An update on the Yancey clan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
We have been busy, between working and raising our brood of adopted children.
Our children were all adopted from Vietnam, and they are all good, smart, and beautiful kids (but then all parents say that about their children, don't they??). We have had them anywhere from four years down to just two, and they have brought us endless momsnts of joy.
My name is Dalton, and my wife's name is Chris (Christina). I am a schoolteacher, and my wife is a nurse. Our kids are named Kori (she is nine), Adam (11), Winter (8), Stormie (7), and Birch (5), who is the youngest of our brood. All of our kids are disabled in one way or another, but they are still very important and vital parts of our community, and we are trying to teach people that our kids are more than their outward appearance; and if given a chance, they can succeed at life.
Korianne and Birch both have spina bifida (they were both born with it), and they are paralyzed and walk with the help of leg braces and forearm crutches. Our oldest, Adam, is mentally handicapped and has a heart ailment, and Stormie has Tourette's and ADHD plus emotional problems (she was sexually abused). As for Winter, she is hearing-impaired and communicates via American aign language.
As I said, all came from Vietnam, and they have since learned English; but they still have retained their Oriental heritage in their language and in their likes. They still like to eat Vietnamese cuisine, and they still like to listen to (or dance to) Vietnamese music. They still speak Vietnamese, but since they now live here in America, they are learning English and are doing very well with their learning. I know it isn't easy for them at times, but they are very patient children, and they are more than happy to learn.
Sometimes we generate stares from other people because it is obvious from the start that our kids don't look a thing like Chris or myself, but that is okay. The kids all needed a home and a family to call their own, and they have really benefited since coming to our home. They have become more outgoing, and they are really fast learners. It is hard to believe just how bright they really are! Even Adam, who is mentally handicapped, has surprised us with his ability to learn. He may not learn as fast as most kids his age, but he is still a very loving and gentle little guy, and nothing pleases him more than when he learns something new.
We are thinking of adding another child to our family, but we really haven't decided where our next child will come from. We are thinking of adopting a child from Africa or maybe one from Russia. We have contacted AASK, our primary adoption provider, about our renewed interest to adopt, and right now they are looking for a child that they can match to our specific needs, and then we'll go on from there. When we hear from AASK again, then we can contact our lawyer and move on to the next step. Then, hopefully, within a year or so, something will happen, and then we can add to our family.
Interesting story, I hope they don't confuse your story, "Room For One More" for the one that I have titled "Room For One More." This is a good story to say the least, though I hope they don't confuse yours for the cultish horror tale I wrote. :laughing:
The familiar lament of dual-career parents raising children is, "I just can't do it all." The Libra Solution provides an alternative - a more satisfying and sustainable work and life approach - to the overwrought modern day norm.
It's almost Christmas. Lynn Basil is writing her last book about a secret entrance into the magical doll land of Sha Bebe that she loves so much. Bagannos have taken over the world! Lynn finally meets her dolls in real life. Can she write in a Secret
We have been busy, between working and raising our brood of adopted children.
