Brown Bear, Brown Bear

I don't know what happened to this photo that was originally in my last post. I am such a bad blogger these days, I keep thinking I should just give up, but then I think of all that is to come and hope that I can improve. I should be able to atleast post a few sentences once a week, right?
Anyway, my most recent excitement is that Abbey is beginning to say the words while reading books. She is really into the rhythm of Brown Bear, Brown Bear. I never understood the big fuss over that book, but now that it's gotten Abbey chanting the words I am pretty impressed with it. When I first brought her home from China she was only interested in turning the pages in books and I am so happy now that she has begun to bring me stacks as soon as we get home and will actually let me read them to her.




And, before I fall asleep, I wanted to share this article with you. I can hardly wrap my mind around it....

China may scrap one-child policy, official says

By Lucy HornbyThu Feb 28, 10:03 AM ET Yahoo News - Reuters

China, worried about an ageing population, is studying scrapping its controversial one-child policy but will not do away with family-planning policies altogether, a senior official said on Thursday.

With the world's biggest population straining scarce land, water and energy resources, China has enforced rules to restrict family size since the 1970s. Rules vary but usually limit families to one child, or two in the countryside.

"We want incrementally to have this change," Vice Minister of the National Population and Family Planning Commission Zhao Baige told reporters in Beijing.

"I cannot answer at what time or how, but this has become a big issue among decision makers," Zhao said. She added that the current plan was to study the issue seriously and responsibly, but avoid sudden changes that might cause a spike in births.

"Minority groups already have two children, even three, and in the cities like Shanghai and Beijing, a lot of only children are already released (to have two), but the most important is those in the middle like in Henan... nearly a hundred million people, but strongly influenced by the classical way, they want a son, and they are already very fragile environmentally."

Teams studying the issue would have to consider the strain of China's huge population on its scarce resources, popular attitudes, and how much of a social net China can afford to provide without the traditional reliance on large families to care for the aged, she said.

Surveys show that 60 percent of Chinese younger than 30 want a maximum of two children, and only a "very small" number want more than three, Zhao said.

The average number of children that would be born to a woman over her lifetime has decreased to 1.8 in China today, from 5.8 in the 1970s, and below the replacement rate of 2.1.

RELAXATION

In recent years, China has sought to soften its draconian and often controversial family control policies, which have included forced abortions and other punitive measures.

But local officials remain under intense pressure to keep numbers down, leading to skewed statistics and sometimes brutality.

The country is now relying more on education, especially about contraception, said Zhao, in charge of international cooperation, education and communication at the ministry.

China says its policies have prevented several hundred million births and boosted prosperity, but experts have warned of a looming social time-bomb from an ageing population and widening gender disparity stemming from a traditional preference for boys.

Normally, between 103 and 107 boys are born for every 100 girl infants, but in China, 118 boys are born for every 100 girls, Zhao said. Experimental policies include trying to improve women's welfare and girls' access to schooling.

Still, the government has previously expressed concern that too many people are flouting the rules.

State media said in December that China's population would grow to 1.5 billion people by 2033, with birth rates set to soar over the next five years.

Officials have also cautioned that population controls are being unraveled by the increased mobility of China's 150 million-odd migrant workers, who travel from poor rural areas to work in more affluent eastern cities.

China has vowed to slap heavier fines on wealthy citizens who flout family planning laws, in response to the emergence of an upper class willing to pay standard fines to have more children.

(Editing by Sugita Katyal and Jerry Norton)

Funny Girl

I am amazed at the changes in my little one!

In January she began praying her own prayers. She had been saying "Dear Lord" and "Amen" for a long time, and filling in names in case I forgot anyone, but suddenly began completely praying on her own. It's so heartwarming to hear her.

I found out that her teachers from her little speech group class refer to her as the Cruise Ship Director, and that is such perfect title for her. She is always checking to see that everyone is included, that they have everything they need, and that they are having FUN! Her little class consists of 5 boys and herself, and she loves it.

I fell this weekend and really hurt my knee. She was helping me with the band aids and I got teary eyed as the peroxide began to sting. She said, "Don't cry big mommy!" and ran and got the first stuffed animal she ever fell in love with, Doggie, and brought it to me. Then she went and got her favorite blankie and told me to play with the fringe on it, that it was "fun". Touching the fringe is her biggest comfort and it was so sweet that she brought it to me.

At a party yesterday someone asked her how old she was and she said, "Two, almost three," and I just stood there gaping...she doesn't miss anything...so I guess she knows she has a birthday coming up.

All of the sudden she knows how to use the computer by herself too. We had gone on starfall.com a couple of times and then she just took over the mouse and started doing the activities all on her own. It feels like every day she transforms, like she's grown up over night.

