Meet Benz and help us share his story!
We are so thankful for One Orphan Storyteller Maria. Today she took the time to share about Benz. A gentle little boy who is waiting for his forever family. Benz's file is special focus. This means that a family at any stage of the process can pursue his adoption.
Benz is a soft-spoken, gentle 6 year old boy. Though one eye is missing and the other has a cataract, he has some vision and makes amazing use of it. He neatly stacked blocks, could count objects pretty accurately, and could sort objects by color if they were not very closely related colors. Benz isn't a man of many words, but when he has something to say, he speaks in complete sentences, like such a big boy, in a sweet voice. He was so good at navigating, that I forgot that his vision was low several times, but his nanny was ready to remind me. Several older children show great care for Benz, and protect him when large groups of people are all around. The love he has received from them and that he gives to them has brought a quiet confidence to his demeanor. We made our way through the zoo together easily, though I don't have experience helping someone with low vision. Benz does feel more secure if he has a helping hand on the stairs.
Benz is very independent with his daily activities. He can eat with a fork very neatly, feed himself a sandwich, and he even ate cake with a popsicle stick with the best of manners. He can use an open cup or a water bottle easily as well.
Benz picked up on games like Patty-cake immediately, and learned clapping patterns quickly. He really loved active games like Here We Go Round the Mullberry Bush. He didn't quite know what to make of being held and carried when I was standing up (after all, he can walk a long distance through the zoo by himself!), but he became a very snuggly, frequent occupant of my lap, after getting used to it for a few minutes. He started to listen for my heartbeat and then relaxed completely. It was a beautiful moment to experience. He needs parents with laps that are ready and waiting. Benz is a huge blessing!
Benz from America World Adoption on Vimeo.
If you are interested in learning more about Benz please contact our China staff at china@awaa.org. You can also read more about the China waiting program here. This file is special focus and can be pursued by a family at any stage of the process.