Someone contacted me via social media a couple of months ago, out of the blue, as the saying goes. I didn’t know this person, but she said that she had once lived in the city where the special needs orphanage is that Global Partners in Life supports, and she had even volunteered at the orphanage. We had communicated a few times when she told me she was returning to China to adopt. Before her adoption, she planned to visit the special needs orphanage, and she asked if there was any particular need she could help with while she was there. Her timing was perfect!
During my previous trip, I had been made aware of one of the girls having a problem with her crutches. She has the type of crutches with the cuff that goes around the forearm for additional support. The crutches are adjustable for when the child grows taller. Unfortunately, the pen that holds the handle in place was broken. There was a spring behind a metal ball that would push through a hole to lock the handle in place. The metal ball was missing, so there was a sharp end of the spring exposed, which stuck our little friend many times.
I told my new friend that I had asked a man there to fix the crutch, but he was unsuccessful. I had also looked at multiple locations in my hometown, and I couldn’t find a replacement! The wonderful news is that the lady going for a visit at the special needs orphanage not only found a youth’s set of crutches, but she also purchased and delivered a larger set of similar crutches, so our little friend will have good crutches to use as she grows and matures!
I am so thankful for my new friend! After being told by the director of the special needs orphanage to reach out to me, she actually did. Then she was willing to ask how she could help, and she carried through with the request!
This story reveals that we all can help — we just need to take the first step!
If you would like to support the work of Global Partners in Life, please visit our website.
By the way, this story has an even happier ending. My new friend and her family now have a child from China in their family! I am so thankful for people who have a heart for others!