I am having trouble. I cannot stop
It is driving me crazy!!
I try to distract myself to pass the time. It isn't working to much.
During our process thus far, I have seen various family and friends become pregnant and HAVE their babies already! Some of these babies are getting big now too! ARG! I want my turn already!!! I admit, I feel pretty selfish saying that out loud. I have been blessed already with five amazing children. It saddens me to think of those couples that have fertility issues. My heart goes out to them. I could not imagine waiting to conceive and have the disappointment and "time loss" trying for a biological child... for the money, time and mental exhaustion spent on infertility treatments that fail them and then for the money and exhaustion related to adoption...those men and women are amazing. To want a child so badly and to fight so hard to be a parent is...awe inspiring.
I cannot stop thinking, though, how "my" child is out there in an orphanage without a mommy to kiss and hug her. She could be getting so many supports right now but instead is being treated like her life isn't of value. She could be playing in the mud with her sisters right now, instead she will be lucky if her groupa goes outside to play. She could be eating food that nourishes her body and allows it to grow...instead she is being malnourished because the funds for food isn't sufficient enough...nor are the funds sufficient for proper clothes and footwear.
My daughter probably had sores on her tushy from her diapers not being changed regularly. Her skin isn't being taken care of. Her hair has no body or shine...if she even has hair (she could have the famous shaved/boy cut, easy-to-handle hair...blah!). Her breath probably reeks from poor dental hygiene. Her teeth full of plaque because the adults who are taking care of her are too busy to give individual attention. Poor sweet child. Does she know God?? Is someone teaching her? Does anyone read to her?
There are SO MANY orphans!!! All around the world! Here in Canada...in our communities! Yes, we are going around the world to pick up our daughter. This is where God has led us. For various reasons (described in various blog posts).
Older children and teens! These children have such a bleak future! I just read of a very young teen in an Asian country that is in an orphanage. She is BEAUTIFUL! She didn't choose to grow up an orphan! What is worse...they are training her in massage "therapy" right now. Ummm...do you know what kind of massage place this YOUNG girl will be working in!??!!??! I could puke just thinking about this! It's not only in Asia...it's in North America too! These vulnerable children have no one to fight for them! Human trafficking is REAL. Slavery...REAL. Child Prostitution....REAL.
There is a reason that God tells us to take care of the orphans! ALL OF THEM!!!! (and the widows too). The oppressed need US!
If it is not you calling to adopt an orphan...that's OK...do something that is within your abilities!
Advocate for orphans so that others hear the cry/the plea to adopt/sponsor/foster.
Financially Support - If you are able...donate!!! This isn't a plea to fund our adoption... this is for orphanages and shelters and families that are struggling and also for people who want to adopt but need some assistance.
Goods and Services - Group homes, orphanages, foster families, shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, etc...they could all use SOMETHING whether it is groceries, clothing, food, companionship, supplies, volunteers, handy people, etc. We all have something that can bless someone else!
Pray. Ask God to use you. Ask God to show you where a need is. Ask God to bless your contributions. Pray for the individuals in shelters and homes and institutions. Pray for the needy, the malnourished, the disabled, the abused, the poor and the lonely. Pray for the workers and volunteers. Pray for the people adopting and for others to step up and adopt. Pray for our country, our world, our communities, our leaders, our educators, our neighbours, our families.
