Kirkus reviews raves about The Waiting Child
ADOPTED by an American family at age four, Jaclyn traveled to her new home with a great burden. Her new family had to leave behind a little boy who had been under her charge at the Chinese orphanage where Jaclyn fought the odds against abandonment, institutionalization, and hunger– not for herself, but on behalf of an even smaller child, whom she regarded as her responsibility. Jaclyn loved him. He was "her baby" and she would not forget him.
Jaclyn's saga spans oceans and cultures. The Waiting Child, by Jaclyn's mother, Cindy Champnella, tells Jaclyn’s extraordinary story of human resilience in the face of profound loss and suffering – and is a testament to the ability of a loving heart to prevail over great adversity. Jaclyn’s unshakable determination to bring to her new life the child she and cared for in the institution, the one she believed with all her heart was "her baby" will change all assumptions made about the human spirit. In the end, this moving story affirms everything that is good and hopeful in life, when, after a two-year effort, the little boy is brought to this country.
From the Back Cover
"This is a story about the perseverance of a little girl's heart and the remarkable making of a family."
- Detroit News
"My tradition teaches that one who saves a single life saves an entire world. The Waiting Child is the same teaching, but from the deepest place of the author's heart."
- Rabbi Mitchell Chefitz, author of The Thirty-third Hour
"Jaclyn's touching story shows that anyone can stand against injustice---and that loving others is the highest purpose of the human spirit at any age, in any circumstance. A life changing book!"
- Dr. Wan Yan Hai, scholar, activist and director of Beijing Institute of Health Education
"A little child leads adults on a soul journey . . . a book of love, faith, and miracles."
- Rev. Nancy M. Wood, United Methodist minister
"An inspirational journey for the heart."
- Robin Lee Hatcher, author of Firstborn
"Personal, tender, and inspiring, reflecting what can happen when there are plenty of resources, love, and faith."
- Ann Arbor News
“The story in The Waiting Child is one of abandonment, heartbreak, longing, hope and love....This is a compelling and important book for any parent.... Heartbreaking, searingly painful, but ultimately healing and hopeful,” says Cindy Gallaher, founder and president of North Bay Adoptions and an adoptive parent.
This book is a heartwarming reminder of our common humanity and the power of love. “If this story doesn’t make your heart ache, you should see a cardiologist. Four-year-old Jaclyn’s extraordinary devotion and determination are a powerful lesson in the meaning of love,” says Jill Smolowe, author of An Empty Lap: One Couple’s Journey to Parenthood.
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