3.26.2012

Want to Help Suffering Children?

I'm taking a break from cancer blogging today...I just need a rest.

Before we began this frightful journey two weeks ago, our passion was adoption. It is still adoption, although God seems to be asking us to put that on the shelf for a bit. We were planning to adopt a daughter from China this year, hopefully bringing her home in the next 12 months. Our other kids couldn't wait and even though we didn't know who she was yet, we spoke of her often. We actually began this journey over five years ago...it was put on hold for a surprise pregnancy, long waits in China, an Ethiopian adoption...and we had just begun renewing paperwork and we were hoping that this would be the year we would finally meet her. I have been saving a piece of my heart for this little girl for quite some time, so it is very difficult to have to lay it back down and wait again...not knowing if she will ever come to us.

Lately, we have been rightly wrapped up in our own child's battle, but I don't want to forget that there are SO many children hurting...suffering in awful ways...both here in our country and all over the world. In January, I had a wonderful time at the Created for Care retreat...a weekend away for women with a heart for adoption. Thanks to Andrea Young for listening to God's whispers and then nurturing this wonderful event to fruition. One thing that struck me yet again this year, was the number of women who go well above merely adopting...by establishing ministries that change lives for entire communities...these women are truly warriors.

So today, in an effort to remember that my child is certainly not the only one suffering, I wanted to list just a few of my favorite organizations. If you are looking for a cause to support, either financially or through prayer or service...these are terrific ministries. They are all small organizations and you are guaranteed that any money or time that you give will not be wasted...it will directly impact the life of another ...almost immediately.

Wiphan - provides training and education to widows and orphans in Zambia

Support Widows and Orphans - &<span class=lt;span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wiphan.org">


60 Feet - working to change the lives of imprisoned children in Uganda; the situation with these kids is one of the most heart-breaking I've seen and if you get a chance to see the 60 Feet movie, "Bereaved," watch it...you will never be the same...

Sixty Feet


Light Gives Heat - Creating sustainable jobs for Africans through various means (i.e. hand-made jewelry, handbags, etc.) and other long-term projects

Amazima - Educating and empowering the people of Uganda,

147 Million Orphans - Changing the lives of orphans

There are so many people hurting in the world and many of them are children. They need us to step out of our "busy-ness," to open our eyes and to really see...

...and once we have seen, we cannot pretend that we didn't...

...we must act.

1 comment:

Lindsay said...

Hey, this is lindsay mcneill with jonas from ethiopia. I am so sorry for all that you are going through right now. I would love to have the caring bridge site if u don't mind sharing it with me. We are praying often for you and your family. If I can help any next week during spring break please let me know. I would love to take your kids to the park, bring u a meal, or even come clean your house or do some laundry. Lindsaymcneill@gmail.com