A Burdened Heart

 There are so many children alone, without families of their own.

I know that this isn't new information.

But when you take a moment to really see...

Many of my friends helped by voting and sharing for Jake to be featured and receive a grant toward his adoption.  Jake's birthday is listed as May 2007 yet in his photo he is perhaps one.  Now he is about to turn seven and where is he?  Most likely almost-forgotten in a crib somewhere, known only to his nannies.  At seven, perhaps he has been transferred to an institution and finds himself in a prison of locked doors, sedation, bed restraints--not a life.  (Click here for a documentary giving a glimpse into orphanage/institution life in Eastern Europe.)

Here is Easton, imprinted in my mind.  He was Caleb's crib neighbor for at least the last year.  We saw him every day we picked Caleb up for our visits.  That smile on his face?  That is legitimately his smile.  The nannies told us that he was "smart" and that he talks with them.  We do not know to what extent; we never heard him speak ourselves... but I do know how desperately this little boy wanted to interact with us... how desperately he wanted to be out of his crib, taking part in life, interacting with someone... I think of him still there... and it's just too much.  At any time he could be transferred to an institution and I hate to think just how much more bleak his life would become. 

These next two little girls have both been transferred to institutions.  They are both five years old.  I believe Debbie's special needs are all mobility related.  

Ariel

Debbie

This little boy is 12 years old and would like to be adopted.  Did you know that children 3 years and older are considered "older children" and much less likely to be adopted?  I look at his photo and I see so much hope there.  Could you imagine knowing that you're being photographed for an opportunity at a family of your own?  So you pick out a nice outfit from the selection of orphanage clothing and try to present who you are, hoping that a family might want you.

It reminds me of those that travel to interview children for orphan hosting trips.  Usually these are children recommended by their orphanage directors to take part in hosting programs and get the opportunity to go on  trip to America for an "American experience".  These are responsible children, children that get good grades, etc.  But I've read accounts from those that go over to photograph and interview the children that all kinds of children will try to impress and present themselves for those visiting.  Picture teenage boys dressing in suits and trying to present their best selves.  It's heartbreaking.

And though I didn't intend to write about orphan hosting, summer is at our doorstep and it's a perfect time to host a child for the summer.  Usually children ages 5-16 are available.  Usually most are also available for adoption but some may not be; sometimes the older teenagers are too old to be adoption eligible.  Also, there are a variety of countries that work with hosting programs for orphan children to visit the U.S. including China, the Philippines, Latvia, Colombia, and Uganda.  Some programs you can look up online or on Facebook include Children's Cultural Connection, New Horizons for Children, Bridge of Hope/Cradle of Hope, Ukrainian Resource Center, and Children of All Nations.  If I can help answer any questions, please ask!

So I wrap this up with, we must pray.  We must be lifting up these children, we must be lifting up the vulnerable to our Lord regularly.  Thankfully, we cannot be expected to save every child, but we can be burdened as He is and we can open ourselves to ways in which we can help.  We cannot save every child, but we may be able to make a difference for this one or for that one.  Maybe for Easton or for Debbie.  We can choose to not forget them.  We can share their information with others.  You can financially assist those hosting or adopting children.  Or you can be willing to host or adopt children and trust God to work out the rest.

I truly believe that the reason Caleb is upstairs sleeping is because there were many many prayers said on his behalf.  And I do not know why God chose to give him to us.  Perhaps it was merely because He knew we would be willing and He knew that Caleb could not be left where he was.  But we were never forced to go bring him home.  We have a God that LOVES us.  He LOVES us.  And it is okay to take steps in faith and talk to Him and open yourself to what He might ask you to do.  You do not need to fear what God may want to do with your life.  He loves you enough that He gave you free will--He doesn't want to control you--He wants you to choose Him.  He loves you so much that He wants to you to choose to put your trust in Him.

Maybe your heart will be burdened by the orphan.  Maybe your heart will be pulled in another direction.  But it is okay to surrender your heart to Him.