Print edition: 
Kansas kids need forever families
There is a 14-year-old boy named Chris, a handsome boy who has a passion for sports, especially football, and enjoys playing video games. He sounds a lot like my son, or maybe yours. But Chris doesn’t have a family. He’s been in the state’s custody for more than eight years because of severe abuse and neglect.
Chris is soft-spoken and shy until he gets to know you. He has brothers and a sister; two have been adopted and another waits, like he does.
Today is National Adoption Day – a day to celebrate the children adopted from foster care and the families that were created throughout the year by adults willing to open their hearts and homes.
It’s also a day to raise awareness about the youths who do not have forever families and may face aging out of the state’s custody. There are 370 children in foster care from Sedgwick County awaiting adoption. Of those, about 280 have an identified resource, such as a family friend or relative, leaving 90 children waiting. Chris is one of those 90.
There are many ways you can get involved to help local youths. Please consider adoption, or becoming a foster parent, mentor or volunteer. Visit youthville.org to learn more.
SHELLEY DUNCAN
President and CEO
Youthville
Wichita
Not first breath
It is incorrect that a person gains a soul when he takes his first breath, when his umbilical cord is cut, and when he is independent of the mother (“Requires breath,” Nov. 14 Letters to the Editor). In Genesis 2:7, God breathes the breath of life into man; man does not breathe it himself. Therefore, a person’s first breath is not when he receives a soul. Nor is it when the umbilical cord is severed. The umbilical cord is simply how the baby receives nutrients from the mother. Its function is no different from a mouth. Although the baby is outside the mother’s womb, once its umbilical cord is severed and it has taken its first breath, it is not able to survive without the mother. It still relies on the mother’s care to live.
Because none of these events constitutes a substantive change in the baby’s humanity, there must be some other transition point between nonhuman and human. This occurs at conception when the sperm and egg, nonhuman things, join to create a human person. It is at this point when a soul is bestowed and the humanity of the baby is complete.
AARON WOLF
Wichita
Misguided spirit
I know it’s early, so maybe there is still time to speak out. I see that the Wichita Symphony Orchestra is listing its Christmas concert online already. Only this year it is not calling it “The Spirit of Christmas,” as it has in the past. This time it’s called “The Spirit of the Season.”
If symphony officials can say in the listing, “If you’re dreaming of a musical Christmas…,” why can’t they just call it a Christmas concert?
Why can’t the leaders in this city show some backbone and stick with tradition? There are still many Wichitans who can see past the commercialism and the political correctness. Christ is the reason for the season.
JUSTIN FREMIN
Wichita
Great concert
I was privileged to attend the Wichita Youth Orchestras concert at Century II Sunday afternoon. What a program the Youth Chamber Players, the Repertory Orchestra and the Youth Symphony gave.
These students have given many hours of practice and their Saturday mornings for the past three months to participate in these musical groups. Many of the students live in communities surrounding Wichita and drive in each week to learn new music and skills.
Many thanks to those who sponsor the program and to the directors who give so much time to these budding young musicians. The Concert Hall was nearly filled with families and friends. And as the closing notes of “Marche Slav” were played, there was a long standing ovation.
The arts are alive and well in Kansas.
JUDY DAY-TRENARY
Arkansas City
Pinch, dash
Junior League of Wichita is thrilled to announce the release of our third cookbook, “Pinches & Dashes.” Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer has declared it the official cookbook of Wichita, and proceeds will be used to combat child abuse in our community.
“Pinches & Dashes” contains more than 180 recipes submitted and triple-tested by our members, as well as offerings from nine Wichita restaurants. These dishes are the best of the best from some of Wichita’s most passionate home cooks.
Please join us this holiday season in transforming your tables with “Pinches & Dashes” as we work to transform our community.
KATY DORRAH
President
Junior League of Wichita
Wichita
