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/.

Maria

Ages: 15

"Hi, my name is Maria. I'm someone who can be counted on, someone who is forgiving, and I'm a loyal friend. I know what it feels like when people give up and leave. I don't abandon friends, even when they make mistakes. That's why it's important to me to have a parent who won't get mad and tell me to leave if I do something wrong.

My interests are sports and hair and makeup. I might like to be a cosmetologist, but I would also like to attend collage. Since my favorite sport is volleyball, I would love to get a scholarship and play that in college.

I would like a family that will be OK with me attending the LDS church. My adoptive family doesn't have to be a particular religion or even attend church, but they must respect my choices in that area.

I wouldn't mind having brothers and sisters or being an only child. I love living in the city because there are so many activities and great places to shop. I love animals, especially dogs. I would like to have a small dog some day, maybe a Schnauzer.

I look forward to being part of an active family, having them show up at my games and taking me camping and on vacations. Most of all, I hope they are good at communicating and at forgiving. I make mistakes like anyone else, and I need people who don't hold onto those. I need a parent who will sit down and talk with me and feel connected enough to find understanding. When I think of what I need in a family, it would be understanding. I hope that they will be patient and work with me by communicating with me."

When you meet Maria for the first time, you will not only notice her beautiful brown eyes, but also the way she firmly shakes your hand to say hello. Although she may feel anxious in a new situation, she usually meets that encounter with courage. She realizes it will take courage to transition into a family that's new to her, but she's looking forward to a relationship that could last a lifetime. With 3 or 4 years left before she reaches adulthood, Maria realizes she has a brief window of time to connect with parent(s) who will encourage her goals and be that welcoming place to come home to for the holidays. Maria knows the value of a family, even a temporary one, and already has plans to be a foster parent herself someday.

Born in Mexico as an infant, Maria does not yet have the legal status needed to complete an adoption finalization. She needs a family that will be patient in the role of foster parent as her caseworker pursues that process. It may take some time, but Maria is a lovely young woman who is well worth knowing and waiting for.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

To find out more about Maria, call the Idaho CareLine number, 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30336.

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