American couple adopts blind Chinese orphan

The children’s dormitories have large bunk beds for those seven and above and cradle beds for toddlers. “We create this international environment with different age groups to teach the bigger children how to take care of the smaller ones,” Hou said.

Leaving the orphanage can be hard. Hou recalled the story of a child who spent five years at the orphanage, starting when she was three months old. An American family adopted her, but the girl kept calling and saying she was living in a strange place. “The girl was too attached and refused to adapt to her new environment,” Hou said, stressing that the first several months are crucial to the children and their new families.

The Hubley couple is doing all they can to make sure Chunyan adjusts to her new life. Chunyan is enrolled in a fine arts school, but her parents aren’t letting her go just yet. “The top priority for us is to really let the girl know that we love her. It will take time,” Rebekah said.

Children in Bethel are constantly in need of medical help. Information about donations and volunteering can be found on the website bethelchina.org.