Ya Ya’s Story
I was innocently browsing through Facebook one day this fall when I saw the post. “Host families needed” it read. Intrigued, I clicked on the link and quickly requested a password to see the profiles of the waiting children. One smiling face stood out and I was immediately drawn in. I called and received more information over the phone and the anticipation set in; the anticipation of having a familiar conversation with my husband. “So, I was on the internet today and I saw this little girl…” it began. We agreed to host Ya Ya over Christmas and advocate for her.
We drove through the night that cold December morning and arrived at O’Hare airport before the sun rose. We met with some of the waiting families and soon, a group of children, led by chaperones started towards us. And there she was! She was much, much tinier than we had imagined, full of smiles and not afraid. I motioned to her and she came right over and gave us hugs. Our 9 year old daughter gave her a doll and she latched onto her right away. She was amazed by everything around her, automatic flushing toilets, doors that opened on their own, everything was new and exciting.
We arrived home and were greeted by the rest of the family. Ya Ya immediately was drawn to our son, Ashton, who shared something in common with her, Down syndrome. They became good buddies over the month she was here. Ya Ya was sweet, gentle and kind with him. She fit in very well with everyone, after a few initial struggles between her and our almost 3 year old son. I believe he thought she was much closer to his age as she was so small. Once they (he!) worked out their “differences,” all was well!
Ya Ya fit in amazingly well! Everyone around us wondered how she would adapt, how would she understand us, what if she is upset, how will you communicate with her??? We used Google Translate and she understood very well! She is very expressive and we could tell by her reactions if she understood or not. Her English was pretty limited, but that did not stop her from playing and interacting. She enjoyed showing us that she could count in English and liked to use the phrases that she picked up. We discovered her love of dancing around the second week here and dance parties were a regular happening around here!
Ya Ya is bright, inquisitive and catches on quickly. The fact that she had Down syndrome really wasn’t a concern of ours as our son has Down syndrome. She could do far more than we imagined! She was completely independent with her personal hygiene; showering, brushing teeth, getting dressed, combing her hair she did all by herself. Honestly, I think she trumps our 9 year old when it came to taking care of that independently! She enjoyed playing with dolls, our play kitchen, coloring and painting. Her artistic “skills” were a bit lacking, but she played well with toys.
As our visit drew to a close, I found myself panicked and a bit weepy thinking about sending her back “home.” After some discussion, we made the decision to move forward with adoption. It just felt right, especially after being able to see how she fits in with our family. I have to admit that while she was here, I found a message board discussing hosting programs. Several people posting on the site were aghast that children with Down syndrome were being brought over as part of the host program. They wondered how they would understand what this was all about and how would they react when it was time to go back? I can say first hand that she handled it great! We started talking about going back to China about 10 days before her departure. We talked about how excited her friends would be to see her and that she could share her new things with them. At the airport, she played and interacted with her friends while waiting for the plane. When it was time to go, she gave Baba a big hug and boarded the plane waving with a smile on her face. We are so grateful for this experience and for this ray of sunshine we will now have in our home forever!
Why Host Through GWCA/CAN?
The Power of Orphan Warriors!
Our Orphan Hosting programs strive to make a difference in the lives of children in need by providing them with the opportunity to experience the love of a family outside of their orphanage or foster home. In doing so, each orphan takes one step closer to finding a loving and permanent family of their own, and it’s all made possible with the help of Orphan Warriors like you!
So Why Should You Host through GWCA/CAN?
- Permanency: Ultimately, our goal is for ALL of our adoptable host children to find their forever family after their first host trip, whether it’s their host family or a family within their community.
- Consistency: We have programs in both the Summer and the Winter, so whether you prefer to host during the summer when your kids are out of school, or during the winter when your host child will be able to experience the holidays with your family, it’s easier to find a time that fits into your family’s busy schedule!
- Knowledge: Our hosting team travels to meet and interview each each of the kids before the matching takes place. This ensures that you can have as much information as possible when deciding which kiddo would be the best fit for your family.
♥ For programs where some of the children have special needs, our hosting team is accompanied on their trip by a medical professional who is able to evaluate the children’s needs and ensure that they are safe to travel and participate in the program. - Commitment: Our Orphan Hosting programs are run through our agency rather than a partner agency, making the transition from hosting to adoption much smoother.
