he knows colors, shapes, and how to count to 12.

Marnie is lively and sweet, and she is sometimes shy around new people. She told us that she loves to play on the slide at the playground and to do puzzles at home. When asked what her favorite food was she smiled and said “candy” – what a typical 4 year old response! She just started attending kindergarten earlier this year and really likes going. Her foster mom told us that the teachers report she is a good listener and always follows the rules.

Marshall is suspected to have ADHD and some delays. Both children are living in foster families, however not the same family. We are still waiting to receive the children’s full profiles, but we have more information and photos from our trip that can be shared. Please contact Mary Chapman at mary.chapman@gladney.org for more info!

Beautiful Taiwan {Picture Post}

Hayden

Hayden is only 1 year old and is an incredibly adorable baby boy. Just look at that little grin! Melt.my.heart into a puddle on the floor.

Hayden has Down Syndrome and an extra digit on his right hand. Like all of our sweeties with Down Syndrome, Hayden has a $4,000 grant available through Gladney! Can you think of any good reason this baby should wait for a family? Neither can I.

Hayden recognizes his name when it is called and rolls over independently. He holds toys in his hands and plays with them. He is a smiley little fellow and like his bouncy seat.

This little guy needs a family! Could he be your son? Please contact us at superkids@gladney.org for more information.

NYC (Working) Retreat

Things have been a little quiet here this week and with good reason. We all converged in the Big Apple to talk about and strategize all things Superkids and Gladney China and Taiwan program related. Lindsay came from Illinois and Mary and Erin came from Pennsylvania.

That is right, we have been talking about the kids we are looking to find families for, the continuing role of Superkids, new outreach ideas, and even the tentative dates for our next trip to Taiwan!

And we have been eating good food and enjoying some time together in beautiful New York City. Don't worry, we will be back to our normal posting schedule next week with lots of gorgeous children to tell you about!

Darius {Taiwan}

Sweet Darius turned six years old last month. We’ve had the chance to meet Darius twice with Superkids and his full profile was recently completed by our partner agency in Taiwan. We last saw Darius in April and he loved playing with a toy train that lights up! His caregivers told us that his favorite toys are anything with lights or that makes sounds. He also enjoys toy cars.

Darius has delays and is suspected to be on the autism spectrum. He is receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapies. He is not yet saying any words. He can run and would carefully inspect toys he was interested in. His caregivers stated that he would be starting kindergarten in the fall. 

Darius’s caregivers told us that he seeks hugs – wouldn’t you love to just squeeze this little guy?! Along with Darius’s full profile, we have photos and videos from our Superkids visits with him – we would love to share more about Darius! Please contact Mary Chapman at mary.chapman@gladney.org for more information.

Martin {Taiwan}

We were able to meet 2 year old Martin for the first time in April. What a precious little guy! He was pretty shy and wary of us at first, but it didn't take him long to warm up. We learned that he came to live at our partner agency’s children’s home in January of this year. He has made a lot of progress in the few months he’s been there. His caregivers told us that he is responsive to them and enjoys getting lots of attention – especially hugs!

Martin loves anything red! He likes playing with balls and any toy that lights up or makes sounds. He also enjoys watching cartoons. His caregivers told us he also loves to eat!

Martin has overall delays and is not yet speaking, but he does participate in speech therapy and occupational therapy. Martin is suspected to be on the autism spectrum. We have his full profile and additional information from our meeting with Martin that can be shared. Please contact Taiwan program caseworker Mary Chapman at mary.chapman@gladney.org.

Meet Harlow and Kevin!

Today we are introducing you to two very young children. They have several things in common, they are both 2 (Kevin is close to 3), they are both as cute as buttons, they both have treated hydrocephalus, and they both seem to be dong great developmentally. These children are from different orphanages and are not siblings.

Lets start with Harlow.

I know! I did the same thing when I saw that precious little picture pop up!

Harlow is described a shy, quiet little girl who smiles easily. She sits independently, crawls, and walks with assistance. She is saying a few simple words and is able to communicate her needs well.

She has a shunt and seems to be heathy and developing well.

Then there is little Kevin...

Another cutie! He is sitting independently and crawling. He can stand with assistance for brief periods of time. He knows his own name as well as the names of the other children in his group. He says quite a few words and likes to play peek-a-boo. He also points to his eyes, nose, mouth, etc. when asked.

Both of these sweeties are waiting for their families! Please contact us at superkids@gladney.org for more information.