Lulu's Hero!

Lulu on the evening of her clarinet recital

There's a newspaper in the USA called the The Lulu Van Hook Times. I was recently surprised to find myself listed as a hero in the newspaper! The circulation of that paper isn't wide. In fact, only one copy was printed! But it has become my valued possession for two reasons...

While I'm proud of being seen as a hero, I'm even more proud that our work at Christian Action has given that budding little journalist, Lulu, the opportunity to explore all her gifts and talents, secure in the love of her adoptive family!

Through photographs and emails Lulu’s Mom has helped her maintain strong ties with me since Lulu left Xining Children’s Home eight years ago. Here’s the latest news from her Mom:

I just had to share with you this poster Lulu made when school started in September.  It has hung in the hallway at school for her whole 5th grade year.  I thought what she wrote about you inspiring her was awesome!

Lulu had a great school year and is excited to be going into "middle school" next year - no longer elementary school but not yet high school.  Her teachers have been thrilled with her accomplishments.  She recently performed on her clarinet at the 5th grade band recital and sang with the 5th grade chorus. Lulu still loves to sing and she has a very sweet voice. I also attach a photo of her taken the evening of her recital.  She is so beautiful!

She ran in a 5K last weekend.  It's a program at school that promotes good healthy choices and reinforces positive self image.  This was her third year participating.  It was her 4th 5K overall.  She is a good runner!

I get the feeling that Lulu’s strong bonds with Xining Children’s Home and the people who cared for her during the first two years of her life, have helped her as she has established her identity and come to terms with her adoption.  I’m very grateful that part of our vision is to offer every adoptee from Xining Children’s Home the opportunity to maintain ties with their birthplace. I hope it will help many more children like Lulu establish their identity, and view their past as a stepping stone to the future.

For a final bit of fun, see if you can spot Lulu wishing us happy birthday on last year’s anniversary video!

The Lulu Van Hook Times