- All fees associated with our hosting programs are considered tax deductible donations, and go towards paying for much more than your child’s airfare, including:
- Background checks
- Home safety visit
- Travel to an international hub
- Hague Training courses – they’re all ONLINE, so you never have to leave the comfort of your home!
- Medical Insurance for your child during the program
- Adoption Application – If you move forward with the adoption of your host child, we’ll waive the application fee!
♥ Don’t let the cost of hosting keep you from making a difference, we have countless suggestions for fundraising, and several free alternatives such as being a chaperone host family, or a backup host family.
♥ All host families that move forward with the adoption of their host child are eligible to apply for our exclusive host-to-adopt grants!
It works!
Our Orphan Hosting programs have a 75-80% placement rate for adoptable children. In the past several years we have seen these programs unite countless children with their forever families, and we’re just getting started! Check out our Host-to-Adopt blogs to see a couple children and families whose lives these programs have changed:
– Philippines: Host Family Becomes Forever Family
– China: Duo’s Host-to-Adopt Story
How Can I Get Involved?
There are many ways to make a difference in the life of an orphan through our hosting programs, whether it’s by hosting a child yourself, or by making a contribution that will help another family bring them here! For more information, contact our hosting team today at (512)323-9595, or visit our Orphan Hosting Photo Listing to see the amazing kiddos that are participating in the program!
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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.
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.
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China Summer Host Kids Return Home Safely
Whew! They made it! All 30 Host children from China made it safely to their orphanages last night. It was not an easy day and please keep the children and their families in your thoughts, as good byes are never easy.
The children arrived July 20th and spent the last several weeks with host families. Many of our host families moved forward with adoption and many did a tremendous job advocating to find forever families. The group as a whole has banded together with a mission to ensure that all 30 children come home this time next year forever! There are just six kids waiting, click here to meet them.
Check out some of the photos of departure day.
It’s All About Siblings!
Our Latvia Winter Hosting program has launched, and this winter, a number of siblings are looking to spend the holidays with a family. Siblings groups are in pairs only (brother/sister, sister/sister, and one adorable brother/brother pair!). If your family is interested in hosting a sibling group, you’ll get a $100 discount on the hosting donation costs for the second child.
3 GREAT Reasons to Host a Sibling Pair
1. Double the Fun!
Why host one when you could have two? A sibling group will give you double the fun of hosting and create great memories for the children to share with each other when they return after hosting.
2. A little family for your family!
Sibling groups are often the hardest to get hosted, so you can help keep a little family together! Sibling groups have often formed strong family bonds with each other and do well forming bonds with a host family as well. Consider bringing a little family into your family this winter!
3. Shared Past for a Shared Future
Sibling groups have often stuck by each other through thick and thin. They come with a shared past, but they can look forward to a shared future with your family. Make some memories with a sibling group, and share this winter holidays with them!
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Winter Latvia, Philippines, and China Photolistings Are OPEN!
As we draw to a close on the summer, we begin to look forward to the upcoming Winter Hosting Program that will give a new group of children the opportunity to come to the United States, share the joy of the holidays with a family, and have a life-changing experience. If you’re ready to host, visit our Hosting Photolisting today to meet the kiddos who will be a part of the Winter Hosting Experience!
Latvia Program: To receive full access to the children’s photos, please click on the children’s bios to access our short Latvia Hosting Full Photolisting Request Form. Answer just a few short questions, and we will send you the password to the photolisting for that group of kiddos.
Philippines Program: To receive access to the children’s photos, please contact a Program Coordinator directly at info@orphanhosting.com or call 512-323-9595 ext. 3092 or 3101.
If you’re ready to have the Christmas hosting experience of a lifetime, view our photolisting today!
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Summer Host Kids – Need Forever Families
Our Summer hosting program is coming to a close and our kids are heading back to China next week! These kiddos are still looking for forever families! Contact our coordinator today to learn more about these kiddos. Shannon can be reached via email Shannon@gwca.org or phone call 512.323.9595 ext 3101.
Meet Matthew!
