Author to talk about rescue of Chinese baby
4/6/2003The remarkable story of a Chinese orphan who persuaded her new American family to return to China and rescue the baby she had cared for will be related Tuesday night in Oregon.
Cindy Champnella will speak at 7 p.m. at New Harvest Church, 3540 Seaman Rd. at Coy Road. Three years ago, she and her husband adopted 4-year-old Jaclyn who had been orphaned at age 2. Before her adoption, Jaclyn had formed a maternal bond with a baby boy, comforting and protecting him.
As soon as Jaclyn learned to speak English, she told her parents that she had to find a home for her “baby.” Her determination was unshakable. Ms. Champnella began sending e-mails to friends, and interest in Jaclyn's “baby” grew. Eighteen months later and with the assistance of former U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham, Jaclyn's “baby” was adopted by Ms. Champnella's sister and brother-in-law.
Ms. Champnella's book, The Waiting Child (St. Martin's Press, 2003), has been featured on The John Walsh Show and in national publications.
Ms. Champnella, who lives in Farmington Hills, Mich., assists people with adoptions, particularly from China. Her free public talk is sponsored by the Gathering Place, a nonprofit child care center.