From the Agency
To All This May Concern:
On behalf of Mark and Sharon VanMantgem, Joshua Michael VanMantgem, Mother's
Choice of HongKong, and Bethany Christian Services International Program of
Grand Rapids we would all like to thank you for your very important part in
bringing Joshua Michael into the VanMantgem family. Together we have all made
a difference in this little guy's life.
Joshua is making a wonderful adjustment. He is a sweetheart.
There were fears for a couple of weeks just before Sharon traveled to Hong Kong
to bring Joshua home, that he may not be able to travel as he developed an infection
in his only functioning kidney. But he is home now and scheduled for several
doctors visits for his multiple problems.
Today Joshua took four steps on his own,
He loves having his older siblings take his hands and walk him all around the
house. Joshua loves being outside in the sunshine. He has learned some from
his sister Lauren on how to go down a little slide and hold on to a merry go
round at the park. He hasn't decided yet if he likes swinging. He gets around
scooting on his bottom and he loves to sit up and play with toys that make music.
He has already learned that playing in the bath tub and the outdoor kiddy pool
are wonderful experiences.
Enclosed you will find a few pictures of Joshua with
his family. Also enclosed is a picture that was taken with the entire VanMantgem
family just before Joshua arrived. The VanMantgems had planned to wait until
Joshua arrived to have a full family picture but then they learned that Jacob
(adopted from Korea at about 10 years old after being severely burned over much
of his face and upper body) was being sent to Iraq. So as you can see from the
picture, Jacob is in his military uniform with
his family before leaving to serve his country.
I have had the pleasure of working with the VanMantgems in the adoption of their children for the past 20 years. They are truly an amazing family. Bethany has wanted to do a story about them, but they always say "we aren't anything to write about". They have also said wait until our family is complete before you write a story. I know they agreed to let A Child Waits do a story about them so maybe you can tell this families amazing story.
Thank you again for your part in changing Joshua's life. Just a little bit of effort on all of our part, from Mother's Choice's orphanage to A Child Wait's Foundation will change little Joshua's life for eternity.
Thankfully Yours
Virginia Schutter, Adoption Specialist
Bethany Christian Services
From the Family
I would like to thank you for your financial assistance
in bringing our new little boy home. Joshua Michael VanMantgen arrived in Michigan
on September 12, 2003. All of his eight brothers and sisters except Jacob, who
is serving in the army, were at the airport. Lauren who is from the same orphanage
could hardly wait to see her brother. Everybody wanted to touch and hold him
but he was tired and held on to his new mom. Joshua was two years and nine months
old.
Our little boy is from Mother's Choice
Orphanage in Hong Kong. Mother's choice works with pregnant girls to help them
if they wish to keep their baby but also works very hard to care for special
needs children who have been given up and placed by the government of Hong Kong
for custodial care. Mothers Choice makes use of both paid and volunteer staff
to make the lives of these children as good as possible. If one must be in an
orphanage, this is probably the best place to be. Volunteers range in age from
college to retirement age. There are both men and woman picking up the children,
holding and playing with them. The staff provides for medical care at a nearby
hospital when needed. Records are accurate, up to date, and detailed. Our experience
is that the case worker will do her best to be sure that the new family understands
the history and current needs of the child. They provide a video shortly before
arrival.
I had the opportunity to go to Hong Kong to escort both
Lauren (arrived in 2002) and Joshua (arrived 2003). Before I left I had an itinerary
of what would be happening and when. I also knew who would be meeting me at
the airport. I was a mom traveling alone. Mother's Choice staff met me, provided
for safe lodging, made sure I got fed, and assisted the child to get used to
me. They helped in every way possible. I was escorted back to the airport as
well. Mother's Choice arranged for wheelchair escort to be sure that the return
trip was as smooth as possible. They were able to do this because Joshua is
handicapped.
Joshua was born prematurely with several central defects.
He has abnormalities in the formation of his brain and had an ultra sound prior
to birth showing spina bifida and mild hydrocephalus, an atrial septic defect
and only one kidney. Joshua is also severely hearing impaired. He is improving
in his food texture tolerance and will eat some toddler foods now. He is still
unable to walk without physical support. These developmental delays are due
to brain malformations.
Joshua has new hearing aids and is learning to localize
sound. He tries to sing with his favorite video "The Wiggles". He
is still unable to talk. He is recognizing some sign language. Joshua loves
matchbox cars. He handles them very gently. He loves to chase Lauren if someone
helps him to run. He refuses a walker. He is given a lot of attention by all
his brothers and sisters.
Our adoption specialist claims that adoption is like
potato chips "no one can take just one". Adoption can be a very satisfying
experience but is only the first of many challenges as you become a family.
You need to accept the child as though it were born of you. He or she does not
carry your blood but you must see the child as though it does. Many adopting
parents want a normal child but my husband and I have usually adopted the special
needs or waiting child. We feel privileged to have each and every one of them.
The investment of love that you give always returns so many times over. Special
kids will challenge you as much or more than any other kid but they are well
worth the effort that you put into them. We have learned to take little accomplishments
with great joy. Life is never dull.
Sincerely
Sharon VanMantgen