I got my latest e-newsletter from a couple pioneering a very unique ministry in China - Lotus Buds International. Rick & Chris Carter are adoptive parents, whose daughter was a Chinese orphan. Sometime last year, I don't know when, the months all run together, Chris emailed me and we chatted about the importance of teaching attachment parenting to pre-adoptive families. It was then that she told me of their plans to move to China and to launch an organization whose sole purpose is to promote the adoption of Chinese orphans BY Chinese residents. As others have noted in recent blogs, there are over 1 million Chinese orphans waiting for home and only 1% of those are adopted internationally, leaving thousands upon thousands of waiting orphans with no hope for a family.

Well, already Lotus Buds can happily report that they are able to sponsor their first adoption, which is great. Equally great is the Carters' emphasis on parenting training. They have hired a trainer and have four families signed up for the initial round of parenting classes, along with local social workers in Kunming who want to learn more about adoption and Lotus Buds. They are currently seeking funds for translation of many of their parenting materials, as well as funds to open an adoption program in NE China.

To learn more about Lotus Buds' program check them out on the web. Or email Chris & Rick at info@lotusbuds.org