Stories of Hope: Advocate for Laurel
We are continuing to prayerfully advocate for many waiting children as 2016 comes to a close. We are claiming this Season of Hope as a time of intentional advocacy and speaking up on behalf of the children our One Orphan Storyteller teams have had the chance to get to know. Today Ashley Gosnell took the time to share about Laurel.
Please take a moment to meet Laurel. She is 9 years old and has repaired spina bifida/hydrocephalus and repaired club feet. 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 loved to give me hugs and kisses, and press my hand against her cheek. 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!
We have team members ready and willing to share about Laurel. If you are interested in learning more about Laurel, or our China waiting child program, email china@awaa.org or fill out a free pre-application on our website.