Would You Consider Being Part of Our Pearl River Family?

It's been way too long since I poured my heart out at this Blog...  The last time I did, you all responded in such a beautiful way...  Thank you for that...  I am beyond thrilled to report that "Liam" has found his family... Or should I say his family has found him...  He's not in his Mama's arms yet, but he will be soon!  I have had the priviledge of connecting with this very special family!  Thank you to all of you who spread the word...  When that sweet "cuddle bug" is safely home, I will definitely shout it out to all of you.. In the meantime, if you are led, please pray for all of the details to come together soon, so they can bring him home early this fall!

Today, I am taking this opportunity to ask you to respond/help again... This time we need new sponsors for several of our Pearl River Babies.  Over one year ago, we were in China opening new doors, and adding new children.  We were overwhelmed, and beyond touched with the response we got from so many new families last spring.  Because of you, we were able to take on more children then we ever thought possible..   We've had an amazing year.  We have seen 26 of our babies adopted since last spring!  Amazing!

"Tinsley"

Adopted last month!

But, our need continues...   For every child that is adopted, there is a new child waiting to be loved.

Thankfully, we have been blessed to keep our doors open for these children..  It's a privilege to provide them with the love of a family, until it's finally their turn...

"Faith"

(Seen here with her Foster Mama.)  

Faith is now home with her forever family too!

With that said, we do need your help!  We are in need of sponsors..   This is the time of year when many of our sponsorships need to be renewed.  Some families choose to stay on for a very long time, and some just for one year.  Our need for sponsors is really no surprise with the growth we saw after our time in China last April.  I am confident we will be back at 100% sponsorship soon..

Will you consider becoming part of our PRO family?   Your commitment will be $35 per month, or $420 annually.  Your donation goes towards providing your child a foster family.  Your dollars also go towards food, clothing, and other needs.  Our staff in China meets with all of our children a minimum of once a month.  In Hunan, our medical team does monthly check-ups on our kids.  In Guangdong, we work directly with the orphanage staff to be our liasion with our foster families.  I receive updates and photos of our kiddos monthly.

Part of our amazing team in China!

Ms. Meng and Dr. Tong in Hunan

Our invaluable liasiion, Julie Ma in Beijing!

Last year I personally saw our program in action..  Since then I have connected with many families who have adopted our Bamboo Babies..  The consistent message that I get from their forever parents, is that they were well taken care of an prepared to be loved!  I am so thankful for that!

So, here are the children that I have today, who are in need of 1 or more sponsors.  If you would like to sponsor one of our sweet babies, please email me directly at diana@pearlriveroutreach.org or send me a message via the Pearl River Facebook page!

 "Scarlett"

Born 1/2/13

Zhanjiang, Guangdong

*Needs 1 Sponsor

"Tina"

Born 10/18/12

Zhanjiang, Guongdong

*Needs 2 Sponsors

"Lulu"

Born 2/10/09

Changsha, Hunan

*Needs 2 Sponsors

"Lucas"

Born 6/27/12

Changsha, Hunan 

*Needs 1 Sponsor

"Hank"

Born 11/15/12

Zhu Zhou City, Hunan

*Needs 3 Sponsors

"Jack"

Born 9/11/11

Zhu Zhou City, Hunan

*Needs 1 Sponsor

"Ben"

Born 9/12/12

Zhu Zhou City, Hunan

*Needs 2 Sponsors

"Riley"

Born 12/12/11

Changsha, Hunan

*Needs 3 Sponsors

"Hadley"

Born 2/25/13

Zhu Zhou City, Hunan

*Needs 2 Sponsors

"Aiden"

Born 8/10/08

Hengshan, Hunan

*Needs 2 Sponsors

I hope you will consider joining our Pearl River Outreach Family.

Your support WILL make a difference!

Blessings,

Diana

diana@pearlriveroutreach.org

A Little Love Affair... A Sweet Boy I Know Needs A Family!

During my time in the Chinese Adoption Community I have heard, witnessed, and lived some amazing stories.  The kind of stories that only God can orchestrate.  The kind of stories that give you goose bumps, bring you to tears, or fill your heart up so big you think it will burst.  I have been a part of some special journeys, and I am so grateful for that.  One of the best parts of my job is sharing photos and communicating with families that find PRO while they are waiting for a Pearl River baby.  I love my job!

Last April while in the baby room in Zhu Zhou City Hunan I fell in love..  The little heart breaker was a nine month old baby boy...  When I walked into the room, he was standing in his walker sobbing..  The site broke my heart..  No Mama or Nanny was there to comfort him.  So my Mommy instincts kicked in, and I picked him up... Almost immediately the sweet little face with the most beautiful lips nuzzled into my neck.  I could have held him for forever.  He was all baby.. Soft, and wonderful..  For one moment, he had a Mama to love him.  I found the Asst. Director and asked her what was his special need..  Her reply, "Beta Thalassemia..."  She went on to say that she didn't think he would ever get adopted with that special need....  For those of you who don't know, my daughter Sienna Grace, has Thalassemia too.   While she does not have "beta" I knew enough about this dis-order to know that this precious little boy that was going to soon be smuggled into my carry-on, was absolutely adoptable.  I don't think it was a coincidence that I was in that baby room that day!  So, that is where it began...  My love affair with Chen Yang Lin!  Through my friend and translator Julie Ma, I told this Director just how adoptable he was.  I promised her that if they would get him paper ready I would help him find a home...  Well guess what, he IS paper ready.. And, his file is sitting at AAI right now.  He is on their Individual List.  They call him, "Liam."  I call him, "Cuddle Bug!"

Since I took on the "Fairy Godmother Role " to Chen Yang Lin that day, I can't stand the thought of him not being matched with his forever!  I promised him I would find him a loving family!  One that would give him the care he needs, so he can live a normal and healthy life!  He deserves that!

For those of you who don't know what Beta Thalassemia is, you can learn more at the Cooley's Anemia site here.  (It will sound daunting.  Trust me it's manageable!!!)  I have had one of my trusted friends, an expert Hematologist/Pediatrician look at Chen Yang Lin's file... In her words, "there is nothing to be anxious about."  Based on the fact he is so young, is a very positive thing!!!  He will do well with the right treatment plan once he is home!!

So friends out there.. Who is paper ready, or close to paper ready that needs a sweet little one year old to complete their family?  Chen Yang Lin will be 2 on July 31st.  He shares a birthday with my sweet Ruby Mei!

Thalassemia is a MANAGABLE special need.  Most likely his care will involve monthly transfusions. But, once you are on a schedule it is so do-able!  There are many amazing Thalassemia families out there who will attest to that.  These kids are SPECIAL!!!  Brave and incredible!  *I am happy to connect you with another family who has a child with Beta Thalassemia.

Please feel free to share this post..  I know there is a special family out there for this sweet little boy.  This is what his file has to say about him:

"He is active and lovely, ready to smile. Every day he will stand with holding the rail after opening his eyes, smile at the nurturer, occasionally can call “mom”. He is attached to people, always plays with nurturer mom for a while when put on clothes, can ask them to kiss him and touch him. Usually he likes crawling on the mat, picks the toy or pull other kid or stand up with holding without stop. He likes quick music, can wave his head and clap his hands along the rhythm. He likes watching cartoon, can stare at TV without blink.  He is curious with fresh things, always looks around when taken out to play." 

I know that God had me in that baby room at that very place and time to help this sweet baby boy find his forever!  I look forward to seeing God's plan for him!  One thing is for sure..  Yang Lin's family is going to be blessed!!

Thank you!

Diana