Chuck

Chuck is a sweet 2 year old boy whose favorite activity is playing with a phone! 

Like many children, he is fascinated with the music, and can sit for a whole morning playing happily on the phone! He is described as more reserved than the other children, but once comfortable will come out of his shell and is a happy child. 

Chuck has developmental delays compared with other children his age, however his caregivers have seen progress in the time he has been with them.  Currently, Chuck likes to play with other children and is altogether active and content. 

Could Chuck be your son? Please contact us at superkids@gladney.org for more information.

Pretty Little Lucinda

Lucinda is a beautiful 4 year old girl who is described as being talkative and laughing easily. Her file states that she has a pleasant personally and gets along well with the other children.

Lucinda has mild cerebral palsy and is receiving therapy. She walks without assistance and uses her hands well. She can pick up small objects and string beads. She dresses herself and feeds herself. She loves to help clean and to pretend to cook.

Her file states several times that she is well-loved and an easy child to care for. She lives in a foster home where she loves to help her foster mom with household chores.

Lucinda speaks in long sentences of 5 or more words and her speech is clear and easy to understand. She is attending kindergarten classes at the orphanage.

This precious little girl is waiting for a family. Could she be your daughter? please contact us at superkids@gladney.org for more information.

In Honor of Self-Advocacy {Taiwan Wrap-Up}

We just returned from a week long trip to Taiwan where we met around 70 children in 2 orphanages. We met children of all ages. Some of them need us to step up, speak up, and tell their stories for them. They need us to make them visible. And we are honored to be the ones to do that.

But then there are the ones who have a voice, they have the ability to advocate for themselves. They need us to step back, be quiet, and provide a platform on which they can speak. And we are honored to be the ones to do that.

These are the children who wear their best clothes and want to talk about their lives. These are the children who do 20 push-ups when we ask for 10. These are the children who share with us their dreams to be a chef of Japanese cuisine or show us their magic tricks. These are the children who recognize their need of a family and do whatever they can to make themselves visible.

We all love the babies, the little ones who need us to meet their needs. But the need to belong is just as strong in the hearts of some of the older children we meet. Everyone deserves to be so loved that someones' world would shatter without them in it.

We will be sharing children's stories here over the coming months. Some we will tell for them, for others we will allow them to tell their own. Please listen carefully and allow them to speak to your heart. Listen carefully, you may be the one their message is meant for.

Contact us at mary.chapman@gladney.org for more information on adoption from Taiwan.

Cory {China}

Cory is a darling two year old boy who is waiting for a family. He is in Shanghai for treatment right now and we just got new pictures of him. He seems to be doing well.

He has anal atresia, for which he is being treated. He is living in a foster home there. When he was first sent to Shanghai he was small and it was difficult for him to eat, but he has improved and started eating better and gaining weight with the treatment he has received there.

He is now crawling and walking with assistance. He likes to listen to music. When he first meets people he is quiet, but if you are patient he will warm up and start to play.

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

Taiwan Day 5

The time has passed so quickly as today was our final day with our partners here in Taiwan. And oh, what a day of adventures...

From familiar faces to new faces, girls & boys, brothers and sisters, we shared a lot of precious memories. We learned about, not just the children waiting for their forever homes, but also about all those who are helping to raise them in this wait.

Most importantly, join us in advocating for the children that are awaiting their forever family. Share the blog posts. Join the private Facebook page. And ask questions. The more you know the more you can share. Adoption journeys start here.

This trip was amazing and we have so much to share over the next days, weeks and months. Stay tuned...

Taiwan Day 4

Just a little glimpse into our amazing 1st day at Cathwel... 

As we pulled up to the Cathwel this morning it felt so familiar. We were welcomed warmly and shown up to our rooms to start our day.

The morning started with some itty bitty cuteness. A little one who has a family working to bring him home being one of them. Oh how he is so little yet amazed us as he was showing off his skills. The love of these nannies always shines through and oh, how precious it is to watch the little ones respond them. 

As the morning continued the room was filled with many little ones. They had with them foster parents, social workers and sometimes even a foster sibling or two. The continual flow kept us on our toes. There were giggles galore, little ones and older ones running up and down the play set, in and out of the play house, completing balance beam challenges and much, much more.

For lunch we shared a family style meal and had great conversation. It’s always a special time to sit around the table and just catch up. And it’s a bonus as we get to experience first hand the meals that are prepared for the children at Cathwel.

The afternoon was also filled with many adventures. We even met a set of twins! And you can help us pick advocacy names for them on our Advocate for Taiwan Waiting Children Facebook page. 

The later part of the day we caught up with some familiar faces. And oh, how much these boys have grown in just a short time! They continue to melt our hearts with their genuine sweetness and caring nature.

If there is one thing to take away from today... it’s how very important team work is. Each and every member has such an important role. The love and compassion for the little ones shows through all the way around. The saying it takes a village... so true. Each and every time I’m amazed at how amazing each team is from the social workers to the nannies and foster parents it always shines through how much they genuinely love these little ones.

Taiwan Day 3

It never stops being amazing to see the little ones come in. Their bright, dark eyes looking up at you. Some are shy, others look at you and those little eyes sparkle. And each one is amazing. Each one in their own way. The older boys who show off their English and put together Lego sets really fast, all the while watching you out of the corner of their eyes to make sure you are still watching them. The baby repeating a word unexpectedly. It is amazing.

It is amazing, seeing the difference in children seen 6 months or a year ago, toddlers now striding around, jumping and kicking balls. Elementary aged children who have learned a new skill, and are suddenly looking more grown up.

And then there is the fun of meeting new children. The little girl whose beauty takes your breath away, and who makes you laugh with her love for a silly little giraffe mask.  The baby boy who surprises you with everything he can do over and over. The surprise of seeing a child you had known previously, but had not expected to see. Every one of those little moments is amazing.

Our days here are filled with amazing moments. But some of those moments are amazing in a sad kind of way, because these little kiddos are each little individuals with their individual heart breaking stories and difficult pasts. And we hear them and determine to stand with them and ease some the pain of their past by providing hope for their future.

Today was amazing.