Wow - what a day! We spent the entire day today with the 38 children from the 3 orphanages. It is difficult to describe the full emotions from it all.
　
We were warmly welcomed by the orphanage staff. They had a giant sign made with our Crossroads name on it and began with a formal ceremony. The orphanage director welcomed us and then we gave a 20 minute presentation on Crossroads and on life in Minnesota. After the ceremony, the children performed a talent show.

The children sang and danced in groups and also individually introduced themselves to us. It was quite touching. Some performances from the kids made us laugh hysterically - there was one little guy who can shake his hips better than anyone I know. Some of the kids brought us great sadness. The older children were told by orphanage staff that we were from the United States and that we would be looking for families for them. I think this fact weighed heavy on some of the kids. One 10 year old girl started crying and when I asked staff why she was crying, they told me she was nervous because she wanted a family so badly.　　

During individual time with each of the children, we were able to ask questions to get to know them, as well as ask questions of their caretaker. We took pictures and videos of each kid. Of course I can not list information about all of them here, but I will highlight a few.　
　
Hua Xiao Dong
(10 yrs old; lesion in her brain when she was younger that caused some difficulty with use of her right hand/right arm slightly shorter than left arm)

Hua Xiao Dong is a sweet, sensitive child. The caregivers say she is very easy going and gets along well with others. They describe her as shy and quiet, but a happy child. She has a warm smile. Her caregivers　describe her as average in school and on track with other kids her age for general development. They said she could use her right arm fine but she sometimes has trouble doing things with her right hand gripped tightly.　　When requested, she was able to use her right hand to color easily. She drew us a picture of three people and labeled them. After she left the room, Tu told us they were labeled "mom""dad" and "me."　　
　
Dong Yuan

(12 yrs old; healthy)　

Dong Yuan is described by his caretakers as a sweet and polite boy. They say he is a smart child, but does not do very well in school because he started school so late in life. He is currently in a foster family. Dong Yuan loves to cook - especially stir fry vegetables which he says he learned how to do from his foster mother. He interacted well with us - although shy and quiet at first. The staff explained that once he gets to know someone, he is a very outgoing and talkative child. Dong Yuan does not have much time to be adopted - if he does not find a family in the next year, he will be too old to be adopted by China law.　
　
Zhang You Xue
(4 yrs old; facial hemangioma)　

Zhang You Xue is a fun loving and very happy child. She was interactive and outgoing, yet showed signs of being attached to her caregivers. Her only health concern is the large hemangioma on her face. Her caregivers describe her as being very smart. She was able to follow instructions and answer questions. She smiled the entire time we met with her and seemed to have a love for life at her little age.

We will be sending out information about all 38 children in a week or so. Please help us in finding homes for these children!! Consider the information about the kids you have read so far, look at their pictures and help us think of families who might be interested in learning more about some of the children.

Tomorrow we will have another day to interact with the children.
I look forward to sharing more information on the children!!　

Jill

As I stare out our Beijing hotel window, I think about the way that international adoption has changed over the past 5 years. 

The wait times have gotten much longer for adoptive families. 
The number of healthy younger children available for adoption has decreased. 
The number of older children or children with special needs have increased.

Crossroads as an agency is responding to these changes by participating in the Journey of Hope program.  This program allows us to work with 3 specific orphanages.  In a few days, we get to meet 37 kids from those orphanages and we will be given 6 months to find homes for as many of the kids as possible.

Today our trip to China began with a visit to the CCCWA (China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption).  Thanks to all the families who sent me pictures and write-ups about your kids!  We were able to meet with the Executive Director and the Deputy Director of the CCCWA, along with staff from all 8 departments.  It was quite an honor to brag about what great adoptive families we have!

I have included some pictures of Joan Clarkson, Crossroads Executive Director, myself, Jill Grasley, Assistant Director, and Tu, our Chinese liasion, with CCCWA staff.

 

Jill Grasley