Pardon me Claire – are they your new shoes ….and brace?

She is mobile, crawling all around and into everything as normal,

BUT,

she doesn’t like anyone even looking at her feet or taking a photos!

So these shots are taken after a lot of cajoling by Gabi!

Gwendolyn's Journey.

Gwendolyn arrived in the Babies Unit on the 3^rd Jan 08.

She was a very sick little baby, with a very serious heart condition.

We sought help for her over the next few months, but unfortunately couldn’t find any hospital which felt they could take on her case. There didn’t seem to be any hope for her.

We were there through all her “firsts”, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking, talking, just living and loving life!!

Over the year, her health greatly improved, so we decided to try once more to see if she could be helped.

This time we got positive news and eventually, Gwendolyn had her surgery in Beijing last year.

She returned to us after surgery to recover.

And last Friday, she went into foster care!

Farewell!

Josh and Janie left for their hometown and to go into foster care last week, after completing their treatment in the Clubfoot Unit. We took time to prepare them, talking to them both about their new homes and how they would get there.

It’s wonderful to see the changes in the children’s lives throughout their stay, but it’s always hard to say goodbye.

How wonderful that they are leaving us – treated

and with the opportunity to lead a normal life.

Thank you to everyone who helped Josh and Janie throughout their stay with us.

Helping Out.

On Friday after dinner, Ruby was crying and wouldn't be consoled. The Carers were busy cleaning up and organizing the children with their chores.

Our Director heard what was happening and asked Jack if he'd take Ruby for a walk outside in the courtyard. He wanted to help, but he was in the middle of doing his chores. Brad piped up and said, "Don't worry, I'll do your chores for you."

So off Jack went, with Emily along to help where she could. As soon as they were outside, Ruby stopped crying and enjoyed the ride.

Enjoy the photos and see the care they take of Ruby, even stopping to wipe up her dribble!

How's that for family?

New Wheels for Ruby!

Today, Ruby got her new wheelchair, complete with a edged table, so she can play with things without them always falling on the floor.

The table is made from layers of cardboard glued together and covered with thick vinyl. It's then attached to the arms of the wheelchair with thick velcro.

We're looking forward to seeing how much she enjoys her new chair.

EXCITING CHANGES FOR AN ORPHANS WISH

We have a new Director for our US Operations - Stefanie Leist! We couldn't have found a more perfect fit!

I am humbled and honored at the opportunity to become the new Director of An Orphan's Wish. My passion for orphans began in 2005, when my eyes were opened to the need for not only adoptive families to step forward to care for these children, but also for advocacy for the children left behind. Since that time, my husband Chris and I have adopted five special needs children from China. We consider ourselves immeasurable blessed by the addition of each of our children.

Our connection to Guilin began in 2006, when we adopted our daughter Sophie from Guilin. The connection was deepened in early 2010, with the adoption of our newest daughter, Vivienne, who is also from Guilin. Additionally, I had the privilege of traveling with LeeAnn to visit An Orphan's Wish in May 2009 and was thoroughly impressed by not only the facility and the attentiveness with which the careers handle each and every child, but with Brian and Kirsten, who give their very heart and soul to this effort. I could not ask to be working with and for a more dedicated and compassionate group of people.

I very much look forward to what 2010 has in store for An Orphan's Wish!

Happy Birthday Janie, Ethan & Cooper!

These guys just got right into the spirit of things – they were ready to party and weren’t daunted by any tears!

Ethan led the pack, blowing out the candles, ripping off the paper, and trying to “help” the others!

Janie is now the proud owner of a pink flowery blanket, some clothes & hair ties. Cooper and Ethan both just loved their cars and teddies.

Time for cake and little hands were outstretched to get their share, which was quickly devoured in the hopes of getting another piece!

Party over, and Ethan was off like a rocket to stash his loot in his room!