The Gress Family
China 2004
Everything is going very well
with Jia Lu. I prepared for the adoption of a 4 ½ year old with unspecified
medical needs ("ambiguous genitalia") by reading everything I
could
on worst-case scenarios. I read about attachment problems, possible medical diagnoses,
developmental delays, etc. What I've been blessed with is a very curious, physically
healthy, intelligent and cute as a button little ball of energy who is an inspiration
to everyone who meets her.
I
first started the adoption process in April of 2003, when I was living in Shanghai,
China, and working as an English teacher at an international school. I heard about
Jia Lu from another teacher who was a volunteer at the orphanage. As soon as I
heard her story, I picked up the telephone and called the director of the orphanage,
telling her I wanted to meet Jia Lu. Because of SARS, the orphanage was closed
to visitors and I couldn't meet Jia Lu as I planned. Within a day, I had started
adoption proceedings as a resident of China. I felt that moved by her story and
what our mutual friend told me about her. I'm not one who ever imagined sharing
my life with a child, yet I always knew that if a child crossed my path and was
in need of a home, that my heart would respond. That's exactly what happened with
Jia Lu, it's felt like fate has intervened in both of our lives and here we are,
together.
I'm
not sure what the orphanage director told her when she put Jia Lu's hand in mine,
but Jia Lu has held on tight ever since and has claimed me as her mama and knows
that we're a family. She sleeps well, eats well and is super friendly to everyone.
We struggled in the very beginning with tantrums as she adjusted to the new rules
of her home life but that has completely ended. She loves pre-school and has many
friends there, which is a relief for me. As a single mom, I work full-time and
Jia Lu is in a very structured pre-school (play oriented) 35 hours/week and she
just loves being there. Anyway, I'm so very grateful to A Child Waits Foundation
for your financial support in helping Jia Lu and I come together. I couldn't have
done it without you, truly.
Thank
you again.
Sincerely,
Julie Gress