Letter of Intent

This is the text of our letter of intent (LOI) we have written to the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) . We hope they will grant us a Placement Approval (PA).

We are hoping with all of our hearts that we may be allowed to bring Dang Hui into our home and family. He was born the 20 of December, 2002, and has been well cared for at the Boading City SWI since the 30 of December, 2002. The SWI's growth report record describes Dang Hui as a sweet, inward boy who loves music and is quick to smile. He is very healthy and his development is excellent. When we first saw Dang Hui and read about his personality and interests, we felt very strongly that he would be a wonderful addition to our family. We have a deep love of music, with two older boys who play many instruments, and relatives who are music teachers.

Dang Hui was born with a deformity of his left hand, but his growth report indicates he is able to accommodate well for his disability. While we cannot tell what specific corrective measures may be necessary at this time to accommodate his needs, we know he will require physical therapy, and possibly surgery, to optimize the mobility of motion, and use of his hand.

We have a young nephew living nearby who was born with similar, though much more extensive birth defects. When we realized Dang Hui's disability was his hand, we knew we had the experience and ability to help, and the understanding for this particular special need. Our nephew was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis, meaning fixed joints and loss of muscle. This condition affects all of his limbs. Because our families live near Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington, our nephew has received the very best care for these conditions available in the world. He has had many surgeries, gone through physical therapy and has learned to adapt. He is 10 now, and runs, rides a bike, swims, writes, and does almost everything any boy his age can do. He is very bright and attends school in a regular classroom.

Because of this experience with our nephew, we knew immediately that we have the resources to support Dang Hui's needs. Children's Hospital in Seattle is only 90 miles from our home. We also have outstanding pediatric medical care, neurological care, and early childhood special needs programs in the town where we live.

Dang Hui will have full medical insurance coverage for all of his medical needs from the moment his adoption is complete in China. His needs will be immediately assessed and met through the resources mentioned.

We realize that even with the very best medical attention, Dang Hui's hand will most likely always be different. While we hope medical treatments can help his hand to function the very best that it can, we will always love him even if nothing can ever be done and he stays just as he is. We will love him whether his hand can be treated or not. Our extended family has always treasured, loved and supported our nephew, and we know they will provide the same love and support for Dang Hui.

Christine is a preschool teacher, and works with our local school district and special needs students. She helps to identify needs, develop educational programs for these children, and works closely with their parents.

We plan to have a parent at home at all times, so Dang Hui will not be going to daycare or cared for by another person outside of our family. We have provided private school education for our two older sons, and will give Dang Hui the same opportunity. We will see that he has the very best opportunities available to meet his educational needs.

We have begun taking Chinese language classes to help us better communicate with a child who will be over the age of 2, and to be able to communicate when we travel to China. We have a very active Chinese School and community where we live; it has been an exciting privilege to be a part of it. We will continue this cultural education and connection so Dang Hui will learn to honor his native country and culture.

We would be honored to be allowed to adopt Dang Hui. We can offer him a happy, loving home with older brothers, music and outstanding educational opportunities. We will raise him to be aware and proud of his Chinese heritage. We will always be thankful for the gift of raising this child.