She got to go over to Madison's house to play this weekend and wear Miss M's "tutu train" (ballet tutu) over her jeans. Madison, and Abbey's friend Derica, are both really into princess things and although Abbey knows nothing about any of that she is starting to take it in from playing with them. Tonight she told me that I could call her princess. It is really fun now that she is interacting more with her friends and not just playing along side each other. She and MM were galloping around the house and so happy to eat dinner together at their own little table.

All I can say each day is thank you, thank you, thank you to God.

CNY - The Partying Continues

The big FCC event was really fun, but I loved even more our get togethers with friends. We were very honored to be asked by two families to be their guests for Chinese New Year, last Saturday and Sunday. Double Happiness!! The first party was about 20 adults and 10 children. We had traditional Chinese feast that my friend's mom spent days preparing. It was incredible. Abbey insisted on using chopsticks, sometimes with two hands and sometimes in the perscribed manner. I think she's doing great with them for her age and I love it that she wants to master the technique. Abbey prepared hong bao (red envelopes) with gold foil chocolate coins, thanks to Sandra's great idea, and passed them out to all the children. We also brought some stuffed rats and tangerines (for a sweet life). Abbey received some hong bao with lucky money from my friend Janet and from her mom. Abbey loved playing with her friend Derica who is the same age, and several other friends. We had such a great time and were sorry when we had to leave. The next day we had a more intimate gathering with with our friends Zen and Sherry, and sweet little Olivia, who is also 2. Sherry made so many fabulous dishes and I ate the equivalent of 3 or 4 meals, but I wasn't going to miss this golden opportunity. One of my favorite dishes was Zen's tempura shrimp. At both feasts we were served corn with pine nuts, which is a very yummy combination. Oh, and the jiaoza, how I love it! After gleaning many things about China, and Chinese culture, and sipping lots of hot tea, I finally realized that Abbey had gone completely wild with glee and that it was past her bedtime, so we had to pack up and go. She came with more lucky money from our very generous friends, which she has been taking around in her shopping cart and high heels and thinking about what she will purchase. It's the first time she's had any cash and she's very happy about that. Both of these special celebrations will always be treasured in our hearts. So much kindness has been extended to us, may we some how be a blessing in return.

Blessed

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Joyful Hearts

Abbey was so excited as we headed out this morning. She sat in the back seat and applied pretend lipstick and eyeshadow out of her little purse and kept saying, "I'm almost ready for the party".

The little heart with the handprint was the first one she ever cut out and as you can see she has now done several more. She LOVES cutting! I think it's funny that her hometown in China, Yangdong, is the place where all the scissors are made.

We melted pink and red crayons in heart shaped muffin cups and made little heart crayons for her friends.

She gets funnier by the day. She has left off a little on "Why?" and is now using "What?!!" whenever I give any kind of instruction or information she wishes she hasn't heard. After 3 days of racking my brain trying to figure out where that came from, I realized that I had been saying 'what' frequently to have her repeat things so that I could understand her better. It's all coming back to me now. She has also decided to add "Now!" to all her requests. "Mommy, I want a baby orange, Now!"

We had fun today and went to the mall and out to eat after school. I love it when we get to be together and just enjoy each other. I never ceased to be amazed to have this wonderful little person in my life. How blessed am I to be the mommy of this sweet child?

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you from Miss Abbey!

Kicking Off CNY 2008

Our FCC has two banquets because we have such a big group, 800 people each night. The event takes place in the heart of China Town and is definitely an evening to remember. We only stayed for 1/2 the night and left before the magician and firecracker stomp. Abbey doesn't "get" princesses yet but the bigger girls loved seeing Miss China Town and her court.
This is ZsaZsa the acrobat entertaining the awestruck girls. This gal was doing things like spinning three raw eggs on stick on her nose.




Abbey had some very funny dance moves and I have no idea where they've come from. They involve squatting, which she seems to be a master at. She was dancing full throttle until she had a head on collision with a couple of other wild girls. They all popped right back up and started dancing again. She is truly a party girl.




I thought the lion dancers might be a little too loud but Abbey was mesmerized and LOVED it. She loves drums and was thrilled when the two lions started throwing oranges back and forth between their mouths.

Prayers for Change

I'm still trying to process what I saw in China's Stolen Children. I can't quit thinking about it. Extremely difficult and sad, but I think anyone with a sincere interest in the children of China should see it. I can't seem to get the link right but if you type the title in the search box at youtube.com it will pull up all the links. There are 9 segments. It's really hard to get my mind around everything and my heart just aches for all the people this affects.

