Out visit to Shepherd's Field was a whirlwind trip, we were pretty much in and out within a few hours, but not before meeting Clay & Jewel Floch, the Guest Relation Coordinators for this village located outside Beijing. To read their story and how they arrived here, please go to: http://www.chinaorphans.org/team_shepherd_field.html
We brought donated supplies of bottles, diapers, wipes, lotions, medical supplies, etc. to the orphanage. This orphanage works with a total of 33 orphanages throughout China in bringing their frailest special needs children to Shepherd's Field where they receive care, surgeries, etc. to give them a chance at adoption, otherwise they would probably perish.
Our group was given a tour of the buildings, along with the history and story behind Shepherd's Field. They were very nice with construction going on to build a 4 story building that will be partially used for the children who "age out" of orphanage care after 14. The organization will be teaching life skills, money, and hopefully a skill to the young teens who will be able to attend. To find out more information about what happens to the kids who age out, please read http://adoptionoffaith.blogspot.com/2010/09/kids-who-age-out-of-orphangage.html) to discover what happens to these children.
Children that go to Shepherd's Field stay there until they are adopted or not. It is their family. The structure is set up to feel like a real home as possible. There are different homes with nannies that are consistent with the little one's care. The foundation under which the orphanage is run has done such a wonderful job with the facilities and staff. Each child can have up to 15 sponsors and this is what helps run the place to free up other monies for expenses such as surgery.
Our group was split up into several smaller groups of 3-4 people and dispersed into the different children's home to interact for a couple of hours. In our home there were 3 young boys upstairs, all with various stages of CP, but all with smiles and love to share. Downstairs there were 3 little girls and 2 little boys. One little guy had heart problems, 2 of the girls were at different levels of brain issues and couldn't really get around without the aid of appliances specially made for them. There was a little girl there that was very saucy and enjoyed rough housing. One little boy was full of belly giggles as we tickled his tummy and another little guy latched onto Tim and loved being chased.
Here are some photos from Shepherd's Field:
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