Ann Kedl (Childcare Director, Co-Founder) and Hanna Bei recently enjoyed some time together!  Hanna is thriving in her healing home while her complicated medical issues are still being addressed in Shanghai.  Ann works feverishly every day (talking with doctors, taking kids to appointments, researching, teaching our staff, etc.) to be sure our many Baobei children are getting the best medical attention available to them.  She certainly has earned her title with these precious children as no one is a better health care advocate for them than their “Auntie” Ann!!!

What do a Families with Children from China (FCC) group and Baobei have in common? In Shanghai, almost everything! Baobei has appreciated our friends from Shanghai’s FCC group in so many ways it’s hard to know where to start. They have provided healing homes, raised money, gathered donations, raised awareness, are actively involved in Baobei management, but mostly, are passionate about finding permanent homes for our precious special needs orphans. Thanks, FCC!

Last Saturday, Cathy Sue Smith and Kim Choi, Shanghai FCC members and Baobei volunteers arranged a fabulous Chinese New Year celebration at a local Jin Qiao restaurant. Kids and parents alike were decked out in beautiful Chinese-style clothes as we shared a HUGE (Tiger-sized) meal to ring in the new year! Xin Nian Kuai Le! FCC, Baobei zhen xi womende you yi! (FCC, Baobei treasures our friendship!)

A week ago our last child was discharged from the hospital and we were ready to start our Chinese New Year break.

Well, before our break started, we received a very precious “gift” for CNY and we happily give up our break. Her name is Clara. She’s such a sweet and precious 9-DAY old baby. She was born with spina bifida and her sac was broken. We are so thankful that the British International School Shanghai and the Schell family quickly helped us fund her surgery (42,000RMB). Dr Bao will perform her surgery this week. She’s currently in Bed 16, 5th floor of SCMC. Please feel free to visit her during your CNY break.

Natalie is here visiting Shanghai after graduating from college and deciding what to do next.  She is holding our dear Baby Natalie who had surgery last week.  We’re grateful for people stopping through and helping Baobei as part of their Shanghai experience.  Thanks, Natalie!  Baby Natalie is heading to a healing home soon.  We’re amazed at all the great Shanghai people who want to care for these precious children in their homes.  They are the real heart of our work!