If you haven't done the math yourself, four with families means there are still 36 needing families. We are still getting inquiries on some of the children and we send all the information we have on the kids to those who express interest. We feel families are the best place for children to be- surrounded by love and laughter and hugs- and we have great HOPE for these children.
You're probably wondering why the title of this blog is 'Boys.' Well, I (Danielle) was just thinking back on my childhood and growing up with a brother...It was great! I mean, there were the days that getting a ball tossed at me unexpectedly wasn't my favorite. But overall, boys are just fun! (Girls are, too, but I wanna focus on boys in this post because we have a number of Journey of Hope boys who haven't quite got the attention they deserve, I feel.)
Boys...maybe people think they'd be harder to raise- that there would be more behavioral issues with boys- or that adopting a boy won't bring the same return affection as adopting a girl. I'm not sure why girls sometimes get more adoption-attention...
I just remember times with my brother and experiences babysitting boys...catching frogs and turtles and creating habitats for them at home; trying 'dare-devil' stunts (that in all reality were not that dangerous but seem cool as a kid); listening to comments like 'Man, I'm throwing HEAT today' or a string of sports statistics that I would never be able to remember. Building forts, racing toy cars, creating obstacle courses, wrestling... The list of FUN goes on and on.
But just as much as I recall, with my brother and with the boys I've babysat: A wildflower bouquet from the front yard. A big hug. Cuddling up to read books. Baking cookies together. Teaching me the rules to a game. Patiently explaining a process. Calm logic when I'm letting emotion take over. Long late night talks. I like to observe people, and so often I see boys giving their mom a hug out of the blue, running up just to say 'I love you', watching their dads in a way that shows they believe 'You can do ANYTHING, Dad!' and trying to be just like him, gently watching out for their siblings- whether it holding their hand or standing up for them when they don't like how they are being treated.
Boys... Here are a few- energetic, creative, sweet, wise...and needing the love and hugs of a family.
Pan Qing Yue (Male, 6 years old; post operative congenital heart disease, cleft lip/palate- needs surgery)
Pan Qing Yue is described as a fun-loving and happy child who loves to dance. Born with congenital heart disease, he was often sick until he underwent heart surgery in 2009. Surgery is scheduled later this year for an unrepaired cleft lip and palate. Pan Qing Yue is an active child and a quick learner. He likes to play with toys, listen to music and sing. He has a ready smile and gets along with others. Pan Qing Yue is closest to his caretaker and other children in the orphanage.
Pan Zi Min (Male, 6 ½ years old; repaired cleft lip/ palate) Pan Zi Min is an energetic child who likes to draw and play finger games and help others. Even though he is short for his age, his motor development is good. His caretakers say that he needs extra instructions to stay focused, that his intellectual development is poor compared with peers. Pan Zi Min can communicate with others (though his speech is not always clear), read simple books and sing (sometimes excitedly), and likes playing with his peers. He is described as both shy to strangers but also fairly extroverted and obstinate at times. His cleft lip and palate have been surgically repaired. |
Wang Yuan Hua (Male, 8 years old; swollen tonsils)
Wang Yuan Hua is a shy, polite child who has a gentle voice and talks respectfully to elders. He is in 1st grade and enjoys math, although his grades could use some improvement. He has good motor development and performs his daily personal cares independently, as well as helping out with chores. Wang Yuan Hua communicates well with other kids and teachers. He enjoys a variety of foods and has a pleasant demeanor when offered items. He has been staying with foster parents since 2007, with whom he gets along with well. 
Hai Hua Qiang is an outgoing and happy boy. He was brought to the orphanage at birth with a cleft lip and palate, which was repaired when he was 3 years old. Although he did not speak a whole lot before his surgery, his caretakers immediately saw an increase in his speech after his surgery. Hai Hua Qiang has a small scar above his lip which would be less noticeable with cosmetic surgery. He does not seem to let that bother him, though, as he smiles constantly. He is shy in front of strangers, but active in front of people he knows well. Hai Hua Qiang is described as a sensitive child who respects adults, gets well along with his classmates and is loved by all.
Fang Zhou Xiong (Male, 12 years old; healthy)
Fang Zhou Xiong is an active and out-going boy. He is healthy and has no medical concerns. Fang Zhou Xiong was found abandoned at the age of 5. He was placed in an orphanage until age 6, when he started living with a foster family. Fang Zhou Xiong has had normal growth patterns and has developed on track in all areas. He does well in school and seems to be a bright child. They describe him as a nice, smart and clever boy. He likes to play with the other kids.Email jill@crossroadsadoption.com for more information on these boys or other children in the Journey of Hope program or about Crossroads Adoption Services.
