We would love to introduce you to Lincoln, a special 12 year old boy who has participated in the AWAA Hope Journey Camp.

Two volunteers met him and would love to share more about him with you:

From Heather: I met the most amazing young man. He entered the room carrying his baritone horn case. He sat down in front of our team and a few of the foster families and commenced to perform a wonderful song on his instrument. It was obvious he had been practicing diligently for his anticipated performance for our team. He was quite pleased with himself as we applauded for him. In an impressive show of responsibility, he carefully put his horn away as the staff and his foster family told us a little about him. He loves music, goes to school, loves to learn, makes beaded jewelry, and is very responsible and independent.

Later in the day, I had the privilege of sitting down for some one-on-one time with him. He was very talkative and outgoing, inquisitive, and very bright. His intellect and personality shine brightly. As we sat, we strung beads on to pipe cleaners and then onto string. He assured me that the task at hand was “very easy” for him- as I could plainly see for myself. It was very evident from our conversation that he desperately wants a family and that is where he could thrive. He then insisted I listen to him play a few songs on the keyboard in the next room. In another show of responsibility and self-sufficiency, he plugged the keyboard into the wall, removed the cloth cover, turned the keyboard on, and showed me how he knew several songs. I asked him where he learned to play, and was truly amazed when I discovered that he taught himself. His foster dad said that he will sing or hum a tune, then sit down to decipher the correct notes. He obviously enjoyed playing with the different settings on the keyboard and the sounds and rhythms it made. I sat there for quite some time listening and watching him play. I couldn’t help but think of the incredible potential this sweet child has because of his passion for music. He is a child who has determination and persistence. He has such a sweet and funny disposition and has one of the greatest laughs I have ever heard!

Oh, did I mention he has been blind since birth? I don’t think I have ever been more impressed than I am with this incredible young man. What an honor it has been to spend time with him! His story has only just begun.

From Kristi: Lincoln has kept us laughing nonstop!! He is funny and quick-witted, energetic, and very happy. In talking with our translator, he has expressed his deep desire for a family. What a blessing he would be! Though he cannot see, he gets around without assistance. Lincoln has excellent fine motor skills and enjoyed beading bracelet after bracelet today. He was one of the first children that we met….and we were honored to watch him play the baritone horn. Everyone in the room was moved by his perseverance and persistence. I am not sure I’ve ever encountered such drive and motivation before. One moment he will play with one of us and have us in stitches and the next….he will sit down at the keyboard and begin to play a song. For a long while today, Lincoln would find a balloon, laugh as he squeezed it, pull his lapel pin out of his jacket, and poke it into the balloon to pop it! We would laugh and laugh, and every time he would get ready to pop the balloon, I would say, “Nooo! Uh oh!” What a kick he got out of that! I was laughing so hard I cried….and he was giggling equally as much! EVERY moment spent with Lincoln is pure joy!! We are praying a family will step forward for him quickly, as he is twelve years old and will age out soon.

If you are interested in learning more about Lincoln, or about the AWAA China waiting child program, please email china@awaa.org.