Saving Them All: China Orphans

Jin Qiu is a caring and responsible 13-year old Down's Syndrome orphan who likes to take care of everyone.  He likes to carry the babies to bath time, feed other children and clean their faces, and report misdemeanors as needed.  He even likes to pretend with us when we visit, tucking a cloth under my chin to spoon invisible liquid from a cup sip by sip.  When he finishes, he dabs the corners of my mouth and moves on to the next volunteer.  On a recent trip to the orphanage, we celebrated his birthday with him.  Everyone gathered around the table and was ecstatic to consume Jin Qiu's cake, though he wasn't so sure.  The wailing encouragement from way too many adults to come forward and blow out his candles only embarrassed him further.  He is modest and shy but has the brightest smile you could ever hope for.

Though I am fairly new to the orphanage scene and only attend part time to volunteer, it is easy to surmise that the heart of any person who dedicates themselves full time to this ministry would hope to find a home for every child.  It's a daunting task, but one that my friend, Joy, has been quite successful in tackling over the last five years.  But sometimes it's just not possible.  There are currently seven children (including Laila) whose adoptions are in process thanks to Joy's efforts and God's grade to find families for them.  Jin Qiu's name was on the "to-be-adopted" list, but unknown and uncontrollable circumstances have recently ended his chance to ever be adopted. 

Joy loves each one of these children intimately and I cannot imagine the pain and defeat of accepting this determination.  My insufficient encouragement was only that she must focus on her many successes.  But when you are talking about people - little children - how can statistical success be enough?  After being here and meeting this children, I find our current system defective.  We need major reform in international adoption processes.  Checking off a list of "defects" or "disabilities" one is willing to accept is so abstract and intangible.  If someone had asked me to consider adopting a child with cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and clubbed feet, I would have surely refused.  Before this experience, if someone had asked me to take a child with Down's Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, or other mental handicap, I would have said, "Never."  But today, I feel differently.  Would I consider taking Jin Qiu home with me?  Absolutely!  Or maybe Zhong Zhong, a beautiful 6-year old boy who has blossomed in the care of the orphanage after a horrific past, evident in his timid nature, cland physical scars. 

In our short visits every other Saturday, it's amazing to see the impact a little love and personal interaction can have.  Laila's progress in six months is more than I could have ever dreamed for.  I know how much these special children can grow in a forever home.  I only hope we can alter our systems to "get out of the way" and make a chance for every child to go "home."