Meeting Eva in China
Just weeks ago Heidi, one of our China Matching Specialists, had the opportunity to travel to China to meet with GWCA’s Orphanage Partnerships. While there, she met countless amazing children that are in need of loving Forever Families. Here is a blog about her experience meeting one particular little lady named Eva!
I had the privilege of traveling to China a few weeks ago to visit 6 out of GWCA’s 13 orphanage partnerships. I had an amazing time meeting the staff of these orphanages and 99 kiddos from the Waiting Child Adoption Program. I got to experience the unique culture of China including their amazing food (let me tell you about how hard it is to eat with chopsticks though!), art, language and customs. I went to China to meet the kids at the orphanages, learn more about them, and take more photos and videos of them so that when we do receive their files I will have more information to share with families who are interested in adopting them.
Some of the orphanages I went to were in big cities and others were in more rural areas. No matter where I went though, everyone would stare at me, including the kids in the orphanages. Most of these children had never met a non-Chinese person before, so they were completely fascinated by me, from the way I talked and how I looked, to how I dressed and even how I interacted with them. In each orphanage as I was interviewing kids, the rest of the children in the orphanage would gather up in the hallway and peak through the windows and doorways at me. When I would turn and wave at them and say “Hello” they would all smile and giggle and run away laughing. And always they would return shortly after to peer into the room and observe me again.
One of the things I was the most impressed with was the positivity and resilience of the older children who have lived in the orphanages most of their lives. These are both healthy older children (mostly boys) and children with minor or moderate special needs. The kids I met have such energy and a zest for life that is utterly infectious the moment you enter the room!
There was one girl, who I’ll call “Eva,” (pictured) that I met while I was in China who is 13 years old and will be aging out of the Chinese Orphanage system next February. Aging out means that a child will not be able to be adopted after their 14th birthday, so kids like Eva will never get a chance to have a family after they turn 14 years old. Out of all 99 kids I met over the two week period I was in China, Eva was one that really stood out to me. Eva walked up to me as soon as I entered the orphanage and with a big smile and lots of confidence she said, “Hello! I’m Eva. Good Morning!” Eva was such a happy kiddo, telling me some in English, some through a translator, what her favorite games to play were, that she is in school and what grade she is in, what her favorite sports are and who her best friends are. As you can imagine, after years of not being adopted, Eva really wants to be adopted and have parents and a family. She only has about 10 months left before that will no longer be a possibility.
Every day since I’ve been back from China I have thought about Eva and what a special little girl she is. Eva is so very deserving of the love and attention of a forever family, as are all of the wonderful kiddos I met in China. I have been hoping that there is a family out there who will want to adopt Eva and give her the family that she has always dreamed of! Could you be that family?
If you are interested in learning how you can become Eve’s Forever Family, visit our photo listing, watch her videos below, or contact Heidi at heidi@gwca.org today. She is more than happy to speak with any interested families about her experience meeting this amazing girl.
Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3
Read More11 New Kids on the Block!
Hi there! My name is Hoyt and I just turned 4 years old. When I was younger some nice doctors corrected my anal atresia and the extra finger that was on my right hand and now I’m feeling much better! I will probably still need a surgery in the future to correct my hypospadias, but I don’t let that keep me from being a happy little boy! I live with a nice foster family who take good care of me! I sometimes help my foster mom work in her grocery store. I love to talk, run around and play, and making new friends is easy for me! I hope to find my forever family soon! You can contact my friends at Great Wall if you would like to learn more about adopting me! I hope my friends at Great Wall find my Forever Family soon!
Hi my name is Sawyer and I am 2 years old! I was born with anal atresia but some nice doctors performed surgery for me and I’m doing much better now! I also have some torticollis on the ride side of my body. I can crawl and play with toys on my own and I love to play with my toy piano. I can express my needs but I am slightly delayed on my language development compared to my peers. I like to play with other kiddos and I am closest to my caretakers. This isn’t all the information about me so contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me!
