Showing posts with label Waiting Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Waiting Kids. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Why??
I have been thinking a lot lately about this blog and my advocacy blog and how much my advocacy work has grown. It has grown so much more than I ever dreamed it would and while I am so incredibly humbled to be used as His tool for these precious children, I know that I have been neglecting this blog a bit. I feel guilty sometimes for not finding the time to add a post over here or to put my thoughts into a really cathartic post, because there are so many of those right now that I could write, with a 13 year old with a girlfriend and an 11 year old with a girlfriend and an 8 year old who just refuses to eat anything but peanut butter crackers for supper and soon to be TWO 5 year old little drama queens girls who, are well, TWO soon the be 5 year old drama queens girls - nuf said! Heh! There are just not enough hours in the day and I find myself emotionally drained after my weekly advocacy posts, without the energy within, to pull from to be able to whip up another post over here, cause honestly, it is not easy for me. When I post, it takes time because I am just a bit OCD thoughtful about my choice of words and I find myself staying up WAY too late at night trying to get it all done and perfect good! So, what is my point with this post? I am apologizing for the neglect but also trying to explain why.
Why???
Why do I spend SO much time on these children on my advocacy site, whom I have never met and may never meet?
Why do these children tug at my heart so?
Why do I feel like the Lord has been preparing me for this, my whole life?
Why???
I have been asking myself these questions recently as I try and determine how to continue in my "calling" while taking care of my family and giving them the time that they need from me and - to - sleep!
Then last weekend as I was watching Lizzie score her umpteenth goal, as I watched her run to Coach Daddy with that big beautiful smile to give him a high five, as I watched her turn to me, flash that grin and give me the "after-goal" thumbs up,
I knew why.
I think a lot about our little Lizzie and that big, huge, wonderful personality that captures so many hearts and literally draws a crowd and I think about how wasted that beautiful soul would be if she were still there, if she had no one to run to, no one to give that thumbs up to, no one to appreciate all the wonders of that big, huge personality in that teeny, tiny, precious body.
I think about where she was
and how far she has come and how far she will be able to go and then I think about where she would be if she were not here and where we would be if she were not here. The really sad part is that if she were to have never come into our lives, if we had not answered that call from the Lord, we would not even realize what we had missed, how our lives might have been touched by one tiny little girl on the other side of the world, how our lives might have been changed and our hearts moved!! We wouldn't have known.
But we DID answer that call and we DO know what we would have missed and we DO know what the world would have missed, if this sweet, amazing child were still there - and then I start to realize just how many other precious, amazing, wonderful souls ARE still there and what THEIR families may not know, what THEIR families are missing.
The day we brought our precious Lizzie home, I left a little piece of my heart in China and I don't know that my heart will ever be completely whole again but I do know that the rest of my heart is full of love and laughter and amazements and inspirations that only a family can bring.
My heart weeps for those left behind who don't truly understand what kind of love they are missing but know that they are missing something. My heart also weeps for those families who don't truly understand what kind of love they are missing but because of "life" and all the distractions, don't even know that they are missing something.
I can tell you that you that they ARE missing something. They are missing the joy of hearing their child who had never been told, "I love you," until they were 2 years old, tell you over and over, "I love you Mommie, you're the best!" They are missing watching their other kids' hearts grow in ways that fill yours. Those precious children who wait are missing so much - but so are those families who never answer that call.
So - I - advocate because I cannot watch my beautiful, amazing, heart moving daughter without mourning those who are not giving high fives to their Coach Daddies and thumbs up to their adoring Mommas, those who wait and wait and watch others go before them and wonder if it will ever be their turn.
I am not asking for praise or kudos, because this is all Him anyway. What I am asking for is that you might look at these faces, really look at them and think about the fact that God created all these children with a purpose. Might you be the family to give them the chance to realize that purpose? I know I am preaching to the choir here but I am pleading with all those who read this post to pass it along and help some of these wonderful waiting kids to have their chance to shine, their chance to fulfill their dreams and just - be - loved!
Here are this week's posts on my advocacy blog and some of the pics of the children who have been waiting for so long!
Shared List Kiddos
Agency List Kiddos
Please pass this post along and bring these kids to the families who might, otherwise, not ever know what they have been missing!
This is why!
Why???
Why do I spend SO much time on these children on my advocacy site, whom I have never met and may never meet?
Why do these children tug at my heart so?
Why do I feel like the Lord has been preparing me for this, my whole life?
Why???
I have been asking myself these questions recently as I try and determine how to continue in my "calling" while taking care of my family and giving them the time that they need from me and - to - sleep!
