China Adoption Story
Toothbrushes and Art Lessons:
A China Special Needs Adoption Story
Toothbrushes and art lessons; seemingly random things that no one would expect to be the catalyst for life-changing decisions, but sometimes that’s the way that life works. That’s certainly how it happened for Sue and John, who decided that after having four biological children of their own, they were called to adopt internationally.
- Hague Accredited
- 10,000+ Families Served
OUR STORY
Why Sue and John Chose to Adopt from China
When Sue’s brother and sister-in-law adopted from China, it never dawned on Sue that an international adoption was right for her family. But a year and a half later, Sue and John hosted some orphans from Uganda on a tour of the States.
Needing toothbrushes for the kids, Sue jumped in her car and headed to the store. “On my way to the store, it just hit me. We can do this. We should do this,” Sue said.
As the feeling grew, more signs came that they were making the right decision. “We took a picture with our four biological kids and the children that were staying with us – seven in all. A friend of mine looked at it and said it didn’t look like too many kids,” Sue reflected. That was all that Sue and John needed to take action.
OUR STORY
What to Expect When Adopting from China
Sue and John adopted their daughter at 10 months old from China, an experience that was easier than they initially expected. Although she was on a medical list because of a small hole in her heart, their daughter’s condition resolved on its own by the time they brought her home.
Three years later, with that picture of seven kids still on the refrigerator, Sue and John decided it was time to adopt again. This time, while traveling to China, they were able to spend time with a friend who was a missionary there. The friend taught art lessons to teenagers with cerebral palsy who lived in an orphanage. In addition to the joy of bringing home their son, Luke, that experience with the art lessons turned out to have a profound impact on the future of Sue and John’s family.
How a Hosting Program Led Them to Their Son Weston
A year after bringing Luke home, John forwarded Sue an email about a summer program that allowed children from China to come to the States and be hosted by families. One of the children looked like a slightly older version of their son Luke. “Even a friend of ours called me to say the same thing,” Sue recalls.
The family decided to participate in the summer program and host Weston, Luke’s look-alike. Weston was born with cerebral palsy and had spent the first decade of his life moving between orphanages and foster families to get the best treatment for his needs.
“It reminded me of the kids that we had met at the orphanage through our friend’s art lessons. Then I saw a blog that she wrote about how she wasn’t working with the kids anymore because they had been moved to an adult facility that didn’t have those programs, and it changed things for me,” says Sue.
Preparing to Adopt a Child with Cerebral Palsy
Sue decided to study up and learn everything she could about cerebral palsy and the needs associated with it. “Five years ago, I don’t know that I would have considered special needs. Some of this I need to attribute to God for making us willing. Over time we realized that when you simplify things, the scary things don’t seem so scary. We educated ourselves, and it normalized things,” Sue shared excitedly.
Sue and John got a few nudges from the universe in the form of toothbrushes and art lessons. It wasn’t a superhero’s cape or magical powers that helped Sue and John take the leap and adopt Weston, too. They let learning about Weston’s needs drown out their fears of something that was previously unknown. They chose to answer the call.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Adoption
Why do families choose to adopt from China?
Many families are drawn to China’s adoption program because of its long history of matching children with loving families, including through special needs and hosting programs. For families like Sue and John’s, the decision often grows out of a personal connection: a family member’s adoption, a hosting experience, or time spent alongside children in an orphanage.
What special needs are common among children waiting for adoption from China?
Special needs range from mild and correctable, such as a small heart defect or cleft palate, to more involved needs like cerebral palsy or developmental delays. Many conditions that sound overwhelming at first become manageable once families research them and connect with medical professionals and other adoptive parents.
What is a hosting program, and how does it lead to adoption?
A hosting program invites children from China to spend several weeks in the United States living with a host family, often during the summer or around the holidays. Hosting gives families a chance to bond with a child before committing to adoption, and many hosted children — like Weston — go on to be adopted by the families who hosted them.
How can a family prepare to adopt a child with cerebral palsy?
Preparing to adopt a child with cerebral palsy typically involves researching the condition, talking with medical professionals, and connecting with other families who have adopted children with similar needs. Sue and John found that educating themselves turned an unfamiliar diagnosis into something manageable and far less intimidating.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
We're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.
