Handsome Holden, pictured in the blue jacket above recently, is at the entrance gate of his orphanage greeting yet another adoptive family. He is a friendly host, and every family who meets him only has nice things to say about him! No doubt, Holden wishes it was his turn for a family.
Time doesn’t stand still, does it? As fast as Christmas has come and gone, so will the chance for Holden to be adopted before his 14th birthdate of June 3, 2014. Honestly, we’re wearing our hearts on our sleeves with this one. We feel like Joseph in the movie, The Nativity Story, [segment 8:45-10:10] who was filled with urgency and adrenalin at the knowledge of the crisis of finding a place in time for Mary to give birth, begging with the repetitive plea, “Is there a place for us?”
Basically, Holden has one short-lived shot at a family. His adoption file in China became miraculously available for the first time in his life in December! We've met him, eaten lunch with him, and he shared with us in person his desire to be adopted.
When an adoptive family considers an aging-out adoptee, there are many factors that are completely in Holden's favor!
▪ Holden has expressed a desire to be adopted into a family ▪ Holden has been met and observed by many adoptive families ▪ Holden's background contains no mystery ▪ Holden has been photo-documented in a multitude of real life situations ▪ Holden is well spoken of by Americans and the orphanage staff ▪ Holden has a manageable special need that many parents claim is a "non-issue" ▪ Adoptive parents maintain a great relationship with his orphanage, and we feel that the orphanage would be very quick to reply to any questions about Holden!
Holden's Spirit
Those adoptive families who meet Holden say he is always friendly. His caregivers testify of his consideration for the children, and he is well liked by the nannies and director. Those families who have adopted from his orphanage, including ourselves, testify of the sweetness and strong spirits of our children, and we are so appreciative of the director and nannies who are teaching compassion and character.
Holden's core personality is cheerful and optimistic, and the orphanage staff testifies that Holden "knows how to help others" among many other wonderful qualities. But we always come back to this trait of OTHERS-minded...a biblical principle taught by the Father of the Fatherless that helping and serving others brings one joy.
What If...?
Some might wonder whether Holden would be better off staying in China. The sad reality is that, if not adopted, once he turns a certain age, statistically, he would not be allowed to stay at the orphanage and would have a minuscule chance at a happy and healthy future. Although we don't like to "go there" in our thoughts, the raw truth is that most boys released from the orphanage end up homeless, criminal, or worse. The potential of building on Holden's core spirit and character would be lost on the day we hope never comes. As sad as that is for anyone to contemplate, we cannot imagine the pain the director and nannies would feel on a day such as that.
Holden's Bright Future is Possible!
Holden is adoptable! He will need many of life's valuable lessons taught to him within a family setting with the most important one being familial love. On the flip side, we can predict that the family who chooses him will find themselves blessed and learn so much from him as well! We are happy to share resources regarding aging-out adoptions and connections with those who have walked this rewarding path. We have every expectation that Holden would blossom in the love and security of a family.
Holden’s story, his smile, his request to be adopted…continues to touch many hearts!
Yet…
...that ONE special family who will embrace the ministry of parenting this special child as their son has yet to discover him and choose him. Who will that lucky family be whom Holden gives his heart and smile to?
Is there a place for Holden...in your family?
01/20/13 - Presently there is a $1,669 grant for Holden's adoption costs.
Please contact us with any questions from our personal interaction with “Holden" or to learn more about the special need of albinism at KristinCalhoun@outlook.com
"Holden" is on the shared list at the CCCWA. Our friend in advocacy is Annie Hamlin with Lifeline Children's Services, and she welcomes communication for more information about adopting from China, older child adoption, or to help families review the adoption file for “Holden." Annie.Hamlin@LifelineChild.org