Then last weekend as I was watching Lizzie score her umpteenth goal, as I watched her run to Coach Daddy with that big beautiful smile to give him a high five, as I watched her turn to me, flash that grin and give me the "after-goal" thumbs up,
I knew why.
I think a lot about our little Lizzie and that big, huge, wonderful personality that captures so many hearts and literally draws a crowd and I think about how wasted that beautiful soul would be if she were still there, if she had no one to run to, no one to give that thumbs up to, no one to appreciate all the wonders of that big, huge personality in that teeny, tiny, precious body.
I think about where she was
and how far she has come and how far she will be able to go and then I think about where she would be if she were not here and where we would be if she were not here. The really sad part is that if she were to have never come into our lives, if we had not answered that call from the Lord, we would not even realize what we had missed, how our lives might have been touched by one tiny little girl on the other side of the world, how our lives might have been changed and our hearts moved!! We wouldn't have known.
But we DID answer that call and we DO know what we would have missed and we DO know what the world would have missed, if this sweet, amazing child were still there - and then I start to realize just how many other precious, amazing, wonderful souls ARE still there and what THEIR families may not know, what THEIR families are missing.
The day we brought our precious Lizzie home, I left a little piece of my heart in China and I don't know that my heart will ever be completely whole again but I do know that the rest of my heart is full of love and laughter and amazements and inspirations that only a family can bring.
My heart weeps for those left behind who don't truly understand what kind of love they are missing but know that they are missing something. My heart also weeps for those families who don't truly understand what kind of love they are missing but because of "life" and all the distractions, don't even know that they are missing something.
I can tell you that you that they ARE missing something. They are missing the joy of hearing their child who had never been told, "I love you," until they were 2 years old, tell you over and over, "I love you Mommie, you're the best!" They are missing watching their other kids' hearts grow in ways that fill yours. Those precious children who wait are missing so much - but so are those families who never answer that call.
So - I - advocate because I cannot watch my beautiful, amazing, heart moving daughter without mourning those who are not giving high fives to their Coach Daddies and thumbs up to their adoring Mommas, those who wait and wait and watch others go before them and wonder if it will ever be their turn.
I am not asking for praise or kudos, because this is all Him anyway. What I am asking for is that you might look at these faces, really look at them and think about the fact that God created all these children with a purpose. Might you be the family to give them the chance to realize that purpose? I know I am preaching to the choir here but I am pleading with all those who read this post to pass it along and help some of these wonderful waiting kids to have their chance to shine, their chance to fulfill their dreams and just - be - loved!
Here are this week's posts on my advocacy blog and some of the pics of the children who have been waiting for so long!
Shared List Kiddos
 |
| Arizona |
 |
| Henry |
 |
| Teddy |
 |
| Mary |
 |
| Peter |
 |
| Drew |
 |
| Serena |
 |
| Sophie |
 |
| Steven |
 |
| Annabelle |
 |
| Patrick |
 |
| Noel |
 |
| Joseph |
 |
| Sweet Suzy |
 |
| Angelina |
 |
| Poppy |
 |
| Matthew |
 |
| QB |
 |
| WLZ |
 |
| YD |
 |
| Meagan who just wants a mom and dad to hold her hand and walk her home from school! |
 |
| Thomas |
 |
| Katy |
 |
| Cullie |
Please pass this post along and bring these kids to the families who might, otherwise, not ever know what they have been missing!
This is why!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Advocating for Lucas
I received an email about a precious little boy from an amazing young woman who, at 20 years old, already has a heart for the orphans of the world. She asked that I advocate for this little one! She does not know anything about his adoption status but does know that he needs surgery and they need donations.
So here is precious Lucas.
Lucas is a 3 ½ yr old orphan boy who is deaf. He is living in China at Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village. Lucas is a very happy little boy who has never had the simple gift of hearing that so many of us may take for granted.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could play a part in granting this gift to sweet little Lucas, and changing his life forever? You can! All you have to do is send a donation of any amount to the Philip Hayden Foundation’s office in the US.
Philip Hayden Foundation 40335 Winchester Rd. #E-115, Temecula, CA 92591 USA
*Make sure to specify “Lucas’ Cochlear Implant” somewhere on your donation.
The cost for his surgery will be 200,000rmb which is about $29,850usd. It is very important that Lucas gets this surgery as soon as possible. Here in the US they are doing cochlear implants as early as 12 months of age. Lucas is 3 1/2 years old and will be 4 in May. It is crucial that he get this implant before he gets much older, because the chances of failure are much greater the older the child is.
