Defend the Orphans

How do you explain to others what being in an orphanage is like?  How a piece of my heart and soul was left in Ukraine with those children who have no idea what the outside world is like.  How, when they age out of the orphanage, the world is not going to be kind to them and they are so not prepared.  How through my earthly eyes I see no way that I can go back yet my heart longs to be there, to bring one more home, sweet Anya.

Others tell me what a great thing we've done and how Peyton and Caleb are two lucky children.  I have a hard time answering when someone says this to me because we think we are the lucky ones.  I then procede to tell them about the other orphans who were left behind and how I wish I could... I usually get cut off by them saying but you saved these two isn't that enough.  You've done your part.  And so then it turns to small talk and the conversation is over.  Again,  how do you explain to others what it is like looking in the eyes of an orphan?

Then it dawns on me, Tina, they don't get it because God did not call them to adopt an orphan, He called you.  But the Bible does talk about the orphan and what we are to do.

• James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...
• Isaiah 1:17 - ...learn to do right!  Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless... 
• Psalms 68:5-6 -  A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  God sets the lonely in families... 
• Psalms 82:3 - Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

We are to look after the orphans and defend them.   How can we do that by looking the other way or dismissing someone when they are trying to tell you how heartbreaking it is?  I know that there are those that read my blog that would adopt but they think:

1. It costs so much.
2. What will my family and friends think?
3. What if we have problems with the child/children once we get home?

and so many more reasons.  But you know what, we serve an awesome God who has gone before us and He will be there for you every step of the way.  It will not be easy but the struggle is what helps you to reach out to God and His faithfulness.  And seeing these children brought in to a family is such a blessing.

There are also those that read my blog that could support these adoptive families.  Come along side them and be an encourager because this process is so hard and the last thing they need is a naysayer.  Pray with them and tell them they can do it.  Offer to help while they are travelling, whether it be with their children at home or house sitting or preparing meals when they return.  And yes these families need help financially during the adoption process because I don't know too many people that have $20,000 + laying around. So please pray about what you can do to help the families that are stepping out for the least of these.   

I have put some of these pictures up before but here they are again.  Look at these sweet, sweet faces that I want to shout for because their reality is going to change at age 17 and they will never be the same.  Please say a prayer for them.  I don't really know if they are available for adoption but we may be able to find out.  If you think that one of these children could be yours I am here to help you.  Because I know, they are worth it all. 

~Tina