It’s been too long! I’ve missed blogging and my plan is to get back into the habit over the summer. I will post a long update soon about Kellin and what he’s doing now so you can see what a difference a family truly makes, but today I’d like to do an advocacy post and highlight a few of the children who have caught my attention. There are still SO MANY waiting children - girls, boys, all ages, and a wide range of special needs, and they all desperately need a family to give them love, education, therapy, and a FUTURE. Maybe one of them would fit in your family! Check out this cuteness and heartbreak.
If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll recognize this little guy (although this is a new picture!):
Known as Quinntavius on Reece’s Rainbow, he’s now five years old. At one point a few months ago, his file had been pulled (making him unavailable for adoption) but he is now available again and in desperate need. His official special needs are a missing right hand and ptosis (droopy eyelid), but he also has significant developmental delays. There is no way to know if these delays are the result of undiagnosed conditions or if they’re the result of neglect and trauma. At five years old, Quinntavius can crawl and stand but does not walk. His recent update did not give any information about whether he is talking. He weighs 24 POUNDS. Our Kellin is just six months older than Quinntavius, and he is still underweight at 30 pounds. Quinntavius needs a family NOW.
You may recognize this little one as well.
This little girl is known as Erin and is three years old. She has no diagnoses, only developmental delays. She does not yet walk or talk, but she does show interest in people and toys around her. She eats from a spoon. Just like with Quinntavius, there is no way to know if her delays are the result of some undiagnosed condition or if they are the result of the institutional environment she lives in. Isn’t she just beautiful?
This little guy is Ethan.
He is four years old and has limb differences (a missing arm and a deformity of the other arm). However, he is described as outgoing, affectionate, and determined. It sounds like he is developmentally on track and doesn’t let his differences slow him down. Look at that gorgeous smile! This little boy is going to be such a blessing to a family!
Now meet Jack.
Jack is two years old and I have to say he’s one of the cutest little kids I have ever seen! He has Down Syndrome and is learning to stand and walk, and is reportedly starting to talk! He is well-liked in his orphanage and is receiving some therapy. He is so ready for a family of his own!
Now how about Gavin?
This little guy is also two years old and his special need is clubbed feet. Clubbed feet are nearly always correctable with therapy, casting, and/or surgery, so this little boy really doesn’t have any long-term medical needs at all! He has an adorable grin and is starting to talk. He is in the care of an excellent foster care facility. Could he be yours???
And lastly, this is Zhi.
He is four years old and is diagnosed with poor vision, developmental delays, and some medical issues. He does not speak yet. Zhi’s caretakers care about him and do their best, but Zhi still spends most of his time in his crib. He loves to jump in his crib! He does not know how to play with toys and unfortunately will likely withdraw more and more from the world around him as he spends months and years in that crib. He needs a family RIGHT NOW.
Please pray for these children. They, like so many others, have no chance of a happy, healthy, productive future without a family to love them and provide for their needs. They need YOU.
There are videos available of some of these sweet children that I would happy to share with you. Just leave a comment!
