Monday, November 9, 2009

Orphan Sunday

In churches across America, Sunday, November 8 was Orphan Sunday. We're so thankful that more and more people are realizing that caring for the worlds' estimated 140 million orphans is our responsibility, and we see the difference that your love makes in the lives of the children in our care.

Did your church have any special events or speakers to acknowledge the plight of orphans this Sunday? We'd love to hear about the ways that your community is responding to this need. And if there are ways we can come alongside you and support you in your efforst, we'd love to be involved!

As you know, Nathan joined his adoptive family late last week. They are bloggers, so for those of you who don't already follow their blog, you can join them on their journey.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Beginning and End

Today was a bit unusual. Such important events don't often fall on the same day...

It was both the start of something new...

The arrival of these three sweet babies from a new partner orphanage... all urgently needing heart surgery. At first, we didn't think we had room for all of them, but how could we choose? But because something else happened today, bed space opened up, so all three little ones could come.

And that "something else" was another beginning that happened today... an end for us, but definitely a most beautiful beginning.

Nathan joined his adoptive family. Mom, Dad, and big sister all came to pick him up. He gave his new parents the biggest hugs when they first arrived, and he quickly decided that Daddy's arms were the place to be. When it came time to leave, he simply waved goodbye to all of us and blew us kisses, clearly at peace with the fact that with these new people was where he belonged.

So it was the end of our time with Nathan and the beginning of our time with these three sweethearts. Sometime down the road, we'll be saying goodbye to them and opening our arms to new little ones.

It's the cycle of our work -- bittersweet at times, but beautiful always.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Precious in His Sight

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Man's Work

Since all of our children's primary caregivers are women, we must work hard to ensure our children get plenty of positive male role models. Thankfully, there are lots of wonderful men who work at the foster home, so the children have an abundance of chances to be tossed in the air, carried around, and tickled with scratchy whiskers. Until our little ones have daddies of their own, we're thankful for the ways these men pour into their lives.


Our carpenter is like your childhood uncle, who was always pretending to "eat your nose." He often pretends like he's going to "paint" our kids or "work on them" with his tools. But, when he's not teasing, he certainly has a tender side!

Aurora's foster dad gives her all the tender care that a little one can need.

Christopher's foster dad helped bring him up from a little baby to a busy toddler!

All of the little boys love helping our gardener with his work in the back yard. He's also who they always run to when the dog comes to close!

Doug, one of our foreign staff members, always has room in his arms for cuddling a little one! The children in our Healing Home, which he manages, know him best.

Wang Shu manages all of our foster families, but he doubles as all of our children's grandpa! Every child needs a little extra spoiling, and Wang Shu never fails to deliver!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Fall!

Our backyard is full of tall trees, so in the fall, we have an abundance of leaves. And big piles of crunchy fall leaves equals great fun for our little preschool class, as you can see...

The children's peals of laughter warmed up the chilly fall morning, and we hope the sight of their smiles warms your heart. We hope that you're able to enjoy playing in some leaves of your own!






Pictured top to bottom: Julia, Victoria, Maria, Adahlyn, and Trey

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Silliness


They certainly know how to ham it up for a camera!


Julia and William, pictured here with their foster mother, always have smiles on their faces and a sparkle in their eyes.


In typical sibling fashion, William followed Julia's lead, and pretty soon one child's case of infectious giggles spilled over to another.


Sitting on a swing, gently rocking back and forth, laughter pealing... this is what it is all about.


Joy. Love. Hope. In picture-perfect form.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: New Arrival David