Hi there! My name is Eva and I just turned 13 years old. I was born without reproductive organs, but other than that I am essentially a healthy girl. One of my friend’s at GWCA visited me in China earlier this year and would love to talk to prospective families about me! I go to a regular school and am in 7th grade. I can speak and write some English and when I met one of the GWCA staff members in China I went up to her and said, “Good Morning! My name is Eva! Hello!” I am extroverted and I have good communication skills. I enjoy dancing, singing and playing with my friends. I want to be adopted by an American family. I will age out of the orphanage system in China next February, so I need a family to adopt me in the next year or I will never get to have a Forever Family. You can contact my friends at Great Wall if you would like to learn more about adopting me! I hope my friends at Great Wall find my Forever Family soon!
Check out My New Video #1! | Check out My New Video #2! | Check out My New Video #3!
Hi my name is Hunter and I am 2 years old! I was born with Down’s Syndrome but I don’t let this stop me from being a happy kiddo. I can crawl very fast and I’m great at imitating adult’s actions. My caretakers say that I am a smart kiddo compared to some of my friends with the same need as me. My motor development is only slightly delayed compared to other kiddos my age. I can wave and kiss goodbye and I often like to play the drums and ringtoss. I have a ready smile and I get along very well with other children. This isn’t all the information about me so contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to review my file!
Hi! My name is Joey, and I just turned 2 years old this past January. My doctor’s say that had hemorrhage in my brain and surgery to repair a skull fracture, but I have been doing well since I had the surgery! My left eye also turns inward slightly, but that hasn’t slowed me down! I am able to walk alone without assistance and have excellent mobility skills. I also love to play with my friends and my caregivers! I am described as being a happy kiddo who loves to smile. Contact my friends at Great Wall if you would like to learn more about me!
Hi! My name is Victoria and I am going to turn 11 years old this May. My file indicates that I may have issues with my cognitive development, but my friends at Great Wall are working hard to learn more. I am currently staying with a foster family and seem to be doing great! I love to be cuddled, and love to spend time with my foster family. I love to listen to music, dance, and do art projects! I hope that I can find a forever family soon. Please contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me!
Hello! My name is Elijah and I just turned 3 years old. My doctor’s say I have Down’s Syndrome, but that doesn’t slow me down! I love to cuddle and be teased by my caretakers, and love to dance and laugh with my friends! If you’d like to learn more about me, please contact my friends at Great Wall China Adoption! 
Hello there! My name is Ellie, and I am 2 years old. I was born with a cataract on my right eye and some inner ear issues, but my growth report indicates that I am doing well! My file also indicates that I had an extra thumb on my right hand when I was little, but some nice doctors preformed surgery and I no longer have it. My caretakers describe my as cuddly and sometimes mischievous! I love to play with my friends but sometimes get nervous when I meet new people. Contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me! 
Hello there! My name is Malcolm and I am 8 years old. I was born with Down’s Syndrome, but that doesn’t stop me from being a happy kiddo! My caregivers say that I am doing well in school and am very good at taking care of myself. They describe me as popular with the other kiddos, mischievous, and optimistic! If you’d like to learn more about me, please reach out to my friends at Great Wall!
Hello! My name is Catherine, and I am 11 years old! My file indicates that I may have had some cognitive delays, but overall I seem to be doing really well! My eyes also developed differently than some of my friends, but that doesn’t stop me from being a happy kiddo. I do very well in school, and love to ask questions and help out the teachers. My caregivers say that I am a good problem solver, and that I love to write, paint, and dance. I love to help out the younger kiddos in school and would make a great big sister. Please contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me! 
Hello! My name is Savannah, and I am 4 years old. My doctor’s say that I have cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t slow me down! My caretakers say that I am a happy kiddo who loves to listen to music and dance! I am also able to walk without assistance and use simple phrases to say hello to my friends and teachers. Please contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me!
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Forever Family Friday
We are absolutely THRILLED to announce that a family has begun submitting their paperwork to bring this little guy home forever! Congratulations to him and his new Forever Family from all of us at GWCA/CAN!
Interested in starting your adoption journey? Contact our Matching Specialists to learn how you can be matched with one of our Waiting Children TODAY!
Read More10 Kids Home On Time for Spring Break!
What an exciting time this has been for both our GWCA and CAN adoption programs, as 10 kids are coming home just on time for Spring Break! Having worked with each of these families throughout their adoption processes, we know how eager they are to welcome their newest members home forever, and we are so thrilled that the time has come. CONGRATULATIONS from all of us at GWCA and CAN!
- One family in our Philippines adoption program is bringing home their child!
