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Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Natalie

Age: 14

Portrait and profile provided by NWAE.

"I like to do the dishes, vacuum, do laundry, and everything that does not have to do with cleaning my bedroom. I have diabetes, can have a temper (sometimes I swear), I am growing my hair out, I have unique style, I like fancy shoes, I almost always am listening to music or singing, and I can sometimes be annoying. I wish that all families could be happy..." -Natalie

Natalie is a vibrant, active and creative young adolescent girl who is searching for a family. She is first looking for a family that will want her to stay forever. Once a family makes that commitment to her, the hope is that Natalie will allow herself to belong in a permanent way, perhaps starting as fostering and moving to adoption.

Natalie loves riding bikes (including doing tricks!), playing computer games, creating art, crocheting, shopping, dressing up (fashion), and being social. Her favorite color is blue - any shade of blue will do! Energetic, Natalie would love more opportunities to go swimming (she loves the beauty of the underwater world), or to try new sports like gymnastics, cheerleading or even football. An adventurous girl, Natalie would love the opportunity to see more of the world.

Natalie is inquisitive and loves to ask questions. She is quite the conversationalist! She has a great sense of humor and likes to laugh. Natalie also adores music and can often be heard singing aloud or playing guitar. Her favorite types of music span the spectrum from hip hop and pop to country and R&B, even holiday songs. She actually dreams of becoming a professional singer someday. With a big heart, she also thinks about being a kindergarten teacher for young children with special needs.

Natalie enjoys school and especially likes math, reading and writing. She feels that she is good at math, in part because of all the calculating she has to do in regulating her blood sugar. Science, however, is not her preferred area. Natalie is on target for her age in school, although she does receive some support to stay on track. She is bright and a leader in her school environment.

Natalie is in overall good health other than that adoptive parents will need knowledge of Type 1 diabetes. Her condition requires a lot of work and awareness on her behalf, which can sometimes be a source of frustration. On the other hand, her ability to manage this aspect of her life can also be a huge source of pride for her. While diabetes is a sensitive topic, it does not need to be avoided as it is a daily and important part of her life. Prospective adoptive families are encouraged to seek education on the topic, and be open to participate in her medical success in positive ways. There are many resources available that can help families, and children themselves, manage and advocate for their Type 1 diabetes.

Natalie compares herself to the character Percy from "The Lightening Thief". She feels that she, too, has had to weather many battles but has somehow managed to hang in there, despite the rough times. Natalie has experienced tremendous loss and significant trauma in her life. She has also experienced quite a few moves while in care, and has participated in programs that have offered her a lot of support. Natalie is ready to find a permanent family where she can gain the security of home, and looks forward to growing and thriving in a loving environment. Natalie is ready to believe that someone truly wants her as a part of their family.

Natalie maintains ties to some extended family, as well as many community members (including previous foster parents and a mentor) who she has gotten to know over the years. She wants to continue to have some type of contact with many of these support systems and a permanent family will need to help Natalie maintain these important connections. More than anything else, Natalie would love to be a part of a family. She has a hard time understanding what stands in her way of having a family. She is acutely aware that is it long overdue for her to be with a loving, dedicated family who can be there for her on a permanent basis. Natalie is legally free to be adopted.

Please consider whether this young lady is a perfect fit for you and whether you can commit to bringing her into your family for the rest of her life.

To find out more about Natalie, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. Natalie is available for adoption through the State of Oregon.

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Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544

Telephone:
Orofino 476-0733
Fax: 208-476-4140

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