Matthew is a bright, outgoing, fun-loving, energetic, eager teenage boy. In the month that he spent with us, he had a lot of “firsts” – first time to ride a bike, first time eating foods from many different regions of the world, first time miniature golfing, first time driving a go-cart, first time picking berries, first time taking care of pets. The list goes on. Matthew was always eager to participate in any activity the family embarked on. Often the activities were simple, such as going for a walk to the park and feeding the ducks, or picking various summer berries either in our backyard or on a trail. Matthew found enjoyment in almost everything. You could tell because he would be smiling. There was rarely a time when our family’s activity didn’t produce a genuine smile. Matthew is an active teenage boy. When there was free time, he wanted to ride his bike, or shoot baskets, play ping-pong, or badminton. He was always eager to try a new activity like throwing a Frisbee or playing catch with a lacrosse stick. He would catch on quite quickly and seemed to be very athletic and coordinated.
Matthew was also very eager to learn. When our kids would sit down to complete a math activity to keep their brains engaged over the summer, he was happy to complete whatever I gave him. He easily sped through some elementary math worksheets. He also especially liked learning English. On a number of occasions he would grab his notebook and write the Chinese and English of the words or phrases we had translated using Google translate. Of his own initiative he would sit almost daily and use Duolingo app on the iPad to learn English. He seemed very motivated and was a quick learner. He very much liked routine. One of his favorites was sitting at night with our family to read. He followed along with the reader. When we would take turns reading scripture, he was excited to be able to take his turn and read scripture out loud in Chinese. He also loved to go daily with his host mom to the grocery store helping ensure everything on the list was purchased and getting to sample the various treats at the local market. He always made sure to help push the cart, carry the groceries, and manage the list.
He was learning what a mom and dad mean in a boy’s life. He mentioned in a letter that he appreciated his host mom when she cared for his scraped knee when he was learning to ride his bike. He enjoyed sitting with his host dad at night to read. He clearly respected his older host siblings and bonded easily with his host brother near in age. He was never afraid of our three animals: a small dog, cat, and kitten. At first he didn’t know what to do with them so he would just sit beside them and watch. As time went on he developed a real enjoyment of the dog and especially the kitten. He would snuggle, play, and care for them. He was eager to ensure they had food and water daily. Matthew tried and liked so many different foods while he was here. I’m not sure we had the same dinner twice the entire month he spent with us, with the exception of hamburgers (his favorite). He loved almost every kind of vegetable and fruit put in front of him and often ate those first before the main course. He happily ate Mexican, Japanese, Indian, Italian, American, and German food. He had a great appetite as evidenced by the seven pounds he gained while with us. The only three things we couldn’t convince him to eat were avocados, bell peppers, and macaroni and cheese. There was occasion to teach or modify his behavior. He accepted direction and correction easily. He wanted to please so it was relatively easy to show him how to properly do something. Natural consequences seemed to be effective as well. Matthew had a habit of racing down the stairs at home. On a number of occasions he slipped and fell. After several times or that it was easy to tell him to walk because he knew what was likely to happen if he didn’t. Matthew liked solving puzzles. He absolutely loved to have Rubix cube races with his host brother often winning. He was also quite adept at fixing bike problems. If the chain came off, or the gear needed adjusting, or the inner tube needed replacing, he would carefully consider what parts needed adjustment or how to put the pieces needed back together. He took responsibility for doing these things.
Matthew would blossom and mature quickly in a family where he has older siblings from which to learn. He would do well in an active family where he can develop his natural athletic abilities either playing a team sport or running cross-country or track. He has some great traits and seems motivated to learn. However, keeping his Chinese language and culture is important to him.
Meet Paul!
Paul is a handsome 9 year old. He was born with Hydrocephalus.
However a shunt was put in at a very early age. He does not appear
to be significantly behind. He is a very curious young man and quick
to figure out how things work. He is a very fast learner. Though he
has not been in school, I expect that he will learn very quickly when
given the chance. He has a beautiful smile and an infectious giggle!
He loves Mickey Mouse! Paul really wants to please. He loves to
help around the house. He likes to help with the cooking. He is
always first to wash his dishes. He also likes to help with the
laundry. Paul loves to play in the water (he does not know how to
swim and is quite cautious). He also loves coloring, using a pencil,
working on a puzzle, playing with cars, looking at books, and
listening to music. Though he was initially afraid of the pets (dogs
and cats), he has acclimated well. He loves to hold the cat. Where
once he screamed at the sight of the dog, he now pats him on the
head and says, “Hi” or “Ni hao”. Paul is very independent. He can
take care of most of his needs by himself. He gets himself dressed,
brushes his teeth, takes a bath, gets ready for bed with very little
help.
