As you may not know, I have worked for many years doing speech therapy with young children. It’s pretty awesome helping kids learn and grow and communicate better with their families. There are so many resources in the US that provide funding for kids with special needs to receive services like speech therapy. I have long wanted to use my professional skills with children in other countries who do not have the same access to resources as families here in the US. This is why January 21st to February 3rd, 2020, I am flying across the globe to China to lend a helping hand to Maria, a foster mom and all-around superhero. Maria has been in China for 19 years operating a small foster home and providing foster care for babies and children with special needs. In Maria’s home these children are loved and cared for until they are adopted.

I am going with two women from Durham and we will be helping Maria during the Chinese New Year, a time when Maria gives her Chinese staff a holiday break to spend with their families. We will be filling in for them by caring for the children, cooking and cleaning. We also hope to be good company to Maria and to encourage her in her very brave calling. We will arrive with suitcases full of supplies like medicines, clothes, and diapers. I am also hoping to offer some insight and strategies regarding speech and language development.

The trip is going to cost about $2,200 per person. Our little team of three is raising funds together, asking our friends and family to be a part of this journey with us. I am raising money by sending 100% of sales here in my online shop through Jan 19 to this trip fund. This includes some limited edition personalized dishes and cups! That means YOU get to buy some handmade pottery and show some love to one hardworking woman and some very precious children on the far side of the globe. If we receive more funds than we need for the trip, the extra amount will go toward supplies and resources for Maria’s foster home.

If your cabinets are full and you’re not in the market for new pottery, then please consider donating below. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Katie