If you recall, a few years ago in China there was a fire in an independent, non-governmental orphanage fire and unfortunately multiple children perished. Shortly after that, the government said any province that had an orphan in an independent orphanage could bring the orphans back to their home orphanage where they are registered. This proved the government had a plan and were taking action.
So, the government workers and police came to the independent orphanages around the country, interviewed workers to make sure the level of care needed for the children was being met, and eventually removed some of the children from what was potentially the only home they had ever known. Unfortunately, the special needs orphanage we support had eleven children taken during this period, if my memory serves me correctly.
Currently, the environment in China is one where all rules and laws are being enforced. So, once again, some of the provinces are removing children from the independent orphanages, like the one supported by Global Partners in Life.
If you remember Lei Zi, pictured here, he is a VERY active 4 year old boy that is full of life. He has been removed by his home province and placed in a government orphanage. Five other children from around the country were brought in with him. We have a friend that works in this orphanage, and the friend sent a video of Lei Zi, which was shown to me. He was wearing a shirt and a diaper and no pants. In the video, he was crying and saying “my mom,” meaning the leader of the special needs orphanage we support, “has pants for me.” For some reason, the new orphanage is making him wear a diaper and no pants. He is potty trained, so we don’t understand this.
As I said, history has repeated itself. We have weathered this storm before, and we intend to persevere again.
As Global Partners in Life celebrates our fourteenth anniversary, we have many wonderful accomplishments to celebrate! Moving forward, we will need to be wise and informed as we serve the people we have been led to in China.