More news on the situation in China

February 1st, 2008

Here’s an update on conditions and needs at the HTS institutions. Some will be repetition from last night. I think it will be useful to have all in one list. I will post this on our website as well and update whenever I can. We’re still trying to get through to a few orphanages. We’ll provide information regarding those and other orphanages needing help just as soon as we have it. In general the needs are for fuel, food, disposable diapers, warm clothing and bedding. Prices are soaring because no goods can be shipped and cold weather has destroyed all winter crops. Half the Sky is responding to the emergency by getting funds directly to the institutions in a variety of ways.

Beihai, Guangxi – Although ill-prepared for the bitter cold, the institution has so far managed to keep the children warm and fed. Changzhou, Jiangsu – suffered the largest snowfall in Jiangsu Province. Several buildings have collapsed. But the institution rushed to prepare for the cold and the children are fine.

Chengdu, Sichuan – is experiencing the coldest winter in memory. They need a large room heater, diapers, shoes, socks and winter jackets.

Chenzhou, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached. They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.) Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed. 20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can. The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers. Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable.

Chongqing – warm and well, despite the terrible cold

Chuzhou, Anhui - has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children.

Fuzhou, Jiangxi - lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal. The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They’ve bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry.

Gaoyou, Jiangsu – Despite incredibly heavy snow, the children are warm and well.

Guangzhou, Guangdong – This city is truly unaccustomed to cold and it is getting more difficult to find necessities to keep children warm. They ask for 30 space heaters and warm bedding.

Guilin, Guangxi - has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they’ve asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who’ve been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather.

Guiyang, Guizhou – no report yet. Haikou, Haikou – Even sunny Hainan Island is experiencing a chill. The orphanage request a clothes dryer to keep the children in clean warm clothes.

Hefei, Anhui – reports that they have everything under control and the children are warm and well-fed. Huangshi, Hubei – is in desperate need of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase since goods can’t be sent to them right now. All heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises.

Jiujiang, Jiangxi – had another heavy snow storm last night. Pipes have burst and the five boilers are broken. They are unable to bathe the children and are having trouble keeping them warm. They need quilts, bedding, warm shoes and space heaters. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Lianyungang, Jiangsu – is doing the best they can despite the lowest temperatures in history. While they still insist we help others first, they do request winter jackets for the children, warm mats to cover the floor and bottles for babies with cleft lip/palate. The last item we’ll have to ship from Beijing as soon as we are able.

Luoyang, Henan – all is well. They are accustomed to the cold.

Maoming, Guangdong - no report yet

Maonan District, Maoming, Guangdong – In the sunny south, they have never seen this kind of cold and damp weather before. It’s been a month with another month in the forecast. They need space heaters. Local citizens have donated warm clothes and blankets for the children.

Nanchang, Jiangxi – asks for warm floor mats and disposable diapers. They need a working room heater. Their electrical supply has been sporadic and with only a small generator, they’re not confident they can continue to provide heat to keep the children warm.

Nanjing, Jiangsu – continues to manage, despite the heavy snows. They would like 200 children’s blankets but insist that we look after others with greater needs first.

Nanning, Guangxi – is experiencing its worst winter in 48 years. They are doing their best to weather the storm but could use 6 large space heaters,86 warm quilts for our Family Village and disposable diapers. Like many places, they are having trouble finding affordable food right now and would appreciate a subsidy to help through this difficult time.

Qingyuan, Guangdong – no report yet. Sanya, Hainan – all is well in this southernmost tip of China. Shaoguan, Guangdong – needs disposable diapers for 27 babies. They need 3 large room heaters and warm mats for the floors.

Shaoyang, Hunan - has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days. There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm. However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather. Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity. Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together. High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold. Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand.

Wuhan, Hubei – is having a very hard time finding affordable food, “even cabbage.” They ask for food subsidies for the Family Village, 20 space heaters and 50 warm quilts. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe, so their requests are only for the Family Village.

Wuzhou, Guangdong – is enduring bitter cold. They need warm mats for the floors, disposable diapers, warm clothes and shoes for the children.

Xiangtan, Hunan - has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is “broken again.” There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution’s caregivers.

Xinyang, Henan – is accustomed to the cold and all is well. Yibin, Sichuan – no report yet.

Yiyang, Hunan – still has electricity but the water has been shutting off and on. They have stockpiled food for the children. The greatest challenge is for the nannies to get to work. Because the buses are down, they must walk on icy roads.

Yueyang, Hunan - also has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children’s dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, “even though they try to be cautious.”

To contribute to Half the Sky’s Little Mouse Emergency Fund to meet these emergency needs and others, click here Thank you again, everyone. You are just incredible! More updates soon.

