The Waiting Child: How the Faith and Love of One Orphan Saved the Life of Another

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Summary: Jaclyn's story tells the story of our older daughters
Review: Jaclyn's story is also my daughter's story. And while they are about the same age, and from the same orphanage, Jaclyn has chosen to remember her former life while my daughter wants only to forget her past. Cindy's tender and often humerous story answers many questions for those of us with older adopted daughter's from China. For me, it also raises many questions. I am greatful for a deeper glimpse into my daughter's former life. I wish only joy for Jaclyn and Lee in the future. We lubba' you, kid!

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Summary: A Life Changing Book
Review: Never did I imagine when I picked up this book that my life would be changed. I cried and cried for Jaclyn's struggle and for children everywhere waiting for parents in orphanages. The images of children waiting for parents have haunted me since reading Jaclyn's story. I was absolutely fascinated by the adoption process and the Champnella's willingness to expand their family despite their own financial challenges. This book was so honest and compelling...adoption had never been so real or made as much sense as this book did. After reading it, I was moved to sponsor a child in the orphanage through the Half the Sky Foundation. In addition, I have opened myself up to the possibility of adopting a little girl from China. I know that if our infertility treatments fail in our attempts to have a sibling for our daughter that I will be OK. This story has comforted me, and a door has opened in the most inviting way. I know that there is a beautiful alternative (which we may even pursue if we do have another biological child). I am very grateful to Cindy Champnella for sharing her family's amazing story.

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Summary: Yes, it IS a life changing book.
Review: Oh my...I did not expect this book to move my heart so profoundly. I learned two things - that faith really can move mountains, and that most of the things that we worry about are so trivial. I read this book in one sitting and of the thousands of books I have read, this is the first where I have actually cried and then laughed out loud. I would recommend this book to anyone - the author's writing is excellent and I can't wait to see what she does next.

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Summary: A MUST READ FOR FAMILIES ADOPTING FROM CHINA!
Review: The one word that I would use to describe this book is AMAZING! Cindy Champnella does an incredible job of describing the adoption of their daughter, Jaclyn, from China when she was 4-years old. At times, The Waiting Child is truly heartbreaking to read, but I promise you will not be able to put this book down. Over the past month, I have had over eight of my family/friends borrow my book and we ALL have been deeply touched by Jaclyn and Lee's story. This book gives you insight into the China adoption process, as well as the struggles AND blessings that come from adopting an older child. I can't speak highly enough of this book and wish to advise readers that among other things, it will give you a fresh new perspective in how God can truly use a child to touch so many people's lives to accomplish His purpose. I will never forget this story. Jaclyn Champnella's faith is inspiring.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR FAMILIES ADOPTING FROM CHINA!
Review: The one word that I would use to describe this book is AMAZING! Cindy Champnella does an incredible job of describing the adoption of their daughter, Jaclyn, from China when she was 4-years old. At times, The Waiting Child is truly heartbreaking to read, but I promise you will not be able to put this book down. Over the past month, I have had over eight of my family/friends borrow my book and we ALL have been deeply touched by Jaclyn and Lee's story. This book gives you insight into the China adoption process, as well as the struggles AND blessings that come from adopting an older child. I can't speak highly enough of this book and wish to advise readers that among other things, it will give you a fresh new perspective in how God can truly use a child to touch so many people's lives to accomplish His purpose. I will never forget this story. Jaclyn Champnella's faith is inspiring.

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Summary: A Powerful Story
Review: The Waiting Child is a wonderful book that anyone who has adopted from China or is in the process of adopting an older child must read. It chronicles the relentless campaign that Jaclyn, adopted at the age of four, launches to bring home her baby, a little boy that she took care of in her social welfare institute. As an adoptive mother with a daughter from China, I found this book to be very powerful. It helped put into prospective the experience that some of China's parentless children have while they are waiting for their forever families. The book includes a lot of information about life in an orphanage, as Jaclyn was old enough to share her memories. In addition, I was deeply moved by how resilient Jaclyn was even though she had experienced a lot of trauma and change in her short lives. While Jaclyn's story has a lot of sorrow, it is a story of great triumph, despite the fact that Jaclyn had experienced serves loss, neglect, and upheaval she prevails. The author, Cindy Champnella, is very candid and honest about some of the challenges that are involved in adopting an older child. She share how Jaclyn felt about being adopted by an American couple, and Cindy's own reservations of adopting a child who would be removed from her culture and language. Jaclyn, like so many children adopted from China, is a survivor who loves life. The Waiting Child is a powerful story.

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Summary: A courageous and spiritually uplifting read
Review: The Waiting Child: How The Faith And Love Of One Orphan Saved The Life Of Another is an emotional and heart-wrenching tale of adoption. Jaclyn is an adopted four-year-old girl who had to struggle for her bi-racial family's opportunity to adopt still another child -- a young boy from the same Chinese orphanage she had come from and whom Jaclyn regarded as "her baby" after caring for him for so long while in the confines of the orphanage, and whose transition to the United States was possible only after two long years of struggle. Written by Cindy Champenella (who is the woman who adopted Jaclyn and her young charge) is a courageous and spiritually uplifting read.

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Summary: A Rare Treasure!
Review: This book is a rare treasure! It is a warmly sensitive and deeply insightful peek into the heart and soul of one incredibly precocious, fiercely tenacious child: the indomitable Jaclyn. It is a richly told, powerfully evocative story about the enduring power of love wherein Jaclyn, once adopted, relentlessly persues her mission to also find a home for "her baby." This book belongs on the bookshelves of everyone who has ever loved a child. But, be warned: Jaclyn's story will not only require an abundant supply of Kleenex, it may change your heart forever.

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Summary: The Waiting Child by Cindy Chamnella
Review: This book is an incredible true story about a young child's devotion to her "baby". It is told with great compassion, bitter truth, and honesty. The writer did not try to shield the reader from her daughter's struggle and heartache in a Chinese orphanage. It is a great story about the adoption of an older child from China. Everyone should read this book. My only reccommendation to those who read it, make sure you have a box of kleenex right next to you! The happy stories and sad stories will make you cry! I loved this book!

Chrystal Yaeger

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Summary: WOW
Review: This book is full of grief for all the children left behind in Chinese orphanges. It tells the story of Jaclyn, but at the same time it tells of the human tragedy that is growing in China in a way that I have not seen anyone else come close to. It is both uplifting and heartbreaking. If you are considering a China adoption or are in the process this book is required reading. I am buying extra copies for family members.