Chinese New Year, which begins on January 23rd this year, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. Families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, decorate windows and doors with red colored couplets, feast with family members on the eve of Chinese New Year, and end the night with firecrackers. Early on New Year’s Day children like Ben and Lance will don new outfits and receive money in red paper envelopes. But there are many children in China without families to celebrate with them. This year, to honor those children, Love Without Boundaries is running a special Red Envelope Campaign for the children in our Believe in Me Huainan School. Won’t you join us in giving a New Year’s gift to an orphan?

Our Believe in Me schools were designed to provide the joy of education to children in orphanages who would otherwise be unable to attend school. While the children delight in learning and expanding their horizons in these schools, the sad reality is that many of the children are hungry. This orphanage is a rural facility with very meager resources. LWB has made a commitment to these children to help them with better nutrition.

The “Older Child Nutrition Program” is designed to provide kids aged 2-16 with much needed protein, which they rarely get. There are 75 students in our Believe in Me Huainan School. For less than $1 a snack, the children receive a fresh or dried protein snack, as well as fruit and milk. It may sound like a bargain, but over the course of a month this expense comes close to $1,000!

We would like to ask for your assistance to help us continue providing essential nutrition to these wonderful children (who seem pretty pleased with their snacks in the above photo!) We are asking all our supporters to give the gift of a red envelope to an orphan in China this Chinese New Year. Simply put $1 in an envelope and mail it to:

LWB
Red Envelope Campaign
PO Box 25016
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Please include your name and email address with your donation if you would like to receive a tax receipt letter. If you prefer, you are welcome to make your online donation here.

Millie wants to remind everyone that the number 8 is considered the luckiest number. If you are feeling particularly lucky, an $8 check would go even further in filling a tummy!

LWB has many programs in Anhui province.  Through the years, we have come to know a number of lovely older children from Anhui who have been waiting so long for their chance to find a family. We have featured several of them in the past few months, such as Brianna, Michelle and Wendy – all students in our Believe in Me Huainan school in Anhui.

Ten-year- old Maryn was once a student at the same Believe in Me school in Anhui and was good friends with all of these girls.  She had the good fortune to be adopted and has been home with her family for two and a half years.  When her family learned that Maryn’s friends had the same chance as she did to have families of their own, they decided to share a bit of their story to encourage folks to consider these lovely Anhui girls and older children in general. They have likened their exhilarating experience to “taking the plunge.”

Maryn (in the blue dress) with her BIM friends

It was a normal day in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Peoples Republic of China, in August of 2009, and, by normal, I mean hot and humid.  It was anything but a normal day for my husband and me because we were in China!  We were there having come together as a new family of three with our daughter who had heard, just days before, the name by which she would come to be known over the coming days, weeks, months and now years, Maryn.  She had reached the advanced age of eight years the day before we met on August 3, 2009, and now we were family.

On that hot day, the hotel pool not only looked inviting, but we were ready to take the advice of other adoptive parents who recommended getting into the pool with our child because it would foster attachment as she would be forced to rely on us and cling to us for survival.  The only problem was our daughter hadn’t talked to the same people we’d talked to about attachment, and she didn’t have the same appreciation for the cooling relief of a large swimming pool two strangers were beckoning her to enjoy.  She wanted nothing to do with the pool and maintained her distance on the lounge chair, sweaty but safe.

Three short weeks later we were at home doing well in our new life as a family.  Labor Day was upon us and pools would be closing after that weekend.  We knew swimming lessons were in Maryn’s future, but how would we make that happen?  In the days leading up to the weekend, I used my language skills to inform Maryn that we were going to Cousin Jenny’s house to swim.  Soon after we arrived, we walked to the neighborhood pool.  I stopped to put our bags on the chairs and turned to see Maryn heading down the steps into the shallow end without hesitation.

Fear not.  This isn’t a story about water safety or how quickly a child can get into a pool when your back is turned.  The pool is merely a metaphor for older child adoption. Maryn was never in danger as she stepped into that pool and the truth is neither were we.  We knew all along that we wanted to adopt an older child and had time to prepare, but there were many times we felt overwhelmed by the possibilities.  Just as when you are standing with your toes on the edge looking into the pool below, when considering older child adoption you may find yourself filled with apprehension and questions before deciding to jump in.  Will we be in over our heads?  Will the lifesaver be there if we need help?  What will it feel like if we take the plunge?