Posted in Half the Sky Journal
Posted by Jenny

Freezing in China

I am posting a note from Half the Sky. There is more information available at their website. You can google more information about the incredible situation going on in China. I am so happy now that our travel group left lots of blankets and socks for the babies in our orphanage, it seemed silly at the time because it is so tropical there. I really hope the coal shortages have nothing to do with cleaning up the air for the Olympics. Of course I wish they didn't use coal, but until other systems are in place there has to be a way to keep people warm.

Further news from HTS regarding our little ones in China

February 1st, 2008

Welfare institutions in south and central China are having the hardest time dealing with the weather disaster. This part of the country is simply not equipped to deal with extreme cold or heavy snow and ice. The most common critical problems are power outages, lack of safe drinking and cooking water, lack of fuel, diapers and public transportation. In many places where buses have stopped running, our Half the Sky nannies have been walking hours (in one case, 4 hours) along icy roads to get to the children. As conditions worsen, our nannies and teachers are remaining at the institutions day and night. They have given up the idea of going home to their own families for the holidays. They need quilts. They need warm clothing. They need coal, water, disposable diapers and food. Here are the reports I have thus far, while in-flight. I will send more soon. Where you don’t see a report, either all is well or I don’t yet have information. I will tell you when we’ve heard from everyone. We’ve also given all the directors an emergency number to call when/if the situation changes.

Hunan Province – Chenzhou has had no electricity or water for six days. They are relying on coal for heat and cooking. The supermarkets and banks are closed. Staff is using personal money for baby food, diapers, coal and water. Costs are rising due to shortages. They have a natural well which, thankfully, is not frozen. Even the older children are helping to fetch water. They have perhaps six days of food remaining. The local government is overwhelmed by the disaster and is unable to help much.

Shaoyang has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days. There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm. However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather. Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity. Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together. High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold. Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand. Yueyang also has no electricity. The one functioning power generator is being used in the children’s dormitory. They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days. They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more. Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, “even though they try to be cautious.”

Xiangtan has had snow for the past 10 days. The main water pipe is “broken again.” There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets. They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up. Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day. They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution’s caregivers. Jiangsu Province – Changzhou has seen some heavy snows but the director reports that the children are fine. The director says that he’s doing his best to ensure that the children do not suffer. Public transportation is crippled by the snow and HTS nannies and teachers are waiting for hours to catch a bus for home or even walking home in the snowy dark.

Nanjing reports no problems at all despite the heavy snows. I tried to fly into Nanjing yesterday but it was not possible. Anhui Province -

Chuzhou has both water and power. Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work. They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children. Guangxi Province –

Guilin has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they’ve asked us to replace. The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who’ve been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work. They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather. Jiangxi Province –

Fuzhou lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal. The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm. They’ve bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather. This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water. They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry. Jiujiang says they’ve never faced such bitter weather. They desperately need disposable diapers. Washable diapers cannot be dried. They need warm clothes, shoes, gloves hats quilts and warm mats for the floors. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Hubei Province – Wuhan suffers heavy snows but they still have power. Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing. The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe.

Huangshi reports that the freeze is so severe that all heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. They need disposable diapers. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises. Gathering these reports together makes me think about how careful we have always been at Half the Sky to maintain our focus on nurture and education programs. Ours is not a medical or relief organization. There are many wonderful groups who do that work. Probably the primary reason we’ve been able to accomplish so much and reach so many children is because we’ve maintained our focus on our core mission — providing nurturing care for children who’ve lost their families..

But a moment like this really cannot be ignored. The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in the US taught us that no matter how wealthy a country might be, its vulnerable citizens (old, poor, ill, and orphaned children) are the ones who suffer most when disaster strikes. Even as China seems to be entering the first world, a disaster like this is quite simply crippling. We know that orphaned children will be among those who suffer the damage most. I say this because I think we should break one of Half the Sky’s rules and, if there are sufficient funds raised in the Little Mouse Emergency Fund, we should offer relief (water, food, diapers, quilts, clothing) to any orphanage where children need help. Let’s see how this goes. If people are as generous as I think they might be, we will work with the provincial Bureaus of Civil Affairs in every hard-hit community, and offer assistance to all welfare institutions where there is need.

Please lend a hand, however you can. You can donate to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund by calling us in the US at +1-510-525-3377 or in Asia at +852- 2520-5266 or by clicking on “Donate Now” or download a form to mail or fax. Donations are tax-deductible in US, Canada and Hong Kong. Please forward this message and tell your friends and family. I will be back with an update very, very soon.

Posted in Half the Sky Journal
Posted by Jenny