- One family from one of our African adoption programs is bringing home two kiddos!
- Five families in our China adoption program are bringing home a total of 7 kids!
We are so incredibly happy for each of these amazing families and the kids that they are welcoming home! If you are interested in learning how you can begin your adoption journey, contact our Matching Specialists today!
- Learn more about our China Adoption Program
- Visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing
- Learn more about our CAN Adoption Programs
- Visit our CAN Waiting Child Photo Listing
#WelcomeHome #OrphanWarriorWednesday
Read MoreNew Kids on the Block
Hi! My name is Nash and I am 2 years old. My right hand formed a little differently than some of my friends and I also have G6PD but I don’t let these things slow me down! I am described as being smart, extroverted and a great listener! I love to sing and my caretakers say that I am very talkative! I can get dressed on my own and go up and downstairs by myself. My caretakers say I get along very well with others. This isn’t all the information about me so contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me!
Hello there! My name is Billy and I am about 1 and a half years old. I had a congenital heart defect and anal atresia when I was born, but some nice doctor’s preformed surgery and I’m doing much better! My right thumb is also a little different than some of my friends, but that doesn’t slow me down! My caregivers say that I can be a bit shy when you first meet me, but once I get to know you I adore you! I love to play with my toys and watch cartoons. There’s a lot more information in my file, so please contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more! 
Hi there! My name is May and I am 4 years old. My doctor’s say that I have cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t slow me down! At the time my file was prepared I wasn’t able to walk, but my friends at Great Wall are working hard to learn more about me! I can be a bit shy when you first meet me, but once I get to know people I love to cuddle with them! My caretakers say that I love to listen to music and watch cartoons. I love to make myself feel beautiful by brushing my hair and wearing my nicest clothes. Contact my friends at Great Wall if you would like to know more about me! 
Hi! My name is Julianna and I am about to turn 4 years old. I was born with strabismus and my kidney works a little differently than some of my friends but I don’t let these things slow me down. My file indicates that my motor and cognitive skills development is on target with my age group. I can walk up and down the stairs easily and I can run and jump on my own. I can get dressed on my own and I have great self-care ability. I have a great relationship with my caretaker and I love playing with them and giving them hugs! I am described as being lively and active and full of energy! This isn’t all the information about me so contact my friends at Great Wall if you would like to review my file!
Hello! My name is Claire and I am 10 years old. I was born with cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t slow me down! I am able to walk on my own without assistance, and my caregivers say that I bravely get back up if I fall down. I love to study and am described as being a very smart, clever girl. I do really well in rehabilitation and am a very hard worker. I love to read books with the other kiddos and love to sing songs and folk rhymes. I am a very sweet, special girl and I hope to find my forever family soon. If you’d like to learn more about me, please contact my friends at Great Wall!
Hello there! My name is Wanda and I am 11 years old. My fingers and toes developed differently than some of my friends but that doesn’t stop me from being a happy kiddo! I also have mild scoliosis and my left eye crosses slightly, but overall I am doing great. My caretakers describe me as a sweet, shy, and helpful girl that loves to help out with the younger kiddos. I’d love to find a forever home! Please contact my friends at Great Wall if you’d like to learn more about me!
Read More
Forever Family Friday
I Found My Forever Family
We are DELIGHTED to announce that a family has begun submitting their paperwork to welcome this little guy into their family FOREVER! We are so incredibly excited for this kiddo and his new Forever Family, and we can’t wait to see them come home!
If you are interested in learning how you can be matched with one of the Waiting Children in our China Adoption program, contact our China Matching Specialists, or visit our Photo Listing today!
- Visit the Waiting Child Photo Listing!
- Contact our China Matching Specialists
- Learn more about Adopting from China
Read More
New Kids on the Block
Hello! My name is Marissa and I am about to turn 2 years old. I have Cerebral Palsy but I don’t let this stop me from being a happy kiddo. I can crawl and sit on my own and I can walk with some help from my caretakers. I know familiar people and I like to interact with others. I love to smile, I can dance and I love listening to music. My friends at Great Wall are working hard to learn more about me. Contact them if you’d like to review my file!
Click Here to Watch a Video of Me!
