
I have always felt a connection to the nation of China. I was raised in a multi ethnic family, being second youngest of 10 children - 8 of whom were adopted. Among us were several part Chinese children including myself.
One of my biological parents was born in China and fled to NZ in their young adult years. Of course I didn’t know the story till years later so in the meantime I was curious about my Chinese heritage and eyed up every Asian wondering if they were relatives of mine.
Anything to do with China and I was instantly drawn, I just felt a connection. I also learned about the one child policy and was filled with sorrow. Had I been born in China itself and a few years later, being female things could have been very different for me. I understood that there were many “orphans” in China who were discarded for being the wrong gender or something wrong with them in the eyes of their parents. For some it came down to a financial decision. They simply could not afford the care of special needs children or they did not want the stigma. A healthy male child was the desired offspring!
I did start sponsoring children through aid agencies but somehow a Chinese child never came up, and it was always at the back of my mind that there is where my heart truly lay. I was fortunate to have a wonderful upbringing in NZ, there must be something I can do to help the lives of little ones in China.
When I met Paul and Julie and heard about their stories visiting Orphans in China though James Orphan Care International, it really struck a chord with me and I wanted to be a part of the kiwi team helping children in China.
My monthly sponsorship isn’t great but I know it all helps and that it gets to the right place. My donations will benefit and improve the quality of life for orphans in Asia. Many of them have medical needs that would otherwise go uncared for. I am kept up to date with emails and by following the Facebook page.
I feel blessed to be able to help in this small way, with something that is close to my heart. Rebecca
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We love to hear from our sponsors, so if you have a special story related to James OCI you'd like to share with us, email Julie at admin@jamesorphancare.org