Emma’s Joy

The visit to the Children’s Home was so powerful and meaningful. Their love for the children is so strong and it makes my heart so happy, to know Emma was loved and cared for so warmly from the moment she was placed at the Children’s Home. Your staff have done and continue to do amazing work, and we are so thankful that they took the time to be with us that day.

Nichole Baker

Thanks for specially arranging to visit Guangzhou, for a reunion!

In all my years as the Executive Director of Christian Action few things mean more to me than seeing our Qinghai children flourish. Emma Baker is a shining example of this. She is a gorgeous, radiant soul who I first wrote about in 2010 and 2014. This week I’d like to share an update!

Last November Emma’s adoptive Mom, Nichole informed me that they were planning Emma’s first trip back to Qinghai since her adoption so that she could retrace her roots. They were also going to stop in Guangzhou to meet Marlon and me because we are her extended family. Emma was beyond excited, and to be honest, I was too!

One of Emma’s top priorities was to locate the caregiver who lavished her with love during her stay at the Xining Children's Home. Thankfully this did happen and the reunion was filled with emotion and joy as they hugged and shared their memories of their time together.

I met up with Nichole and Emma at the tail end of their trip and I couldn’t help but marvel at Emma’s poise and confidence. We hugged, talked about old times, and caught up on all that has happened in her life.

Emma shared that she has maintained her friendship with Hayley, and Courtney who are also from Xining Children’s Home and live in Connecticut. She kindly showed me the photo albums and scrapbook they had created and filled me in on everyone’s growing-up story.

When I met Emma she handed me a large shopping bag filled with the best Minnesota snacks that she had carried halfway around the world for me! I had come prepared with gift also - a silver necklace. The greatest gift, however, was in reuniting with Emma, and seeing her joy and in hearing her tell me how well Hayley and Courtney are doing!

Emma is now in her final year of high school. As we parted, I felt that despite the silent passage of time, our connection was still strong. God has done an amazing thing for each of the adoptees and I pray he continues to do so for them and for those who still live in the Homes.

Blessings,
Siew Mei

Emma likes clothes from her culture. She
looks great in her modern “Hanfu” skirt,
with the necklace I gave her! I am glad that she likes the silver necklace
prepared for her