'Growing a Girl'

When children come to us without a name, those who are involved in the child's care endeavour to give him or her a meaningful name - something inspiring, which will hopefully also be a prophetic name.

When Hua came to live at Xining Children's Home, she was given a Chinese name which means 'becoming a flower.' It was a prophetic name because her carers have seen Hua do much more than blossom into a beautiful young lady. Sadly, there may be a roadblock in her growth.

I wrote about Hua's caring nature and willingness to help those around her in my story: The Red Slippers.

Hua is developing self awareness and like many sensitive children of twelve, she is starting to express her own hopes and dreams in writing, and she is sharing this with her teachers and carers.

She wrote:

My name is Hua, I study at Shi Da School and I am in Primary 4. I like to go to school to learn, and I love to play and make friends with my classmates. When I grow up, I wish to open a barber shop. I will have 100 employees, and I will make big money which I can use for 4 or 5 years.

I believe Hua is hoping that she will be acknowledged and affirmed, and that someone will lead and guide her to the fulfilment of her dreams.

Sadly, the Chinese orphan care system's assessment is that she is still not considered capable of independent living. If an adoptive family is not found for Hua within the next 12 months, she is likely to spend the rest of her life in institutional care. If this happens she will never achieve any of her dreams.

Hua is a special girl and we believe she's a lot more capable than the system gives her credit for. I'm praying someone will adopt Hua, because I'm sure that a forever family of her own will help her to achieve more than she ever dreamt possible. Please pray with me that a forever family is found for our beautiful flower girl.