Harder Family

Harder Family

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Advocacy: Summer Hosting 2016

Psalm 68:5 "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling."

Psalm 82:3 "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed."


I had to privilege to attend a prayer meeting on Sunday afternoon at a local church (not my home church). I came home inspired to continue helping promote and help those with voices that can't speak for themselves. God, in His very nature, loves orphans. He is their defender and their Father. He calls on His children to uphold that cause! We are called to look after orphans and widows. I know that my friend Karyn's posts encourage us to take a huge leap of faith this summer. I'm praying that this post will inspire someone on the other side to toss fear aside, and answer the call to be actively involved in the work that God has called us. Below are some of the host children that are being advocated for this summer. Their host families are loving on these children, giving them once in a lifetime experiences, and they are giving these kids a voice. 



A Family for Leo:


This is 12 year old Leo just before he left to return to his orphanage in China (returning was part of the agreement through the hosting experience). We called him Leo, he was Mr. Cautious. He is 12 years old and has PKU. He was hosted in Wisconsin. He is full of joy, love, and adventure. He was very flexible while he was here and willing to do anything with us. He was generous with affection for all and loved to play at the playground. Swinging being his favorite activity. He LOVES music and had just "discovered" this song so he only has a few of the words down. Hearing music ALWAYS put a the brightest smiles on his face. He desperately needs a family to share his love of music with, is that you? If not, can you SHARE this post with EVERYONE (please make it public, so others can share too!) so we can connect him with his family. Feel free to contact us or Meredith Chambers at meredith@gwca.org or 512.323.9595 ext. 3032 if you have questions. You can also find our more about Leo in our blog at https://familyforleo.wordpress.com/ 




A Family for Micah:


I've created this page to share about the child we are hosting this summer from China. Micah is a 13 year old boy who was born with a cleft lip and palate and has grown up in an orphanage in west-central China for his whole life.




A Family for WB:


This is WB and he is 9.  His birthday is in November.  He loves to play outside and take pictures! He loves the water, although he would definitely need lessons. He likes to splash in the water! He is a good eater and good sleeper! He is very active and busy, probably some of it is just having so much to look at and play with! He seems to have adjusted very well.  He is still learning to share with his host siblings, but everything is new. He has a slight club foot but it doesn't seem to bother him too much, he runs on the back of his feet and I'm not sure if it is because of the club foot? Eye dr said didn't need glasses which was great! 



A Family for Ming:


Over the past 5 days we have had the immense pleasure and honor of getting to know the most EXTRAORDINARY young man. 13 year old Ming has just blown us away with his pleasant personality, his helpful spirit, his determination, his courage, his intelligence and his obvious hopefulness in finding his forever family. You all know the saying that a journey begins with a single step. We hope you will view all the pictures in this album as we add them and read about the steps that this brave young man is taking to find his FOREVER family. Time is running out for Ming - he ages out of the international adoption program very soon.
PLEASE share this post far and wide, and if you, or anyone you know, is interested in adopting Ming please contact : Shannon Phillips
Great Wall China Adoption
Tel: 512.323.9595 ext. 3101


A Family for Jett:



Meet Jett. Jett is a 7 year old orphan from China. He is being hosted here in the USA in an effort to help find his forever family. Despite mild cerebral palsy, Jett climbs, runs, plays and keeps up with his 11 year old host brother. He is incredibly smart and confident in his abilities. For adoption inquiries, please contact Meredith at meredith@gwca.org.


A Family for Leila:


AGES OUT December 2016!!

Leila has been cared for by the same foster family her entire life but they are not able to adopt her.

Leila is a beautiful and smart 13 year old child with no known medical needs. She will be with a Host-to-Advocate for a visit to the states from mid-July through mid-August. A family already in process or one prepared to race to her over the next several months is needed before this child turns 14 years old and no longer has the chance to find her family.

Agency staff met Leila in preparation for her upcoming host visit and she shared her love of writing with them. She had written a story that was published to the internet and hopes to be a writer when she grows up. Families who would like to learn more about her, may have a chance to meet with her during her visit.

A Family for Shu:


Shu is an sweet inquisitive 8 year old boy. He is being hosted this summer with hopes to find him a forever family. His host mom says that he is super helpful around the house, loves to ask deep questions, and has been a ton of fun to have around. Shu has some eye issues. He is completely blind in one eye, but just received glasses while in the states that help him see out of his other eye. Piano Man says that he is a nice boy.


Some families are still undecided whether they will be able to pursue adoption or will be advocating for their host child. You can visit this website for additional children: http://adoptablewaitingchild.com

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Maybe God is calling you to take a leap of faith and adopt one of these kids, or maybe God is calling you to help support a family who is taking this step of faith. There are so many options out there for Christians to partake in the work that God has called His children to do (Safe Families, Foster Care, respite care for foster families, meals/encouragement for foster families, walking along side a family pursuing domestic adoption, and encouraging and assisting someone pursuing foreign adoption).  The options really are limitless. If you are interested in finding out more information about any of the children listed above, please contact:

Shannon Phillips
Great Wall China Adoption
Tel: 512.323.9595 ext. 3101

OR 

Meredith Chambers at meredith@gwca.org or 512.323.9595 ext. 3032

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