Across China, many children with Down syndrome are waiting for loving adoptive families. Recently, our orphanage partners asked for help to find families for 16 children with Down syndrome, ages 10 months to 3 years old — each precious, each in need of a family to bring them home. There are Special Blessings grants available for the adoption of these children!

What is it like to raise a child who has Down syndrome?

Jason and Ryan brought their 2-year-old son, Joe, home from China in March.

“As parents, we knew that no amount of reading and research would completely prepare us for parenting any child, one with Down syndrome included,” Ryan tells us. “No matter how many friends I spoke with or blogs I read, the closer we came to our travel date, the more the fear crept in. Joe has now been home with us for two months. All of that fear? So unnecessary! Joe is an adorable, easygoing and joyful little boy.

In two months’ time we’ve watched a tiny, weak baby grow and strengthen. We’ve been amazed by the confidence that our bashful little one is gaining. We’ve been encouraged by his determination — imagine a 2-year-old who does not become frustrated but keeps trying!

But the biggest surprise of all? Just how similar Joe is to our other children. He likes to play and eat snacks, giggles like crazy when he hears silly songs, and wants to be included in what the big kids are doing. True, Joe will have to work harder to do things that come easily to most — but he will do them. With his strength, determination and award-winning smile, the sky is the limit! And we are so blessed to have a front row seat.”

Robert and Mindy brought their 3-year-old daughter, Alaina, home from China early this year.

“It’s funny how hard it is to remember our family without her,” Mindy says. “She is exactly what we were missing!” Like Joe, Alaina is thriving in the care of her family and they have seen incredible improvements since her arrival. “She has grown so much! Her core strength has improved (she’s not nearly as floppy) and so has her communication, physical strength and abilities. She is capable of so much! She’s very smart and attentive, it’s hard to sneak anything past her!”

Like Jason and Ryan, Robert and Mindy have noticed how surprisingly similar raising their child who has Down syndrome is to raising their other children. “Raising Alaina is not very different than raising our ‘typical’ children,” Mindy writes. “She requires more time for therapies and such, but is far more similar than different. And EVERYBODY who meets her loves her! She is a beautiful addition to our family. We are so lucky!”

Right now, information about 16 children with Down syndrome, ages 3 or younger (and others who are older as well!), is posted on Holt’s waiting child photolisting.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, these 16 children have received $3,000 Special Blessings grants to go toward their Holt adoption fees. Many of these children are in foster care, where they are already learning what it is like to live in a family. Others are from disadvantaged orphanages and urgently need families to step in and provide them with the early intervention that will help them reach their full potential.http://www.rainbowkids.com/waitingchildphotolisting/specialneedsearch/down-syndrome/27

Are you or someone you know the right family for one of these kids? Please share this information with anyone you think might be interested in learning more about adopting a child with Down syndrome and contact Jessica Zeeb for more information