After surgery Lucas will have to have ongoing therapy in order for him to develop the skills he needs and to slowly adjust the implant, increasing the sounds he hears. The younger he is the easier it will be for him to learn these skills. It was initially hoped that Lucas would have been adopted before his surgery, but since that hasn’t happened as of yet, the need for his surgery is growing more and more every day. So, please consider helping this sweet boy with a donation of any amount.
Thank You!
So here is precious Lucas.
Lucas is a 3 ½ yr old orphan boy who is deaf. He is living in China at Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village. Lucas is a very happy little boy who has never had the simple gift of hearing that so many of us may take for granted.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could play a part in granting this gift to sweet little Lucas, and changing his life forever? You can! All you have to do is send a donation of any amount to the Philip Hayden Foundation’s office in the US.
Philip Hayden Foundation 40335 Winchester Rd. #E-115, Temecula, CA 92591 USA
*Make sure to specify “Lucas’ Cochlear Implant” somewhere on your donation.
The cost for his surgery will be 200,000rmb which is about $29,850usd. It is very important that Lucas gets this surgery as soon as possible. Here in the US they are doing cochlear implants as early as 12 months of age. Lucas is 3 1/2 years old and will be 4 in May. It is crucial that he get this implant before he gets much older, because the chances of failure are much greater the older the child is.
After surgery Lucas will have to have ongoing therapy in order for him to develop the skills he needs and to slowly adjust the implant, increasing the sounds he hears. The younger he is the easier it will be for him to learn these skills. It was initially hoped that Lucas would have been adopted before his surgery, but since that hasn’t happened as of yet, the need for his surgery is growing more and more every day. So, please consider helping this sweet boy with a donation of any amount.
Thank You!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
CWA's little girl's file to be returned!!!
First of all, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!! I would love to be able to post some lovely, heartwarming pictures of all the kids gathered round the tree, however, I, being the number one picture taker, was violently ill ALL night on Christmas Eve and am just now starting to feel somewhat normal again!!! YUCK! Will have to see how hubby did with the camera and post what I can later.
I wanted to get this post up because this little one's time is running out quickly! I have had a couple of people ask about her, so felt like it was important to post about her again. This precious one is 8 year's old and is listed with Christian World Adoption. I emailed them about her this week and was told that no one is currently looking at her file and it is to be returned in January because they are getting another huge list of kids. They do not know if her file will go to the shared list or if she will be deemed unadoptable. Please tell whomever you can about this little one. She is just so cute and looks so sweet and so shy. Her special need is Type B Mediterranean Anemia. I do not know much about this SN other than it can be VERY manageable. This is what is written about her:
She was sent to the children welfare center on Sept 29, 2001, now she is living with foster family. She is a student of first grade. She is a little slow in learning but she is a hard working girl. She is serious about learning. She can manage her daily life and also tries to help sometimes such as washing clothes, sweeping the floor, cleaning dishes. She is a cheerful girl and loves to laugh. She likes to do rope skipping with other kids; she likes to play with dolls and other kids’ games. She is a polite girl and is polite with others. She loves to help other kids. She respects teachers in school. All teachers, foster parents and other students love her very much.
They have video of her that will just break your heart! Go here to email CWA and get the password. Please help!!!
I wanted to get this post up because this little one's time is running out quickly! I have had a couple of people ask about her, so felt like it was important to post about her again. This precious one is 8 year's old and is listed with Christian World Adoption. I emailed them about her this week and was told that no one is currently looking at her file and it is to be returned in January because they are getting another huge list of kids. They do not know if her file will go to the shared list or if she will be deemed unadoptable. Please tell whomever you can about this little one. She is just so cute and looks so sweet and so shy. Her special need is Type B Mediterranean Anemia. I do not know much about this SN other than it can be VERY manageable. This is what is written about her:
She was sent to the children welfare center on Sept 29, 2001, now she is living with foster family. She is a student of first grade. She is a little slow in learning but she is a hard working girl. She is serious about learning. She can manage her daily life and also tries to help sometimes such as washing clothes, sweeping the floor, cleaning dishes. She is a cheerful girl and loves to laugh. She likes to do rope skipping with other kids; she likes to play with dolls and other kids’ games. She is a polite girl and is polite with others. She loves to help other kids. She respects teachers in school. All teachers, foster parents and other students love her very much.
They have video of her that will just break your heart! Go here to email CWA and get the password. Please help!!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
List of SN's Sweethearts!!
Bringing Hope to Children has an extensive list of SN's kiddos.
