National Adoption Month

Hey everybody! Sorry I never posted anymore about my trip. It took a while to process everything and it was hard for me to write about my experience. I fell in love with the children at Maria's Big House of Hope so whenever I thought of them I kind of turned into a blubbering mess. 

So November is National Adoption Month so I thought it was about time I wrote a post! 

First thing I want to share is how incredibly life changing the trip was. My sister was adopted from China so obviously I know about all of the statistics but it doesn't seem to hit you until you have met them. All of the kids at Maria's have special needs of some sort so I tried to prepare myself by reading an amazing book called Saving Levi. I remember thinking "Am I going to cry as soon as I meet these kids because of their life". As soon as I walked into the first room I saw happy kids who were excited at the idea of making some new friends. I was blown away at how amazing these kids are! Coming from a place where kids want all the latest toys and gadgets to a place where just a smile or holding their hand makes their face light up. I was suddenly very thankful for the life I have. Within a few days I had one of those special God moments where I instantly knew I would probably come back. 

Now I want to tell you about the global need.
Causes of orphans: Disease, AIDS, Famine, Malnutrition, Substance abuse, Conflict, Poverty, Abuse, Neglect, Population control, Cultural traditions. 

Statistics: 
Total estimated number of orphans who have lost one or both parents: 153 million
Every 18 seconds a child becomes an orphan without a mother or father.
An estimated 16.6 million children have lost one or both parent due to AIDS.
An estimated 95% of orphans are over the age of 5 years old. 

What does it mean to be an orphan?
These children are often subject to : Economic hardships, Lack of love, Withdrawal from school, Psychological distress, Loss of inheritance, Abuse, Risk of HIV, Malnutrition and illness, and discrimination. 

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" ~ John 14:18

Until we understand the the fullness of brokenness experienced by an orphan and embrace the relational brokenness we experience as orphans, our efforts to care for orphans will result in greater brokenness in our lives and the lives of the children we seek to help. 

holding hands with the sweetest child ever

The group