Here in the U.S., summer is a time for playing, relaxation and keeping cool. The same is true for our foster children and their families! In the past year part of your donations have helped to purchase toys for the children to play with both in their foster homes and also while they are visiting the orphanage during monthly checkups. We were also able to help the foster families stay refreshed with juice makers and enjoy the holidays with special gifts. We received several handmade quilts donated by a church quilting club to share with the children.
We Are Growing!
In 2002 we have been able to expand our program to serve even more children! We were able to expand this year to include 50 foster care families! From its beginning we have had over 80 children as a part of the program, with more than 30 children being adopted! Right now we have 50 children in foster homes! Way to go!
We were very excited to have Mrs. Yang, a retired pediatrician, join our FTIA staff in China. Mrs. Meng and Mrs. Yang are able to visit the children in their foster families on a frequent basis. They check on the babies' health and development. They are also able to assist the foster families with ideas and suggestions on helping the children grow and develop. Mrs. Yang and Mrs. Meng help to disperse formula and medical necessities to the families when the families take the children for monthly check-ups at the orphanage. We are very excited to have them as part of our team!
Mei Mei was born on February 18, 2002. She was sent to the foster family on March 26, 2002. Ever since then, she has had the 18th of every month celebrated.
Mei Mei's foster parents were very excited when Mei Mei came to their family. Like all other parents, Mei Mei's foster parents love her as if she was their own child, and they do all they can for Mei Mei. Mei Mei also has 5 people in her extended foster family. All of the family members live close by and they visit Mei Mei very often. Everyone in the family loves Mei Mei very much and they buy her new clothes and toys all the time. The summer time of Changsha City is very hot and humid. Mei Mei's foster family even bought an air conditioner just for her
so that Mei Mei would not get a heat rash. All their neighbors see how much love and care the foster family has given to Mei Mei, and they often say: "There are seven people to take care of one Mei Mei".
Mei Mei's foster family feels so blessed having her at home. Mei Mei has brightened their days from the very beginning. Mei Mei was born on February 18, 2002. Her foster parents are not sure if Mei Mei will still be with them when her first birthday comes. So they decided to hold a party for her 2nd month birthday on April 18, 2002. All the seven people in her family got together, they bought her gifts and a cake. They lit candles and sang her birthday song. At the party, Mei Mei was very happy and smiled to everybody the whole time. Her excitement and sweet smile touched every family member's heart. The whole family has the feeling that this special baby—Mei Mei—has made their relationship better and closer than ever.
Everyone in Mei Mei's foster family feels lucky to have her. They believe she will always be in their hearts. They have decided to celebrate every 18th of the month for Mei Mei. One day, when Mei Mei is adopted, even if they won't be able to see her anymore, they will send her all their best wishes. They will always cherish the memories of Mei Mei. The 18th of every month will always be the day for them and Mei Mei.
We still have a long way to go!!!! Please help us get the word out on this wonderful project. Please help us to get other families involved so we all can continue to be part of enriching the lives of the children involved. Please help us to continue to grow so we can extend the program to support to so many more children.
If you are interested in getting more information or becoming a part of the Hunan Foster Care Project, please call 888-479-9900 or email FTIA!
Many of the foster families live close to each other so the children are able to play together and become friends.