Two different trips. 9 months apart.
The first time we met, he was reserved and uncertain. Of course he was. He should be. He had a fracture in his leg and wasn’t feeling too great. And, he didn’t know who these people were speaking words that didn’t make sense and smiling big all the time.
He was wide-eyed and observant of us the whole time, curious and yet hesitant. His ayis kept saying he’s intelligent, he’s clever, clearly worried that we may think otherwise because he wasn’t smiling right back at us. But, they didn’t have to tell me. I could see it in his eyes as he watched everything with such intent.
Who are you guys?
Do you know how to play safe?
Do you know that you have to be careful with me?
It was clear that the other kids knew to be careful. You could see it in the way they gently handed the toys to him.
9 months later, we were back. That’s what we do. We go back.
And that next meeting was a different story. “Dayton” didn’t have any current fractures, and it was apparent he was feeling much better. The initial shyness was still present, but he warmed up quickly and engaged readily. He was quick to share his smile, and he reached for toys of his own choosing, new toys that we had brought that were all kinds of sensory fun. He sat right in the middle of the group of kids, comfortable being close to us with a laugh that was contagious and a joy that grew our own.
I can only imagine what we’ll see in “Dayton” next time. I hope there is not a next time for us to meet among many cribs in South China. I hope next time I’m there, he is not. I hope that he’s home with his new family multiplying their joy.
Interested in learning more about this little guy with Osteogenesis Imperfecta whose advocacy name is “Dayton”? He’s currently available for adoption through Madison, a good agency which is offering a $500 agency grant to the family who wants to make him their son. Contact info@sparrow-fund.org to learn more about where he is and our experience with him, and contact Sarah at Madison to hear more.
Erin Garrison has been a pediatric physical therapist since 2010 and was first introduced to The Sparrow Fund through serving on an orphanage trip in October of 2016. It was during this trip that her heart was stirred and she was drawn to a big career change in order to serve children living in orphanages, their temporary caregivers, and families who move forward to adopt them. Her passion is to help equip and train the orphanage staff on developmental and handling techniques to assist in reducing delays. She also seeks to be a therapeutic resource for families as they transition children to home and get connected to the services needed. You can contact Erin directly at eringarrison@sparrowfund.org.