Joyful “Laurel” is Looking for a Forever Family
Laurel is a joyful, independent, 12-year-old young lady who lights up the room with her bright smile! Though she can initially be shy in unfamiliar surroundings, she enjoys meeting new people and quickly warms to those who show her kindness.
A Loving Ambassador Team just spent some time with Laurel in November 2019, and they describe her as sunny and positive. The doctor who examined her noted that she is cooperative and outgoing, with a strong desire to be independent. She has good intelligence and gave a speech as a part of a ceremony in front of the group. She would thrive and progress well in a loving family!
Another team visited Laurel in 2016, and she won hearts even then with her energy and excitement for life! One team member got to spend the day with Laurel and described their sweet time together:
Please take a moment to meet Laurel. We became buddies within about 10 minutes of us first seeing each other. It happened when all of the children were told to find a partner from our team, and I found myself being practically whisked away by Laurel when she grabbed my hand and motioned for me to follow her. She sped off in her wheelchair and led me to where I was supposed to stand. We played the game planned out for us, and from that point forward, Laurel lit up every time she saw me. And I have to say, I lit up too. Her excited and lively response to me endeared her to my heart.
I spent much my time with her in particular when our team spent time with the children. I got to watch her share her candy with another child on a bus ride to the zoo. When we took the children to a store to buy the prizes, I watched as she took only a few minutes to find herself a small pack of Skittles. She showed no sign of greediness when she was told that she could pick out anything she wanted as a treat. She is very lively and interactive. She is as independent as is humanly possible when in a wheelchair – she can transfer herself to and from the wheelchair. She can even put on and remove her own socks and shoes. She has great upper body strength and range of motion.
Not only did I spend a good bit of time with her in recreational activities, I also did her medical exam. She is a very capable little girl who does not seem to be hindered by her wheelchair. I wish I could have spent more time getting to know this precious child. She is a smart, social little thing who is brimming with potential!
Please take a few minutes to consider how God would have you be a part of helping this precious child, whether that is through praying, advocating, or inquiring to learn more.
You can learn more about the process of adopting from China on our China overview page as well as learn about eligibility requirements for a China adoption.
If you are interested in learning more about Laurel or adopting a child from China, please email our China team at China@awaa.org or you can reach us by phone at 800-429-3369 for more information.
NOTE: There are just a few $1,000 China adoption grants that are still available to new families adopting from China!