When our dream came true and we walked into Maryn’s life, we found that what we were least prepared for was the joy.  I can tell you this:  the deep end is very deep in our pool of love.  Maryn is a delight.  She is sunshine and happiness, a love bug, a smiley, happy girl.  She is a shining star.  She is our daughter.

Having a child by any means requires a leap of faith.  Building our family through older child adoption is the greatest thing we have ever done.  We are a blessed family.  Perhaps an “older” child all of about 8, 10, 12 or 13 years will be just the right blessing for your family, too.  Take the plunge.  We know you will find it so much more than just refreshing.

~ Rebecca and Tom, Maryn’s proud parents

Michelle, Wendy, and many other incredible older children are waiting.  Have you considered taking the plunge? If so, please contact our Adoption Assistance Team at adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com if you have any questions about any children we have featured on our blog.

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.

As I stood in the back of a cold, dark operating room waiting for a surgeon to use my product, I received an email from my wife. We had just returned from China after adopting a very happy little five-year-old boy and I was feeling pretty blessed that the process of incorporating an “older” child into our already large family was going much more smoothly than I had expected, especially since he didn’t speak a bit of English.

The email I received from my wife said little, but the picture included spoke a thousand words. There, staring up at me from my phone, was a beautiful eleven-year-old girl in China who needed a family. In that instant I knew this girl was to be a part of our family. However, in the next few minutes, hours, and days I wrestled with so many things. We had just returned from China and I really did not expect that we would be returning, especially not within the next year. We had just had such a successful adoption with an older child. Were we pressing our luck to adopt an even older child? And it’s one thing to bring a five-year-old to the US who doesn’t speak any English, but an eleven-year-old? As I logically thought through all the reasons we shouldn’t adopt her, I continued to come back to the picture of a smiling girl looking up at me from the picture I had saved to my phone’s home screen. Whatever the issues we would have to deal with, I knew that Ali was destined to join our family, and she was more than worth whatever the challenges were that we would have to endure.

We have now been home for several weeks, and all the concerns that I had about adopting an older child are distant memories. I can’t imagine our family without Ali’s infectious smile and the joy that she has brought to all our lives. Our large family has had a great time learning Chinese as she patiently teaches us words and then laughs at us when we are so far off the mark. And I continue to be surprised how she picks up a little bit more English every day. Of all the things to learn early, she quickly learned how to call the dog!

Our short time together hasn’t been without some challenges, and I am realistic that the future may hold even more. But in many ways we feel like she has always been here, a permanent part of our family, and a child that we are proud to call our own. As I write this today, I am thinking of all the fathers out there who might be struggling with some of the same issues that I struggled with. I am so thankful that I didn’t let logic stop me from experiencing one of the biggest blessings in my life – the adoption of my wonderful new daughter. And I continue to think of all of the older orphaned children who are waiting for a family of their own – and hope that many more fathers will find it in their hearts to say “yes” to a child in need.

~Cameron Bernadsky, Ali’s dad

We love knowing that Ali is going to get her chance at “happily ever after”! If you are a father with similar questions about adoption who would benefit from talking them through with another dad, please feel free to send an email to info@lwbmail.com and we will forward it to Cameron.

Once a week the class will do a “life skills” lesson, where they typically learn to cook some basic Chinese food. Even when it was time for these lessons, Amber would not participate and never wanted to try the different food… until the day the class prepared dumplings! On this particular day, Amber actually cried because she had no idea what the dumplings were, and this new food made her scared and nervous. However the kind, gentle teachers convinced this precious and shy girl to try the dumplings… and she liked them!!

After this experience Amber had more trust in her wonderful teachers. From that day forward she joined in on the class activities, she began to walk to the classroom independently each morning (instead of having to be coaxed to go), and she is starting to be more social. Amber will now tell her teachers “thank you,” and she has found a best friend in another precious young girl in the school!

