Advocacy

	Calin's arrival at the group home, 2003 (Calin is on the left)

Calin's story

Calin is a child with incredible potential. Placed in a Romanian institution at birth because of an extreme cleft palate and webbed fingers and toes, he faced an uncertain future. His communication problems eliminated the possibility of adoption and further isolated him from other children. When staff of Mosaic and its partner, Motivation Romania, discovered him in the institution, it was love at first sight. After some strong advocacy, he moved into a group home for six children located just outside Bucharest in January 2003.

Calin's first trip to McDonald's

Calin's life improved daily. His personality blossomed; his interest in other children became an asset in the home. Staff began to discuss his next steps, and within weeks, a foster family was identified, trained and certified by the government. A transition plan was developed and he moved in with his new family. He marveled at his new "luxuries" and kept his room immaculately clean, took great pride in his appearance and loved the warm baths and love extended by his family.

Several months after being placed in this loving environment, his natural mother appeared and wanted him back. Under Romanian law, this was something she had the right to do. Calin and his foster family were devastated. The mother took Calin, all of his belongings, and left.

	Calin at a neighborhood party, 2005

A week later, staff at Motivation Romania received a call from the institution telling them they had Calin back. The mother had returned him to the institution day after she had removed him from his foster familiy ... but kept all of his things. Staff immediately went to the institution and brought Calin back to the group home. The former foster family said they couldn't go through that devastation again and refused to take him back.

Calin, 2006, after hand surgery

Calin continued to live in the group home for the next year, during which time he was able to have surgery done on his hands to separate his fingers. He flourished, his fingers have grown longer and his motor skills have improved.

	Calin, with foster mom, Gheorghita

A new foster family was identified, and in mid-2006, Calin found his dreams coming true. He is thriving in his new environment and has continued to be a real blessing to his family and everyone around him. In December 2006, he had the first surgery on one of his feet and is now recovering. His new foster mom stayed with him in the hospital. More surgeries will follow on his other foot and his cleft palate.

As of January 2007, his natural parents have not made any attempt to see Calin.

Calin still faces extraordinary challenges. Through his extended family of American donors, we are confident he will get his new smile and the ability to speak. We all ponder what his first words will be ...