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Charli Strawn
GOD TOUCHED CHAD AND JENNIFER STRAWN’S HEART to pursue the adoption of a child with special needs. When they came across Ming Ming’s profile, they knew this child had been chosen for them. They named Ming Ming, Charli Grace. Charli Grace had a medical condition that limited her vision, but Chad and Jennifer found hope in John 9:1-3.
The Strawn’s were determined to help Charli, even before the adoption was finalized. Since there was little that could be done for Charli in China, Chad and Jennifer found an eye doctor willing to perform eye surgery for no cost in the US. During this time, Chad and Jennifer got a first look as to what it was like to be an orphan.
During her surgery and recovery, Charli began to learn English through Chad and Jennifer’s son Conner and the preschool she was enrolled in. The Strawn’s continued to raise funds for adoption through fundraising, the help of friends and family and a matching grant provided by Lifesong for Orphans. By the grace of God, in April 2009, the Strawn’s flew back to China with Charli Grace for the final adoption paperwork. Jennifer recalls, “Charli sat beside me as I was signing the paperwork in the adoption office. Suddenly she burst out singing “Jesus Loves Me.” It was all I could do to keep from crying right there. We do indeed serve an amazing God.”
Jennifer summarized her experience with, “China is not for the faint of heart, neither is adoption... but WOW both are an amazing trip! My view of the world is changed in ways that are difficult to put in words. China will forever have a huge piece of my heart. I won’t ever be able to forget the little ones there who are still waiting for a family.”