We are so proud of Amber and of her amazing teachers. How exciting to see the life-changing and amazing effects this school is having on these children. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child at our Believe in Me Huainan School, there are many who still need sponsorship. Your donation of $20 per month will have a lasting and profound impact on a child’s life.

It looks like these two girls are going to share lots of giggles together!

Brianna is a young girl with big dreams in LWB’s Believe in Me Huainan School. Since we have known her, and likely since birth, she has had some difficulty with her left knee; however, this does not prohibit her from walking and playing with her friends. Over the past few years that she has been in our education program, we have had the pleasure of watching her learn and blossom into a lovely young girl.

Brianna is a hard worker who has hopes and dreams to become a nurse when she grows up. Her classroom skills are continually improving, and she wants to do well in school. Getting along well with her teachers and peers seems to come naturally to Brianna, and she says that she has a desire to help other people when she can.

Since starting in the Believe In Me program and participating in tutoring, Brianna seems more confident. She enjoys writing and reading and says that the extra help she receives helps her to be a better student. Our education program aims to equip children for the brightest future possible, and it really seems to show as we watch a child like Brianna blossom in so many ways.

Singing and strawberries are two of her favorite things. Her friend Rebecca is her favorite singing partner! Other things she enjoys are Chinese jump rope and skipping.

Always sporting a contagious smile and appearing full of life, this gentle twelve-year-old girl knows that there is a possibility that she could be adopted before she turns 14. She and a number of other children from Huainan are finally getting this chance to have a dream come true — the dream of finding a family of their own. We share Brianna’s story with everyone in the hope of turning her dream into a reality and with so much hope for the brightest future possible!

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.

Sometimes it seems like a person’s favorite color is indicative of their general outlook on life. Michelle says her favorite color is a cheerful yellow, and this seems to mirror her sunny personality! This thirteen-year-old girl is ready and waiting for a family to call her own and doesn’t have much time to find them as she will age out when she reaches fourteen. A student in our Believe in Me Huainan School, Michelle’s infectious smile and outgoing nature has made her many friends, and she has a great capacity for affection. One of Michelle’s great joys is singing with friends. We can imagine how much fun she would have singing karaoke!

Michelle with a friend

With an interest in sports and dancing, Michelle is inclined towards athleticism and movement. Teachers have noted Michelle participates confidently in group activities, which may make her an ideal team player, although she also likes her quiet time to draw and read. She is a diligent student and is appreciates assistance in developing better math skills and study habits. She is a hard worker and enjoys sweeping the floor…but dislikes washing clothes.

Given Michelle’s age, it is critical that a paper-ready or near-paper-ready family finds her very quickly before she “ages out” at fourteen and is unable to be adopted. It would be heartbreaking for this lovely girl not to have a family when she is so close! Sandy Hartman, the coordinator of LWB’s Believe in Me Huainan School, met Michelle this summer and wanted to share her impressions of this girl to help others get to know her as well:

I was truly fortunate to spend a day in July with thirteen-year-old Michelle when we took 25 students on a field trip to a watermelon farm. The students who worked the hardest in school were especially selected for this field trip! To me, the day was hot and uncomfortable, but you would never know it by seeing Michelle’s face. She was having a blast in the fields. She picked watermelon with gusto, being sure to snag the largest, ripest fruit. She also helped the younger children find and pick watermelons. After picking watermelons, she voluntarily returned to learn about and pick some vegetables that would be added to lunch.

At the farmer’s house, we sat around a shade tree and cut open some freshly-picked watermelon. Michelle devoured her pieces with glee.. She was very friendly and kind and insisted that I had a piece to eat as well. In fact, several times she came over to make sure I did not want anymore! I found that quite amazing given the fact that I suspected this watermelon was a major treat for her and was so touched that she was willing to share this special treat with me!

When the time came for lunch, Michelle sat patiently on a wooden stool in a covered, three-sided room drinking cool water and a warm bean drink the farmer said would keep everyone cool. She helped pour the warm drink for the younger children and made sure each had what they wanted. When the meal was served, Michelle thoroughly enjoyed the duck leg, rice, sprouts, potatoes, and vegetables that Yvonne, LWB’s Education Director, sautéed for the group.

Did I mention Michelle’s smile was infectious? It absolutely brightens her face and she gifted us with that smile quite often during the visit.

