Orphan Crisis...

Obviously, our awareness of the plight of the orphan peaked and then culminated with the adoption of our daughter, but lately I have been feeling a desire to find another way to help.  Perhaps this is spurned by meeting Elle's birth mom and recognizing the dire position that she was in, so dire that she chose to give up her daughter so Elle could survive and thrive.  The weight of her birth mother's decision will always be with us in a way that I cannot begin to describe to you.  To benefit because of anothers sorrow is staggering and deeply humbling and it has lead me to the realization that the orphan's plight is not just the child's, but the widow's as well.  They are completely intertwined and inseparable.

Currently, the crisis is deepening because of the severe drought and food shortages in the Horn of Africa.  My hope is to share with you some information about a couple of organizations that are working tirelessly to help these women and children by meeting their spiritual and physical needs.  Please consider opening your heart and finances to fighting along side with them. God has charged us with the responsibility to care for "the poor who will always be with us." (Mark 14:7)  "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." (Matt. 25:35)


Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FOVC)  

"Our mission is to educate and support orphans, vulnerable children & widows in Ethiopia,
empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and hunger as we offer them hope and independence for the future."

This organization was begun by other adoptive parents and works in the same area of Ethiopia that Elle is from.  We had the privilege of meeting one of their travel teams while we were in country.  They are doing wonderful work and are committed to promoting the cause of the orphan and widow.  You can visit their website at www.fovc.org

World Vision

"World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of children and families in need." 

You can read more at www.worldvision.org