Friday, January 09, 2009

Dig Deep, Peeps!

I saw this mentioned on Doris' blog and felt compelled to share it here, too. This story just really stirred something in my heart. I hope it does the same for you.

Kennedy is the daughter of Doris' adoption coordinator. She was born in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China and adopted at the age of 6 mths old. She's the oldest of 3 sisters and 2 brothers. All adopted from China. Kennedy has received a very special invitation to go to China and celebrate with the Yangzhou Children's Social Welfare Institute. The SWI is celebrating 20 years of helping children find their families as well as completing their new children's building.
The week in China will be filled with wonderful activities, including a visit to the CCAA in Beijing, a tour of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Then she'll go to Yangzhou where she'll stay for 4 days. The party in Yangzhou would include a grand welcome ceremony for all of the children who were adopted from Yangzhou, a visit to the orphanage to learn about its development and a trip to the Canal Scenery Belt and Slender West Lake. She'll be able to enjoy the great cuisine of Yangzhou and meet some wonderful people from her hometown. She'll get to play with the waiting children in the orphanage and plant trees with them to represent their everlasting friendship. Kennedy will be an honored guest for the anniversary ceremony.

As a waiting mom, this story just touched my heart. To give Kennedy the experience of learning all these things about her birthplace, her culture and the place that cared for her before she came home to her family would be an unforgettable gift. To be able to show the CCAA and the SWI how their work effected this child's life and helped shape her into the amazing girl that I'm sure she is would be so incredibly satisfying. The whole idea just fills my heart.

Kennedy is fundraising to be able to take this trip. She has to raise $3300. She's off to a good start but she needs more help. All of us with a daughter from China would love for our own daughters to have this type of an opportunity when they're older, so let's make this dream come true for Kennedy. Go over to her blog and read more about her efforts. And while you're there, click on the donate button.

I did...... and realized it won't cost us Yanks as much since the donation is in Canadian dollars. LOL! Just another reason to give a little more. Especially since every dollar she raises over her goal will be donated back to the Yangzhou Children's Social Welfare Institute. Now go on... get over to Kennedy's place.

7 comments:

Michelle said...

I donated and I keep meaning to do a post about it but I keep forgetting. This weekend for sure. I really want her to be able to make that trip! I may have to donate again.

Unknown said...

What an awesome opportunity

OziMum said...

I think its absolutely awesome that Kennedy got an invitation!

Shannon said...

Very cool. THanks for the link. =)

Donna said...

Amazing story...thanks for posting it!

Shannon said...

Aunt K- You rock. Thank you! Love, Ellie ( More later.)

Robin said...

Maddy got invited to this same week in China. All the children adopted from Yangzhou were invited to come back for the 20th year celebration of when Yangzhou began adopting out their children. I sure wish we could afford to go back but it just isn't in the cards for us. plus, I think Maddy would feel like we were taking her back. I sure hope the older children adopted from there are able to make it. I think it would be wonderful for them!