My Visit to Shanggao

Greetings from Nanchang, Jiangxi!

I just returned to Nanchang China from my daughter Zoe's hometown Shanggao. The purpose of my visit to Shanggao was to take a second look at my daughter's finding place, have a better understanding of how she lived, and develop a closer relationship with her caregivers. It is customary for Chinese people to be gracious and hospitable. Director Wu, Assistant Director Huang,and the Civil Affairs officials were all so kind to me. I had the good fortune to spend the night at the orphanage and tour all of the buildings. Shanggao is a social welfare institute that cares for abandoned babies,orphans and seniors. I was surprised to learn that a majority of the babies are living in foster homes vs. the orphanage. A family environment is perferred as each child can get more one on one attention. Holt and Altrusa are doing a wonderful job of providing financial support to the foster families. I saw three young babies at Shanggao. One baby has a severe cleft problem, one had a unidentified health issue and the other baby was healthy. I have posted her picture to the right.

I told my kids that I would find them a "special baby" to sponsor. Well kids, I did not find your special baby, but rather a "special friend". I met a sweet little eleven year old girl that arrived at Shanggao in August. The police in another province found her walking the streets. She disappeared from the police station and could not be found. Later the police in Shanggao county found her wandering the street and brought her to Shanggao. Her birth parents can not be located. This sweet girl had evidence of abuse when she arrived at Shanggao. The orphanage staff feel that she may have been stolen from her birth parents at a young age by some unkind people. She then escaped from these people when she was old enough. The Shanggao staff is doing its best to nurture and love this girl. This little girl walks around all day helping the nannies with the babies, helping the cooks and visiting with the seniors. She brings such joy to the babies and seniors at Shanggao. She is a little miracle! I asked Director Wu to take her shopping for some special toys and new clothes for winter. I hugged her a lot and we watched Chinese tv together. She smiled and smiled and smiled! You can see her in the background in the photo to the right.

I was also pleased to see a beautiful new Chrisitan church being built across the street from Shanggao. I offered the suggestion to Director Wu to take the seniors there once a week to give them the opportunity for socialization. He nodded yes, that he would try to do this.

I also spent a lot of time with the Civil Affairs officers discussing the needs of the aging population in China and the advancement of the rural farmers. I visited the country side with them and met several families and their children. I also visited the elementary school in the farming village.

I also noticed that a large High School was located right next to the Shanggao orphanage. I asked director Wu if I could visit the school. In one brief phone call I was on my way to visit the school. Well, let me tell you, I have NEVER seen anything like it!! First of all, the campus was beautiful. When I walked inside I saw several stories high of thousands of roaring Chinese students. The sound of the students echoed throughout the place. When the students started to see me the word spread fast that a foreigner was there. I then had thousands of Chinese students staring and smiling at me in excitement. It was truly astounding! The overwhelming feeling of recognition was good for my soul. It gave me a tiny peak into what heaven will be like when the angels roar and God says, "Welcome home good and faithful servant!" I felt so energized by the students and inspired! I was lead up several flights of stairs to a English classroom. The Chinese English teacher was surprised to see me and a dozen other people walking into his classroom. He did a wonderful job of composing himself and explaining to his class that I came to visit them. I seazed this opportunity and shared my hopes and dreams with them. I explained;life is short, life is not easy,being a young student in China is hard. I encouraged them to continue to study hard, but also to try and find a balance so that they can enjoy life. I asked them to do me a favor and take some time to help the orphanage babies and seniors. I told them that Linda and I are working hard to unite groups and empower these groups to serve. We are determined to transform the minds and hearts of youth, teens and young adults around the world! I invited them to join our army of Kids Care members. The students then asked me questions and I answered. The students were so happy to hear that I adopted a Shanggao baby. I thanked them for their kindness and I told them to stay in touch with me.

If you have the motivation to help kids grow into service minded individuals please contact me. There are groups of kids every where in America and China and we need your help to share our mission with them. If you feel inspired to join us please call me at 480-290-1372.