Our Lives Are Richer Because of You

A letter of thanks to Holt’s recently retired China adoption director, Beth Smith.

Recently, Beth Smith, Holt’s China adoption director, retired after more than 25 years as part of Holt’s China program. Before she left, she reached out to China adoptive families asking them to give a gift to help children left behind in orphanages due to China’s recent decision to end international adoption. The response included both generous gifts for children and heartfelt messages from families who Beth supported on their China adoption journey.

Read one letter from adoptive mom Emily Hess who adopted two children from China with Beth’s help and support.

Hello Beth, 

I just received your letter in the mail regarding your retirement from Holt. I wanted to reach out to thank you for your many years of commitment to the children of China, especially mine. 

I will never forget hearing your voice the day before Thanksgiving in 2016 with information on our match, Ruth. She is an incredible daughter, a beautiful soul, a sweet sister, a best friend, a diligent worker and so much more. She has had five cleft-related surgeries and in Jan 2024 started monthly blood transfusions for her Thalassemia. Although her medical needs have been much more than we originally expected, I would move heaven and earth for her. 

And for Heidi. Your help and guidance in obtaining medical records, your support as we made a very different decision for a child we felt led to adopt although her needs were not on our checklist will never be forgotten. While we never planned to adopt a child who would need lifelong care, I cannot imagine our lives without her. The fragile state we found her in while in China is haunting. Especially as they closed just three months after we came home with her. I’m gutted for the many, many children like her who will now never receive the love of a family.  

So thank you, again, for all you’ve done over the years for the children of China. Our family is better for the work you’ve done. Our lives are richer for it. 

Praying your retirement will be well enjoyed, especially after these four years of battling for the children. 

All the best to you,

Emily Hess