Meet Chase!
He is such a quick learner and has already caught on to routines and schedules. He really looks forward to learning even more, he is always asking “What is this called?” Once he gets familiar with his surroundings he is VERY active and curious. He also wants to try everything! He loves watermelon and bananas! Chase loves to play with toys that you can learn how they work and remote control cars seem to excite him! He is always excited to go in the car he likes watching all the big semi trucks and buses! He is for sure all boy! He loves to help little ones, especially the little 2 year old! He already knows English numbers and colors. He truly is a fantastic little guy that would love a forever family with either lots of siblings or no siblings he is very adaptable! Chase is being hosted in Marlyand.
Meet Wynn!
“Wynn” is a confidant, intelligent, outgoing social guy. He is helpful, caring and happy. He particularly loves our dogs and has had no problem integrating into our family. He loves our children who are just a few years older than him and he is a very typical healthy 12 year old child. He enjoys all sports activities, games , and family time. He has an excellent understanding of written mandarin and he has even learned some English in the short time that he has been here. It is his dream to live in the United States and to have a family he can call his own. We are confidant that he will be a wonderful addition to any family!
Meet Sean!
Sean is such an amazing 12 year old boy. He is deaf, but he is so resilient, confident, sweet, incredibly smart, and extremely well-behaved. He is so easy to have around. He picks up on things quickly and you usually only have to show or tell him once. He is very observant and willing to learn. He makes his needs and desires known. He is a good gymnast. Basketball is his preferred sport to play. He enjoys swimming and riding his bike or ripstick. He knows a lot of Chinese sign language and the written language. He is a very talented artist in any medium. He has the cutest laugh and the sweetest smile. He will be an amazing son!
Meet Isaac!
Isaac (which means laughter) is 9 years old and is diagnosed with Nystagmus (which he now has glasses that helps him), and the neurological disorder Schizencephaly . His right side is weak, but he has good mobility in both his arm and leg and it doesn’t limit him much at all. He is staying with a host family in the US and is scheduled to see a Pediatric Neurologist while here. He laughs often and it is always from his belly, making everyone else around him laugh too! He has such a sweet smile and it always shines when you praise him. He has learned to say “good job!” and learned how to give high5’s. He is smart and very curious, active, catches on quickly to things and loves to explore and discover. He is all boy and all about karate (mainly Power Rangers)! His host family has him enrolled in karate classes and he loves it! He also enjoys bike riding, swimming, coloring, anything music, and puzzles. He transitions very well and is very resilient. He competes with kids his own size (around 5-6 years old) and is afraid of dogs, but he is getting much better in both of these areas. He is protective of the host mom and enjoys helping her around the house. He is able to attach to adults and children and enjoys receiving affection. He has come a long way in the short time he has been here and the host family feels he has a ton of potential in the right family! Issac is currently being hosted in Florida.
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Latvia Interview Trip Ends and a New Adventure Begins
Well that’s it – we survived! All told, Kayley and I probably spent around 6 hours in a car for the entirety of the interview trip. Despite the (literal) bumps in the roads, we had a great time. Our in-country team is wonderful, and we are so lucky to have them supporting our hosting program and kids there.
The big takeaway from this trip is that the children of Latvia are extraordinary. Quite a few of them were able to speak to us in some English, and all were eager to learn. It was the little things that we noticed that were so impressive – when we sat at tables to talk with the kids, they would push the chairs back under the table when they left. They said please, thank you, and were excited to try to answer questions in English (albeit a little shy at first!). We had to convince many of them to take a toy, and for those kiddos who were there with their sibling, they immediately shared. Older siblings took great care of their younger brother or sister – we could not have imagined a better group of kids.
Latvia hosting will be a real opportunity for all of these children to experience life in America. It is a wonderful chance for them to improve their English and spend time with a close knit family who can provide them with some direct love and care. Since most of the children live in foster families, they have experience with a family structure and prepared for some of the transition they will experience through hosting. What these children need is a better opportunity – an opportunity to learn English, get a better education, and improve their future.
The Latvia Winter Photolisting will launch tomorrow, Friday, August 13, 2015. If you’re ready to give these kiddos a chance, contact us at info@orphanhosting.com or start your application today!
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