We have added 6 new children to our list of special needs children looking for their homes. They have a variety of special needs and are of various ages. You can take a look at their information and request additional information and photos by going to http://bringinghopetochildren.org and log in. If you are not registered just complete the simple registration under the "Members Area". Let others who may be interested know about these children. Their families are out there somewhere, we just need to get the would out to them.
Dick and Cheryl Graham
We have added 6 new children to our list of special needs children looking for their homes. They have a variety of special needs and are of various ages. You can take a look at their information and request additional information and photos by going to http://bringinghopetochildren.org and log in. If you are not registered just complete the simple registration under the "Members Area". Let others who may be interested know about these children. Their families are out there somewhere, we just need to get the would out to them.
Dick and Cheryl Graham
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Waiting Children - updated
Guess what???? The precious little boy on CWA's waiting child list may have a family and sweet Josie is now "on hold" - see "Beautiful Children Who Wait" post. YAY!!!!! Thank you God!! Beautiful Anna, however, still waits. I honestly do not understand why she has waited for so long and still waits. Please help to spread the word about her as I am very worried that her file may be sent back to China soon. She is so cute and those who have posted about meeting her, say that she is very sweet and simply adorable. Again, she is at Small World Adoptions and their website is www.swa.net. Please help this wonderful little one who just turned 2 in July.
Tonight, hopefully, 2 more children have found their families. Tomorrow, I pray it will be 3!!!
Tonight, hopefully, 2 more children have found their families. Tomorrow, I pray it will be 3!!!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Beautiful Children Who Wait....
Since Lizzie's adoption and actually traveling to China and seeing first hand the beautiful children who wait and who may forever wait, I am forever changed. As our plane left Hong Kong that June morning and I held our precious new daughter close to me, I realized that a little piece of my heart had been left behind. Left with all the other precious children who still wait. As I held Lizzie on that plane, looked into her eyes (and she into mine for the first time) and sang to her, I realized that this was probably the first time that she had ever been held like this and lovingly sung to and then I thought about the thousand's of times that I had held and sung to our other children and I began to cry. For the first time, I understood what our beautiful little girl had not gotten the first 2 years of her life. She had been fed and changed and bathed but not truly loved. I cried for the times that I had missed with our sweet Lizzie and what had been taken from her and I cried for all the other children who had never been held and sung to and never really made to feel loved. Some of these children will eventually, finally feel the love of a family, most however, will not. I wish I could advocate for ALL of these kids. I wish that ALL of these kids could find families, but I do what I can and every now and then a waiting child will grab my heart. There are 3 right now that I check on every day. Everyday, hoping to see that they are "on hold" or that they are "matched" but they still wait and have been waiting.
The first is an adorable little 5 year old boy on Christian World Adoption's WC list. He has the sweetest face but he does not smile. In his video he looks so incredibly sad and I just want to wrap my arms around him and "make it all better." He has limb differences of both hands but is very functional and I know that his hands will not stop him from doing what ever he sets his mind to - just ask my Lizzie!!! Please go take a look or tell a friend about him. The website is http://www.cwa.org/ and his number is c0907-36.
The second is a sweet little girl on Small World Adoption's list whose name is Anna. Anna has been waiting a really long time and the agency is afraid that her file might be sent back to China very soon. I really do not understand why this little one has waited so long for her family. I have seen emails from a couple of people who have actually met her and say that she is just precious and that she is in a good place. She has several special needs but seems to be doing really well and thriving and did I mention how adorable she is?? The website is http://www.swa.net/. Please go look. She has been waiting a dangerously long time!!
The third is close to my heart because she has waited far too long for a family and because she is listed with Lifeline Children's Services which is the agency that our Lizzie waited with until we found her!!! Josie is a beautiful and amazing 10 year old girl. She has what I think are 2 clubfeet and several other issues with her hip and joints but she is so incredibly functional. Her video is simply inspiring. This is what is written about her on Lifeline's website: "Lovely and active, is the impression from everyone who meets Josie for the first time. Whenever you see her,she always looks happy. Josie likes beautiful clothes and headdress, and often asks foster mother to buy some for her and help her to dress up. Beautiful Josie has a ready smile and also laugh aloud which moves the people around her. If there are things at home,Josie always helps positively no matter if she has ability to do it. When guests come to visit the family, Josie is always very polite, greets the guests and offers her seat to them, then ask mother to prepare tea for them." Please, again, go and look or tell a friend. The website is http://www.lifelineadoption.org/.
Please help spread the word so that they may find their families and wait no longer!!!!!
