Evan Turns Six

Kathy Goedeken has kept in contact with Christian Action ever since 2-year-old Evan left Xining Children's Home. He turns six this year, so here's an update from Kathy as Evan steps into 'the next phase of childhood'. Kathy's two previous updates were: Loving Life, and Happy Chinese New Year. You have prayed with us for children like Evan, so I wanted you to share his progress.

I write this on the eve of my son Evan Fu Yang’s 6th birthday. It has been nearly 4 years since I adopted him in Xining, China. When I met Evan, he was a happy, active toddler who loved zooming his toy cars and snuggling with his stuffed cat Meow Meow. Today he is an outgoing, busy boy who still enjoys playing with his toy cars and going on imaginary adventures with Meow Meow, but he also likes to play sports - especially baseball; build and play with Lego, draw, hike and swim. He is very interested in space and has become an expert on the subject during the past year. He was thrilled when we got to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the Science Center in Los Angeles last month. He likes to battle with Star Wars light sabers and water guns, and I often end up soaking wet. Evan enjoys spending time with our family and friends and is always the life of the party. We are lucky that my parents live near us. Evan helps Wai Gong (Grandpa) work on his cars, and they visit his farm together. He plays with Legos and play food with Wai Po (Grandma). Evan learns quickly and started reading last winter. He is ready to start kindergarten in the fall.

Being Evan’s mother has been the greatest gift of my life. I am so thankful to Evan’s birthmother for giving him life, his nannies at the Xining Children’s Home for caring for him as an infant, and his wonderful foster family for loving him as their own son until he joined my family. I am grateful to Christian Action for helping fund and run the Xining Children’s Home. Because of the love and care that Evan received in Xining, he had an easy transition to my family and has not had any developmental delays or attachment issues. He is a delight and has been a perfect addition to my family.

Lately, Evan has told me that he wants to be an astronaut or an author when he grows up. My dad tells Evan that he has the hands of a surgeon. Who knows where life will take Evan, but we will support him to achieve his hopes and dreams. I’m a bit sad that he is leaving the preschool years behind, but I’m excited to see what he learns during the next phase of childhood.