Hi! My name is Zach and I am 7 years old. I have a history of epilepsy and mild cerebral palsy. I can go up and down stairs on my own, run, jump and play. My caretakers say that my left hand is slightly weak but that it doesn’t affect my daily life. I am described as being active, polite and a good listener in school. This isn’t all the information about me so if you’d like to learn more, contact my friends at Great Wall!
Click Here to Watch a Video of Me!
Click Here to Watch a Video of Me! 
Hi! My name is Flynn and I am 3 years old. My hands and feet developed a little differently than some of my friends but I don’t let this stop me from being a happy kiddo! My file suggests that I am slightly delayed compared to my peers but I am working hard to catch up. I can grasp toys, I can grasp one hand with the other and I can pick up objects and pass them between my hands. I can feed myself, sit, crawl and kneel on my own. I can understand facial expressions of those around me and I can babble and say some simple words. I love being held and I always ask for hugs from familiar people! My file indicates that I have a ready smile, I love being teased and I’m fond of listening to music. Contact Great Wall if you’d like to review my file!
Hi! My name is Lionel and I am 4 years old! I was born with some limb differences but I don’t let that stop me from smiling! My caretakers say that I have excellent language skills and that I can eat and drink all by myself! I can stand up with support and can move around on the floor with my arms. I really love to play with blocks and make arts and crafts projects with beads! This isn’t all the information about me so please contact my friends at Great Wall if you would like to review my file!
Click Here to Watch a Video of Me!
Click Here to Watch a Video of Me!
Click Here to Watch a Video of Me!
Hello! My name is Riley and I am 9 years old. I was born with bilateral Microtia which has affected my hearing some. My caretakers say that I love communicating with others and am fond of playing cars with other kiddos. I am very inquisitive and am described as being clever and smart! I have good self-care ability and like to help my caretakers with tasks. My file is slightly outdated so my friends at Great Wall are working hard to learn more about me! Contact them if you’d like to review my file!
The Sponsored Star for March is Here!
Meet Theo, GWCA’s Sponsored Star for March!
As a 13 year old boy, Theo is in danger of aging out unless he finds his Forever Family before his 14th birthday. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this sweet boy, please contact the Matching Specialists at GWCA today!
Hi! My name is Theo and I am 13 years old. My eyes don’t work as well as some of my friends, but that doesn’t stop me from being a happy kiddo! I was hosted in the United States over the holidays but now I am back in China waiting for my forever family! My hosting family says that I am loving, respectful, and kind. I loved to help my host mom do laundry, make meals, and help out my little host sibling! I am a sweet kiddo who would love to find a forever family! If you would like to learn more about me, contact my friends at GWCA!
As our Sponsored Star, Theo has a $2,000 grant available towards his adoption fees! If you are interested in seeing Theo’s file or learning how you can be matched with him, visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing or contact our China Matching Team today!
What is a Sponsored Star?
On the 1st of each month, Great Wall China Adoption will feature one of the kiddos from our Orphanage Partnerships as our monthly “Sponsored Star!” As our Sponsored Star, that child will be provided a $2,000 grant towards their adoption fees! Each of the kiddos selected will be a Special Focus child, meaning they have not found their Forever Family yet due to their age, or the degree of their needs. Together, we can find loving homes for these amazing kids!
We encourage any families interested in learning more about our Sponsored Star of the Month to visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing, or contact our China Matching Specialists to learn how you can be matched today! Check back on the first of each month to meet the newest featured child!
Read MoreJust Matched Monday
Hooray! A family has begun submitting their paperwork to welcome this little guy into their family FOREVER! We are so incredibly excited for this kiddo and his new Forever Family, and we can’t wait to see them come home!
Interested in learning how you can be matched with one of our Waiting Children? Contact our China Matching Specialists or visit our China Waiting Child Photo Listing today!
- Visit the Photo Listing to see more Waiting Children!
- Contact the Matching Specialists!
- Learn more about China Adoption!
Read More
Connecting Hearts
Happy Heart Month!
This little guy received a WONDERFUL surprise for his birthday – his new Forever Family sent him our Connecting Hearts care package! I think it’s safe to say he felt the warmth of their love on his special day.
If you’re currently in the process of adopting a child from China through GWCA, and you’re interested in learning how you can send a gift package, contact kayley@gwca.org today!
Read MoreReady to get started?
