Archive for September 22, 2015

Bringing Bennett Home

Last January I had the pleasure of meeting four incredibly talented kiddos all from the same orphanage that live together in a foster family. I had never met children so incredibly gifted, confident, and happy, especially being orphaned. Three of the four children were selected to participate in our Summer Hosting Program. Every time I shared their stories with families I would get so excited as they truly represent the resilience that so many of these children have. I was thrilled that all three were matched with incredible families and two of them were even coming to Texas!

The kids came and had an incredible time. All three returned to China just last month, all with families in process to bring them home forever. On departure day I had the pleasure of spending some time with their chaperone and music teacher. The main woman responsible for all of their ‘awesomeness’. She was so excited to share about their experiences here in the US but quickly turned to me and with a frustrated face, said “What about ‘Bennett’, why was he left out?”

 

We meet at least 100 kids on each interview trip and many times groups travel from orphanages to meet us, bring a group of children and not all of them are brought for the program. The one little boy that we “left out” was so incredible. We wanted us to bring him so terribly bad. After much debate we decided not to include him on our list as a precaution of his medical need and what could occur on a hosting trip.

Forward 8 months to that day in the airport with a very upset concerned teacher/mother. With our language barrier we talked more about Bennett and I apologized for not bringing him and said, we can advocate and find him a family. After the events of departure day settled down I was contacted by an incredible advocate about our little, ‘Bennett’. It turns out not only is Bennett an incredible kid, he is the 4th man to this adorable little quad of friends. These four kiddos do EVERYTHING together, school, arts, life, and play, they are always together. They are the best of friends and practically siblings. Here is the tough part, Bennett’s friends are all be adopted and will be home with their forever families no later than next summer and Bennett is currently being left behind. That’s where we need help. We are actively looking for a forever family for this handsome guy and it would be even more awesome if that family could be in Texas or south Carolina, so Bennett and his buddies can keep in close contact.

To learn more about Bennett contact Mallory@gwca.org.

Read More

Donate Now! Give the Gift of Family

Winter Orphan Hosting Program

This holiday season, 50 orphans from China, the Philippines, and Latvia hope for the chance to make gingerbread houses, open presents, and decorate a tree. The cost of hosting an orphan is around $3,000. With your help, we can provide scholarships for families willing to open their hearts and homes to children most in need.

Any amount goes a long way – will you help give a child the gift of family this winter? Donate $5, $10, or as much as you can!

Read More

Meet the Survivors

Many potential host families might look over the kiddos who don’t have photos available on the listing, but these kiddos are some of the sweetest and kindest kids around. Today we are spotlighting the tale of two brothers who have been through a lot together and who are still looking for their host family this winter!

These two brothers, “Gene and Tony,” survived Typhoon Ketsana in the while they were in the orphanage in the Philippines. Little Tony had to crawl across a cable wire in order to get to safety. However, despite the trials they have suffered, both of these little guys have turned out to be real sweethearts!

Gene is 12, and he never forgets to say goodnight to his caretakers, and he enjoys soccer and playing with the other kids in the group home. He’s also a high energy kiddo, participating in lots of sports and loves to get outside and play with other kiddos. This doesn’t stop him from being a great big brother – when they were younger, he would help his brother get ready for school and still sits with him every evening during meal time!

Tony is 10 and is a confident kiddo who participates in martial arts! Ask us about seeing a video one of our staff had the opportunity to take during our recent trip to the Philippines. He has a killer smile and loves to give out hugs and compliments. He likes to hear when he’s done the right thing – what a sweetheart!

Little families like Gene and Tony’s are often the hardest to find a family for. It is our hope that your family is ready to open your heart and home this holiday season to these two brothers – help us find their host family today! If you’re ready to host, get in touch with us at info@orphanhosting.com or call us at (512) 323-9595 ext. 3092.

Read More