A LOCAL CELEBRITY

Gahens was adopted and brought home just a little over one month ago. His mom, Ali, shares how he is doing with his new family.

I thought I would write a little update about Gahens and his transition. He has been home now for four weeks, and things have been going very well. It is important that I start with our plane ride home. Sean (my husband) surprised us at the Ft. Lauderdale airport and when Gahens realized who it was he immediately ran into his arms. When we finally arrived in Kansas City at 10:30 that evening, Gahens walked into the arms of his siblings and grandparents, hugged them all, and greeted them all by their first names! It was such an awesome sight.

I have read so many articles saying that transition from our bed to his could take months. Within four days he was in his own bed and sleeping up to twelve hours a night sometimes. He has not skipped a step since he got off the plane. His English is coming along so well, he is even stringing together an occasional six to seven word sentence at times. He absolutely loved the Fourth of July. We spent it with many of our cousins and grandparents. Of course, he wanted to have fireworks the next day too. One of the boys his age in the neighborhood invited him to his birthday party. His eyes were as big as saucers when he saw all the inflatables to play on. He was even more amazed that he got a gift bag to take home. He looked at me and said "Mommy, for Gahens?"

He is on new meds for his asthma. They are a lot stronger, as we are trying to get it under control. He has also officially been diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis which is hair loss of the total body. They do not know if it will ever grow back. Of course it does not matter to us, as we love him just the way he is! He was also completely up to date on all of his shots, which was the only thing he needed for kindergarten. He is now ready to start school in the Fall.

Needless to say, things have been going great! We have had a few bumps (tantrums) but these days they are few and far between. He is somewhat of a celebrity here in the neighborhood and amongst our friends. People are always shocked to find out that he has only been here for a short time. They say he acts like he has been with our family forever (in our hearts he has been here a long time). People also always say how lucky he is, but I think we are all lucky to have one another. He has been a blessing and an incredible addition to our family. His smile can light a room in an instant...it no doubt has lit up our home and our hearts.

VOLUNTEER MEMORIES

Steven Nyman is a member of the U.S. Ski Team, competing in alpine ski racing. He competed in the Olympics and took first place last December at the World Cup in Val Gardena, Italy in the Downhill. His web site is www.nymansworld.com. Steven wrote us a few weeks ago to share his feelings about his experiences as a volunteer with A Child's Hope Foundation.

I can simply say that A Child's Hope Foundation changed my perspective on life. By having the opportunity to work in Haiti and see how abundantly we live at home, I was humbled. I saw how little the people have there, how so many children are left with nothing. I looked at myself and knew I had been selfish, so I wanted to give all I had so that the children would have a chance to live. A Child's Hope Foundation gave me that chance to give back to the less fortunate.

It gives me joy to see the finished orphanage that my family and I helped construct. The knowledge that it is now helping children find adoptive families and giving them a chance in life is a great feeling. The experience changed my life and I hope to give my time and resources again in the future.