Waiting Child Wednesday: Dodi

I know it's not Wednesday.  Don't judge the sleepy mommy.

I had every intention of writing this post after the kids went to bed last night (while it was still actually Wednesday).  Getting the boys to sleep means one of us has to lay on their floor until they're both out.  The boys (especially Li'l Man) like to know that they're not alone in their cribs, and I can't say that I blame them.  Last night laying horizontal pretending to be asleep resulted in me actually falling asleep...until almost midnight.  Oops.

I couldn't not write this post, though.  Because the sweetie I want to introduce only has a day or two left on my agency's list.  Once she's removed from their list of designated children, her file could be very difficult to find.  (Plus I'm just selfish and want to know she has a family coming for her.) 

Meet "Dodi" (not her real name).  She's seven years old and waiting in Ch*na for her family.

This beautiful pixie has been waiting for way too long.  Want to see what I mean?  Here's a baby picture from her file.

This girl stole my heart the minute she appeared on our agency's list three months ago.  It was so discouraging to hear that her time with them is almost up, and her family hasn't found her yet.  This girl needs a mommy to brush her hair and a daddy to chase her on the playground.  She's already celebrated too many birthdays alone.

Dodi's special need is a deformity of her tongue that affects her speech.  She also previously experienced weakness in her right leg, but her file states that she can now jump and run down stairs.  My guess is that the biggest factor keeping Dodi from finding a family is her age.  She's not a baby anymore.  She's 7.  

Please don't hear me say that there aren't challenges inherent with adopting an older child, but stop and think about a seven-year-old you know.  They're not very big.  They lose teeth and have imaginary friends.  They're in first or second grade and think their teachers are the coolest people on the planet.  Seven-year-olds still have so much growing up to do, and that should happen in an family - not an orphanage.

Please take a moment to pray that Dodi's family finds her soon.  If you are interested in more information about her, let me know ASAP.  (You can email me at whatitmeans2beheld@gmail.com.)  As I mentioned above, I have access to Dodi's file for another day or two; after that I'm not sure where it will end up.  Dodi is considered a Special Focus child.  That means that anyone can inquire about adopting her.  You don't have to have considered adoption or started any adoption paperwork.  Single moms are also eligible to adopt Dodi.

Please share this sweet girl's information and pictures with anyone you think might be interested in adopting her.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!