This is a picture of Lizzie (pre-us) in her orphanage, crib surfing!!
This is just one room of the orphanage and you can see the number of cribs in this one room - 18 to be exact. This is one room in one orphanage in China. There are so many, too many children who still wait, who hold that little piece of my heart. I cannot help them all tonight but I can try to help these 3 tonight. Please help too!!!
The first is an adorable little 5 year old boy on Christian World Adoption's WC list. He has the sweetest face but he does not smile. In his video he looks so incredibly sad and I just want to wrap my arms around him and "make it all better." He has limb differences of both hands but is very functional and I know that his hands will not stop him from doing what ever he sets his mind to - just ask my Lizzie!!! Please go take a look or tell a friend about him. The website is http://www.cwa.org/ and his number is c0907-36.
The second is a sweet little girl on Small World Adoption's list whose name is Anna. Anna has been waiting a really long time and the agency is afraid that her file might be sent back to China very soon. I really do not understand why this little one has waited so long for her family. I have seen emails from a couple of people who have actually met her and say that she is just precious and that she is in a good place. She has several special needs but seems to be doing really well and thriving and did I mention how adorable she is?? The website is http://www.swa.net/. Please go look. She has been waiting a dangerously long time!!
The third is close to my heart because she has waited far too long for a family and because she is listed with Lifeline Children's Services which is the agency that our Lizzie waited with until we found her!!! Josie is a beautiful and amazing 10 year old girl. She has what I think are 2 clubfeet and several other issues with her hip and joints but she is so incredibly functional. Her video is simply inspiring. This is what is written about her on Lifeline's website: "Lovely and active, is the impression from everyone who meets Josie for the first time. Whenever you see her,she always looks happy. Josie likes beautiful clothes and headdress, and often asks foster mother to buy some for her and help her to dress up. Beautiful Josie has a ready smile and also laugh aloud which moves the people around her. If there are things at home,Josie always helps positively no matter if she has ability to do it. When guests come to visit the family, Josie is always very polite, greets the guests and offers her seat to them, then ask mother to prepare tea for them." Please, again, go and look or tell a friend. The website is http://www.lifelineadoption.org/.
Please help spread the word so that they may find their families and wait no longer!!!!!
This is a picture of Lizzie (pre-us) in her orphanage, crib surfing!!
This is just one room of the orphanage and you can see the number of cribs in this one room - 18 to be exact. This is one room in one orphanage in China. There are so many, too many children who still wait, who hold that little piece of my heart. I cannot help them all tonight but I can try to help these 3 tonight. Please help too!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Precious Little Boy on CWA's List
Ok, this little one just breaks my heart!! He is simply beautiful but in his video (that's right, video!!!!) and pictures, he does not smile. Not once!! How I would love to see a smile on that precious face!! He is listed with Christian World Adoption and I promise you, he will tug at your heart. He has limb differences of both hands but looks as if he has already adapted well and should manage even better when surrounded by the love and attention of a family. He just turned 6 this month and I pray someone celebrated it with him. Please go take a look and pass it along to anyone who might be interested in making this little sweetie smile!!! Hi number on the list is c0907-36 and the website is www.cwa.org. You will need to email to get a password but they are very fast to respond!!! This seemed like a good time to post this poem that I found on Heather's blog (I think), Noodles, Tea and a Didi Please! It is called, An Orphan's Prayer!!
AN ORPHAN'S PRAYER
I am waiting…somewhere far, far away…on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like.
But somehow, deep in my heart, I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time.
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering, "Why was I born here and not somewhere else?"
Asking, "Why couldn't my life have been different?"
It is so lonely…
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing.
I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace…
I long to be saved by a mother's love.
Gazing out the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God, please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured.
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears…
Touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God who knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast, and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found.
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields.
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is…
When He speaks, please don't forget to listen.
When He calls, don't be too afraid to go.
For I am waiting…somewhere far, far away.
from All God's Children's Newsletter. No author noted.
AN ORPHAN'S PRAYER
I am waiting…somewhere far, far away…on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like.
But somehow, deep in my heart, I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time.
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering, "Why was I born here and not somewhere else?"
Asking, "Why couldn't my life have been different?"
It is so lonely…
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing.
I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace…
I long to be saved by a mother's love.
Gazing out the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God, please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured.
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears…
Touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God who knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast, and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found.
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields.
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is…
When He speaks, please don't forget to listen.
When He calls, don't be too afraid to go.
For I am waiting…somewhere far, far away.
from All God's Children's Newsletter. No author noted.
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