Rescue and Redemption

Tonight we participated in "Orphan Sunday." For those of you who don't know, Orphan Sunday is a day the "church" has set aside to advocate for the orphans. It's the brutal awareness of what is the reality of over 160 million children both near and far. It is heart breaking, it is gutt wrenching in so many ways. This is what keeps me up at night! Circumstances this week have stirred my heart to pray more than ever. Let me share.....Scott and I started our week off with the 8-10 hours of Hague Training that is required before we travel to Ethiopia. This was a bold reminder of what these children have faced and often what it will take to heal their hearts. That brought me to my knees real quick! "God, you are the true healer. Please show me how to love and nurture my children as you would." As the week progressed, Scott began to prepare for his trip to Haiti, while wondering if his group was going to be able to travel due to the hurricane. Thankfully, the team was able to fly out as scheduled and landed safely in Haiti. This week they will be doing many things within the city and country side. Tomorrow they are heading to the orphanages to love and play with children. In fact, a friend of mine (Emily) will be meeting a Compassion Child that she and her family sponsor each month. How exciting! Engaging with a Compassion Ministry is one of many ways to help aid the Orphan Crisis. In fact, it literally keeps those kids from becoming orphans themselves. The team will also be setting up medical clinics and providing help and aid where needed. While visiting the tent cities, they hope to hand out whistles to women and children to use when in danger. You can't even imagine what goes on after dark. "Father, I know this completely breaks your heart. Please, please be the protector of these children." Last night, I was able to join a group of local families for dinner. These are families who have either adopted or are in the process of adoption. It was therapeutic to share in our commonalities. It was fun to share in the process, to dream of what is to come, and to pick the brains of those who have completed the adoption process. We have such a great community of people who are walking this road either through adoption or foster care. "Lord, I am so thankful that we are not alone in this. Thank you that you have given me local support, a community." I returned home to a sick child with over 101 fever. After giving her the care of TLC and medicine, I tucked her in a soft, cozy bed. I quietly prayed, " Father, thank you that I have medicine to give my child when she is sick. My heart aches for those babies who are burning with fever and have no means of relief, shelter, or loving arms to hold them. Please, please comfort them tonight." Tonight at Well Communities, we focused on several layers of adoption. We entered into moments of brokenness as we heard stories and watched videos of the realities of these children. It's too much! " Lord, what can I do, what can I do? Please show me how to be the hands and feet to the broken. Please stir the hearts of your earthly children to act." Some sweet friends of ours, Seth and Joy Primm are in the process of adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia. They have such great hearts and are completely talented! They have created a album to help with their adoption process, as well as advocate for the orphan. It is a MUST HAVE!!!! As they sang, there was not a dry eye in the house. The words of the song "Come Home Beautiful" spoke to my heart and will certainly speak to yours. Click on "this beautiful life" (under my blog list) to order one today! Lastly, we celebrate! We celebrated with the dedication of Sosi Elle Rusch. Sosi has been home from Ethiopia for 9 months now. A girl who was once untrusting and who never smiled, is now full of life and personality. We rejoice that she is no longer an orphan, but is part of a loving family who adores her more than you'll know. What a beautiful story! It sounds all too familiar.....without our Heavenly Father, we are all fatherless. Thankfully through Jesus, we have become adopted sons and daughters of the King. "Heavenly Father, my heart is forever grateful that You chose to extend Your love to more than just "Your own Son. " Wow! Now, that is rescue and redemption!