A simple idea changes the life of a little girl
The Nolan family’s journey in China continues (see entry directly below) as they tour the Nanchang Social Center. The following is Brian Campbell’s account of their experience.
by Brian Campbell, Holt Creative Productions Manager
The Nolans and I traveled to the Nanchang Social Center where Holt has several programs, including the baby care unit and foster care programs. When we arrived at the center Lisa Xu, a member of Holt’s China staff, had just started the tour when a little girl came darting by our feet. Lisa giggled as the energetic little girl leapt into a caregiver’s open arms.
“I have to tell you a story about this little girl”, said Lisa. “Qui* was born with no feet. As she got older and tried to walk, she experienced great pain unless she was on the padded mat or floor.”
As Lisa continued her story, the little girl began dashing about once again. The Nolans started to play with her and observed that she indeed had no feet at the end of her busy little legs.
“As Qui was getting ready to transition into Holt’s foster care program,” Lisa continued, “a caregiver decided to make Qui some little shoes. She made them out of a ball that she cut in half. The little cups have cloth straps that are strapped around her lower legs to keep the cups in place. Ever since Qui received her shoes, she has been so busy running around that she is difficult to catch up with sometimes.”
We watched Qui take small steps back and forth to manage her balance as she chatted to the Nolans and snacked on the candy they brought.
“Was this part of the caregiver’s responsibilities?” asked Tony.
“No.” Lisa replied. “The caregiver just had an idea of a way to make this little girl’s life easier and made these shoes in her off time.”
“I am amazed at how much passion Holt staff has for these children, and how they demonstrate that passion in little and big ways,” said Tony. “To have someone at Nanchang who would have the creativity, desire and motivation to do something above and beyond the call of duty is just awesome!”
Read more about the Nolan family’s trip to China on Tammy Nolan’s blog
Wow. What an encouraging story, and what a precious little one.
What a great story! I observed this same kind of commitment at Holt facilities on our trip to South Korea.
This is our daughter!!! Thanks so much to Holt for taking such good care of her! We are going to get her on October 12th. We are overjoyed to see this article!
Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
Anne and Mike
The little girl featured in this story is my granddaughter. My daughter will be bringing her home to her new family in Atlanta this month. We call her Leila Rose and she will join her new brother, Luke, almost 3, who was adopted from China 19 months ago. We can hardly wait for her to join our family. It was thrilling to see her looking so healthy and happy in your publication. I am indebted forever to her caregivers for their loving attention to this precious child.
[...] in China, the Ruud family had the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Nanchang, the visit where Danica was especially moved by what she [...]
Janet, We’re in the Atlanta area and would love to see your granddaughter again! She touched our family in a deep way and we still talk about our time with her in the orphanage in China. Email me at tammy@tonynolan.org if you think your daughter would be open to this.
Thanks!
Tammy Nolan