Michelle attends public school and receives tutoring assistance and music class through Believe in Me Huainan. I don’t know Michelle’s favorite color, meal, sport, music, or movie. However, I do know she had a great heart and a willingness to open it to me! There must be a family waiting for this wonderful girl.

Michelle’s file is with Great Wall of China‘s Waiting Child Program. For more information about possibly adopting Michelle, please contact Stephanie at the following address:

Stephanie Crouch
Waiting Child Program Manager, Great Wall Adoption
248 Addie Roy Rd. A102
Austin, Texas 78746
Phone: (512) 323-9595 ext. 3053
Fax: (512) 323-9599
E-Mail: Stephanie@gwca.org

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.

It has been suggested that LWB would be an interesting business model to study since our individual programs are run entirely by volunteers, many of whom put in up to 40 hour weeks to make sure the children we help receive medical care, or specialized formula, or a chance at an education. For those not familiar with our internal structure, it might interest you to know that every program we run has a main program director working full-time as a volunteer who oversees individual program coordinators working in specific areas of their programs. In our Huainan foster care program, for instance, we have three wonderful volunteers who work with our foster care director to watch over the 30 children in local foster families there. Each coordinator is responsible for a specific group of kids and works with our local manager in China to compile reports, read through them carefully each month to check on what each child might need, and refer any medical, nutrition, or education issues to the right team. They are also the ones who thank donors and send out monthly reports. It makes for an interesting model as we are spread out around the world — and we have no central office.

LWB Program Directors get together in person just once a year!

There are times that I wish we had some way to track every report sent or to check off when every “thank you” is mailed. We do not. What we do have, though, is the most wonderful group of volunteers in the world – moms and dads, college students and grandmothers, professors and social workers – who have each made a commitment to watch over a specific group of kids to make sure we are doing all we can for them. Just as those who volunteer for LWB are incredible people from all walks of life, so are our supporters. Each one is unique and important to the work we do and becomes part of our team.   It is not just a cliché when I sign many emails with the words, “We cannot do it without you.” We know that this is a team effort.

We will do everything possible to make sure you stay connected to the kids whose lives you are changing. When you give to LWB, you should hear from one of our volunteers personally. Education reports are sent quarterly to sponsors. Medical reports are sent to donors at the time of surgery and then at one, three, six and twelve months post-op. Healing home and foster care sponsors should hear from us each and every month on the child you are helping.

If for any reason you are ever unhappy with the communication you receive from us, I hope you will let me know. Because we are a human foundation, I know there are moments of human error when a donor’s name mistakenly doesn’t get added to a child’s file or when an email ends up in a bulk mail folder. We are completely committed, however, to keeping the personal connection with our supporters that we have had since day one. We are so grateful for your support and for your continued belief that all children deserve the chance at knowing love. When we work together, both as donors and volunteers, AMAZING things happen for children deserving a second chance.

Amy Eldridge, Executive Director

Dawn is a sweet three-year-old girl from our Huainan foster care program who loves to dress up in fancy outfits and is rarely photographed without her pearl necklace! She also enjoys singing and dancing, talking on the phone, and riding her tricycle with her foster brother, Nick.  Dawn and Nick are very close; if anyone ever tries to tease Dawn, Nick always defends her! In true “mother’s little helper” fashion, Dawn likes to help feed the chickens, and help out around the house. We are told she especially enjoys using the rolling pin while her foster mother makes dumplings!

Like most of our Huainan foster care children, Dawn lives too far away from the Huainan Believe in Me school to attend preschool there. Thankfully, LWB has started a new tuition assistance program for this precious girl and her foster care friends!  We are currently accepting sponsors to help these children attend their local public kindergartens.

Dawn, a bright and inquisitive little girl, is ready to start the public kindergarten and needs sponsors to help cover the cost of her education. Wouldn’t you love to follow Dawn’s adventures in kindergarten? Sponsorships are only $20 per month, and Dawn’s sponsors will receive quarterly updates on her progress, including many new photos and stories of her adventures!

For information on 15 other sweet children who also want to attend school this year, please read more here.

Mickey is a sweet five-year-old boy from Deyang orphanage in Sichuan province 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!

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.