Time is running out for James, a sweet little Chinese boy with Down syndrome on whose adoption hangs the fate of other such children in China.
Listen to this from the social worker handling his case:
China officials have not offered children with ds for adoption before because they do not believe people would want them, they put James up because many people advocated for him to be offered.More information at A Helping Hand
But, the officials have decided if he is not put on hold (basically meaning picked) in the next six days [by July 1], they will pull him back and he will remain institutionalized in China permanently. And - they will not allow any other children with down syndrome to be offered for adoption - period!
Adopting James will not only make a difference in HIS life, but in the lives of the many other children in China with DS who are left in orphanages and institutions their whole lives. He eeds a home so badly.
I know that international adoptions are costly, but a donor has generously agreed to fund his adoption.
If you, or anyone you know has room in your/their heart/home for this cute little guy, his contact information is below. Please pass this along to any ds list you are apart of!
James, who was born 12/28/04, is currently being cared for a the Phillip Hayden Foundation just outside of Beijing. It is a very good place and the children are well cared for.
Somewhere out there, God has already planned for a family to welcome James into their home. If you feel something click, then that probably means it is you. My advice when you receive a spiritual directive is not to think too hard about it, but to move forward by faith. We have adopted three children - at least one of whom if I'd thought too hard about it would not be alive today. Is my life more difficult than those of moms who have things more under control? Yes. But you know what? You only have one life here on earth to live. Why not live it with abundance? Because abundant living isn't about what you get but what you give.
This adoption seems so important - because the fate of many babies is at stake. Please pass this on through your networks and blogs and let's do our best to find the home in which James will love and grow with a family of his own.
Btw, one of our adopted sons was born with imperforate anus and underwent a very successful reconstruction. James' medical records indicate that he has also had a successful one.
Remember, funding for this adoption has been promised, so money is not an obstacle.
And btw, A Helping Hand has some great information on adoption funding here.
I have posted this at my blog MommyLife. Will you please post on your own blogs and newsgroups?
Update (6/26/2006): Sweet Baby James Update/ Thoughts on Adoption
I'll pass it on ASAP.
I passed it on to one of my lists.
Can you believe there's a sleezebag prochoicer in my forum who's criticizing us for trying to find these kids homes? He thinks all disabled children should be identified and aborted in-utero to spare them a life of suffering. I asked if he meant the pain of having to deal with ignorant people who wish them dead.
Ignorance is the correct term for such attitudes. So much easier to kill someone that to actually get your hands dirty trying to help them. Let's not inconvenience ourselves by having to have "undesireables" in our presence. I read those posts, Christina, and was sickened by them. My sister has DS and that poster clearly has no clue.
I want to kiss his little face off (to quote my mama).