Thursday, March 30, 2017

Isabella's Newest Fans

To make room for all of the new babies arriving Isabella moved downstairs!

Soon after she moved the afternoon preschool kids came back from class. Needless to say, they were amazed to see this new girl in their playroom!



Marcus, Eli, and Sophie all made sure she felt very welcome while getting to know their newest playmate.



 We think she's going to fit in just fine!


And, because it was so cute, here's a video too!


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Wordless Wednesday: A Full Lap


Thursday, March 23, 2017

A New Day Story: Catherine

Her story started like so many others. Abandoned in a small village in southern China, no one knew where she belonged. But unlike the many children who make their way to an orphanage, Catherine was found by an older couple. They took her in as one of their own, raising her alongside their two older sons who she knew as her uncles. She was the daughter they never had, and you can see the indelible imprint of love they left on her life in her quiet confidence and deep security.

As a family, they moved from south-eastern China back to their home province in south-western China. We don’t know much about the years that followed, but we know that Catherine had a happy life, surrounded by people who she loved and who loved her. They were a poor family, but rich in love, and though on paper she might have been an orphan, she never knew the reality of being unwanted and abandoned.

Catherine's grandparents passed away and in 2009 her uncle contacted the local orphanage to see if they could help provide funds for the heart surgery she needed shortly after. The orphanage contacted us and we agreed to help Catherine. Catherine arrived at New Day in October of 2009. When she arrived she quickly captured everyone's hearts. Catherine was outgoing and always had a smile on her face.


In December of that year Catherine had the 1st heart surgery that she needed. While Catherine was at New Day a family came forward wanting to adopted her, but her uncle decided that he would take her back so she returned to his home in April of 2010.


In the fall of 2010 a few of our staff members were able to visit Catherine. They were very surprised to see that the once outgoing girl was now very shy. Catherine hid behind her uncle and talked very little. Her uncle said that she didn't attend school and mostly stayed at home, worked, and watched TV. While at that time he said he took her to the doctor he didn't know what would happen and she wasn't consistently on her medication. When they left our staff members were very worried about Catherine and said it was a bad situation.

A few years later her uncle divorced and she was taken to the local orphanage in August of 2013. She had not received the 2nd heart surgery that was required and lacked basic education.

In January of 2017 the orphanage that Catherine was at contacted us about another child in their care. While they were telling us about him they mentioned that Catherine was back at the orphanage. We were immediately interested and wanted to see how she was doing. Our hearts broke as we heard of her current situation.

Now 16, an age that means she is not eligible to adoption in China, doctors didn’t know if heart surgery would even be possible for Catherine. She had no formal education and lacked skills and basic concepts.   


We knew we had to give Catherine a chance. We knew we had to once again say yes to stepping outside of how things are normally done to help this sweet girl.



Catherine amazes us with her resiliency and her joy. She is excited to be back at New Day and faces each day with a smile on her face. She has a long road ahead of her, but we are committed to walking it alongside her.   


Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Wordless Wednesday: Giggles with Marcus


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Transformation Tuesday: Josiah

Josiah was born on March 12, 2011 with a right ear deformity. While at his orphanage Josiah was equipped with a BAHA hearing aid. He arrived at New Day on December 25, 2014.


Josiah was three years old and full of energy!


He started speech therapy soon after arriving and began learning sign language. He quickly picked up new words and began using signs throughout the day.


Watching Josiah grow and learn has been a joy. He has experienced so many things while he has been at New Day.



He's celebrated birthdays and holidays.




Taken field trips.





Experienced the love of many, including his foster mama.




And played as much as possible!







Now, Josiah is 6 years old and so full of life! He still loves cars and trains but his world has expanded and he has grown so much! We are excited that soon his world is going to grow a little bit more as he joins his forever family!


Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Transformation Tuesday: Adia

In the spring of 2013 a little girl was born with severe heart defects. Her orphanage knew she needed more help, so they contacted New Day to see if we could care for her. However, at the time there were no open beds. A month later the orphanage contacted us again. The little girl was still alive, and this time we were able to say yes to bringing her to the foster home. We arranged for her to be  transported directly to the hospital and expected surgery to be scheduled soon after. To our amazement, the surgeons decided that she didn’t need surgery right away after all!

This little girl was Adia, and we were thrilled to welcome her to the foster home.



Watching Adia grow up was an honor. She captivated us with her beautiful smiles and her silly faces.



We celebrated each of her firsts: her first Christmas, her first birthday, and all of the steps in-between.




Shortly after her first birthday Adia was able to move in with a local foster family.


Each time Adia would come by for visits with her foster parents we were amazed by how big she was getting!




Before we knew it Adia turned 2 and started to come to preschool. It was a joy to see her everyday, and also to see more of the sweet relationship between herself and her yeye (foster grandpa).



In preschool Adia experienced more and more new things. From coloring to field trips, to imaginary play, and more Adia faced each experience heads on.




Last year Adia turned 3 and her personality continued to shine.




We watched her learn and grow and she would continue to surprise us each and every day.






Adia has grown up into a beautiful young lady. From a little girl who we were so worried about, to a thriving girl, it has been a honor to be a part of Adia's life.



Now, just before her 4th birthday Adia will be joining her forever family. We will miss her joy and enthusiasm but are thrilled that each of her birthday's will be celebrated with a family of her own!