We are so honored to being working here at The New Hope Foundation in Beijing. The purpose of this particular facility is to prepare abandoned babies, and kids from orphanages, for surgery, to help arrange their medical procedures and for their post-op observation and recovery. Most of the children have cleft palates, club feet, bowel or bladder disorder, or other serious ailments.
Through the vision and big hearts of Dr. Joyce and Robin Hill, this amazing place was created. Check out the website: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/ If you are able to donate or sponsor a child, this is the place to do it! I’m experiencing it first hand and this place is the real deal. This husband and wife are saints, truly. They are doing all they can in their power to save these kids lives and give them homes. It’s so inspiring.
I have so many stories to tell of our stay so far, but I want to focus on one. A number of these special needs kids have been linked up with an adoptive family after their procedures are done and they have recooperated. There are about 20 kids that I love with all my heart here. Most have families waiting for them.
Which leads me to Ray Ray. That’s kind of his English name. This kid is amazing and my great buddy. Ray Ray has the coolest spirit. Really happy, soulful, deep, cool… hard to describe in words. Everyone just “gets” him. I certainly do. We just have this major connection. He doesn’t have the use of his legs. He has arthrogryposis, which is a disorder, but that doesn’t stop him. With his arms (which he has limited use of) he scoots himself across the floor to you. His spirit is so powerful. He has the best smile, plus he just knows who he is… has a real sense of himself. I will be posting video of him shortly.
If anyone knows of a family that is interested in adopting a special needs child, please, personally let me know. Ray Ray deserves a family who will give him the love he deserves. Believe me, that family will be blessed a thousand fold. He is the greatest guy and would be a great joy to any family.
We had the good fortune of going up to visit The Great Wall with Dr. Steve, another saint, and his family. Dr. Steve let us sit in on the procedure to fix club feet. Another man who is doing great work in the world! Bravo, Dr. Steve. My boys and I are huge fans of this guy.
I will post more in the next day or so…
Oh my God, I just started tearing up when I read about Ray Ray and saw his picture…what can you begin to say about the people who work with these amazing kids except they must be the most terrific folks to have ever drawn breath! Hugs to all there…the kids, the staff, “our” boys, and you….XOXOXOBO
Such an amazing place with an amazing staff doing amzing work!
Hi Lewis Family,
Following your adventures is so exciting You are inspirations. I love hearing the stories of the kids, and like Bo, I tear up too. It’s so great there are awesome people like the Dr’s running the New Hope foundation. I like knowing that. Miss you! JD, you are a great writer by the way…All your stories have such life to them : ) Cheers xoxox
WOW – I don’t even know what to say- just more and more remarkable and inspiring…please keep the posts coming. You and the boys look amazing. How could you not when experiencing what you are!!! Thank you for sharing Ray Ray’s story! xoxoxo
Readers of your blog can read about the sights, sounds, and smells of deepest Eurasia and so live vicariously. This blog goes beyond travel writing, however, to something more moving when you talk about your work in the orphanages. Your inspiring example shakes up our (at least my) Western complacency.
Tom (Patrick’s dad)
I hoped you had a great experience there in New Hope! and i will try my best to update with you about Ray Ray!
🙂