Maria, Maria, Maria!

Here I go again advocating for little Maria who lives in one of my children's birth countries. Maria is seven years old and a favorite at her small orphanage. She is wheelchair-bound due to spina bifida and also under the care of a nephrologist because of some kidney and bladder issues. Maria is described by all who know her as a kind, inquisitive, and bright girl. She speaks two languages fluently, one of them English, and eagerly completes her homework each day.

Here's a note from my friend who met Maria at the end of last year:

"Oh, Maria! Sweet, beautiful, funny little girl. Shy at first (the [caretaker] with us teased her about it), she soon warmed up to us and squealed with delight, then hugged the stuffed puppy backpack we brought her. She added it to the huge pile of items on her bed and I asked where she slept and she said, "We all sleep together." Maria's best friend is being adopted, and she is so sad at the prospect of having neither her soulmate nor a family. We brought her candy and she was so cute in asking [her caretaker] if she could have some. She lives with [her caretakers] and other children in what feels like a warm, rambling home filled with love. Everyone was getting ready to go see a play one evening so I was able to style her hair and pick out something pretty for her to wear. She is completely a girly-girl, and bright and curious, too. She speaks [-] and English. She has Spina Bifida but her wheelchair in no way slows her down or diminishes her radiant smile. Out there is the luckiest of lucky families who get to call her their own."

Will someone please consider this treasure of a girl? You can get more info, including photos and videos, by contacting info@hopscotchadoptions.org.