The Smith children enjoying the pumpkins.
Brady from Jingmen is in front right.
Foster care makes a world of difference in the lives of orphaned children.
We had heard this before many times, and experienced it first hand when adopting our son from Jingmen in April 2006. Our son had spent all of his life prior to meeting us with a foster family. This was somewhat unusual for a child from Jingmen so we were anxious to see what kind of effect it may have on our son. When we first met our son, he reacted to our coming the same as any child would react when being taken from their family! He was just plain mad about the whole thing! It was obvious from the start that he had been with a family that taught him how to live as a normal child, rather then an orphaned child. He had normal development and normal emotions. He was a typical boy at age 20 months with his own thoughts and feelings. This is quite different then what is normally seen in a child who has spent many months in an orphanage! Typically children coming from an orphanage setting will have numerous delays, both physical and emotional. Our son was completely normal, an toddler who was mad about his whole world being turned upside down!
Our son quickly adjusted to his new family, it wasn't long before his tantrums became nothing more then a typical two year old wanting to get their own way. Once he realized we were ok people, he quickly began to seek out hugs and kisses and come to us for comfort. He was a normal part of our family. I believe that his early life with a foster family was the best possible scenario for him to develop into a secure individual and grow in our family. His adjustment has been amazing and he loves his brother and sisters. He is now three years old and is active and busy. He loves to run and jump, ride his bike, ride a skateboard and a scooter and play football. He keeps us all running! He loves to tell stories and sing songs. He is full of love and life, we are so blessed to be his parents.
I am proud to be a part of the Grace and Hope foster care program for Jingmen. I've seen firsthand the difference a foster family can make in the life of a child. For about a dollar a day a child can experience the love of a family. Every child deserves that. I hope that anyone reading this will consider giving that gift to a child. It’s a small price to pay and makes a world of difference. Join me on this journey of bringing joy to the children of Jingmen.
Patty Smith
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