Sweet Ava Thuy

Little Ava Thuy turned 2 years old in April. She has a mommy, daddy, and big brother waiting for her at home in the US. Her waiting family first saw Ava almost one year ago, and this little girl's sweet face has been etched in their minds and hearts ever since. It has been very difficult for them to see her grow up in pictures and know they've missed witnessing so many of her life's precious milestones. It breaks their hearts to hear her big brother ask when his baby sister will be coming home, when they are unsure when or if that time will ever come.

Ava appears to be in good health, but it remains to be seen how long this will last. Her waiting family knows the year between 2 and 3 years old is crucial for proper physical and mental development, and that is why it is so important that Ava and these children come home as soon as possible. While Ava's waiting family is confident her caregivers at the orphanage are loving and caring, a caregiver can never be a substitute for a loving, nurturing parent. Please help us unite these children with their waiting forever families.

Nate the Great

On July 15, 2008 Nate's mommy and daddy were ecstatic and for the second time in their lives, they experienced love at first sight. They were sent photos and couldn’t take their eyes off of the sweet little boy with full cheeks and a black shock of hair sticking straight up off his head. As soon as they were matched with this little sweet pea, they dreamed of him playing with his cousins, taking him to the beach, and many other amazing and wonderful experiences. They even bought him clothes and toys, which he's now outgrown. Even though Nate has chubby little cheeks, he's now 20 months old, and his parents are worried about his physical and mental development. Last fall, he (and many other babies in the orphanage) was in the hospital twice with pneumonia. They are desperate to bring their little boy home and give him a life full of love and happiness.

Handsome Nieman

Little Nieman turned two years old just a few months ago. It was yet another birthday he could not share with his waiting family. They don't want to miss any more. Over a year ago this family on the other side of the world saw his picture for the first time. They knew instantly he was their son. All their friends and family are anxiously waiting the day they can meet him and welcome him into the family.

Precious Claire

This beauty is Claire Hanna, a 20 month old, feisty toddler. Like many of her peers, Claire is very little; one of the smallest toddlers in the orphanage, though she is not the youngest. Her parents, Chuck and Marsha, long to bring her home and give her lots of love, attention and care. Since June 3, 2008, the day her mommy and daddy saw her face in pictures, Claire has been an official member of her forever family; though for now, she is only held securely in their hearts instead of their arms. Along with the other Bac Lieu families, Chuck and Marsha know that with each passing day they miss out on hundreds of precious opportunities to help Claire grow and develop, as well as miss out on seeing her reach many milestones. Her parents hope and pray that she will be home very soon

Here's Lincoln

This sweet little boy is Lincoln. He will be 19 month old very soon. He has a Mommy, Daddy, and big sister waiting for him in the US. They worry about him all the time. He is very small for his age. Like the other children in the Bac Lieu orphanage, he has very slow growth. The family gets regular measurements, but they do not change much from month to month. They can't wait to bring him home. They know that he can flourish in their home with the love and attention of a family all his own.

Introducing Jake

Jake is about 20 months old. He has spent most all his life the orphanage. He doesn't know the love of a Mommy and Daddy. He doesn't have toy cars and trucks to play with. In fact, he isn't given any toys at all to play with.

On the other side of the world in the US, a family has been waiting for him a long time. They first saw his face over a year ago. Since then, they have watched him grow up in pictures. They long to bring him home and give him the love, attention, and family he deserves.

Meet Thomas

Little Thomas is quickly approaching his 2nd birthday. He has a Mommy and Daddy waiting for him in the US and they wish they could celebrate this special day with him. They first saw his sweet face in April 2008. In their hearts he has been their son ever since. Red tape and complications have greatly delayed their plans to bring their boy home.

Thomas is very small for his age. He doesn't know about the wonderful home and family waiting for him in the US. He will soon know the love of his new mommy. Angela will be traveling to the orphanage soon. She, along with other volunteers, will be working with the children on their motor skills and helping to increase their nutrition with fresh foods from the local market. The families are still looking for additional volunteers and donations to fund this trip. They know that this mission can make a big impact on the lives of Thomas and the other children.