Two of our Board Members, Michael Bosmann and Cindy Klaja-McLaughlin, are traveling in China with our Executive Director, Naomi Kerwin.  The purpose of the trip is to ferret out the business model options that could be appropriate for Starfish to operate under in the future and to understand what each entails.

The three have spent time meeting with several foundations, foster homes, government employees and medical facilities in Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Kaifeng.  They are taking two days to visit our children in Yulin and Xi'an.  On Monday, they will fly to Guiyang to visit a foster care network that has been a successful model over time.

At every facility and meeting they have gone to, they have been warmly welcomed.  The potential partners and organizations we would be working with are open and passionate about helping the children.  Most of the individuals they have met with are Chinese and are leading China in the right direction of collectively trying to get the children what they need.  They acknowledge there are issues and are asking for our help.

The need is great and there is no doubt that we have work to do in whatever capacity Starfish moves forward.   We are very impressed with the resources and talent that the Chinese are investing in the children's welfare.   No matter which direction we take in terms of the structure of the home and how we execute our mission, the choice will be productive and fulfilling for everyone involved in carrying forward Amanda's legacy.

We appreciate your kindness and support during a very, very difficult year.  We look forward to much better times ahead in helping the babies of China.

Patrick McLaughlin, Starfish Board President