I spend most afternoons at the New Faith Children’s Home.
The children who live here have all been separated from their natural parents for some reason – though there are several sibling groups here – and they are now under the care of the State. Some of these kids have basically grown up in the Home, and new kids are arriving daily. There are currently 36 awesome kids living here. (I’ll post many more details, stories, and pictures throughout our time here). Kids International Ministries employs social workers, house parents, staff, and volunteers/missionaries to raise these kids in a nurturing Christian environment – it’s nothing like the orphanage you might imagine based on Annie! – and many of them are up for adoption.
Watch out – I just might be bringing home baby next year …
It’s probably a good thing that I still have ten months to consider before I can commit to any major decisions.
Let me introduce you to the 9 darlings under the age of 4 currently living in the nursery:
Angel is spunky! She sings, dances, recited the alphabet, and is curious about everything!
Moses is Angel’s little sidekick – he mimics everything she does!
Andrew is spoiled by the on-site nurse.
Andrew is spoiled by the on-site nurse.
Twins Jacob & Daniel love to be held, and I love to hold them.
Maricel, a teenager at the Home, is one of the few helpers who can get Tyra to laugh like this!
Both of these two and Heartlyn have been in the hospital lately.
Sharon, Joy, and some of my other squadmates volunteered to stay with them
for 12-hour shifts, even overnight.
Sharon, Joy, and some of my other squadmates volunteered to stay with them
for 12-hour shifts, even overnight.
The typical nursery schedule:
1. Eat
2. Nap
3. Change diapers
4. Play & Cuddle
5. Repeat
Sounds idyllic – for the babies. It’s exhausting for the workers!
But look back at those precious faces!
God loves them so much, and He has a special plan for each of their lives too –
to heal them and to serve as their Heavenly Father.
In addition to the local staff,
Elizabeth is a long-term volunteer here, and
Christie Albaugh is a former World Racer who has recently returned for a longer stint.
Plus, the bigger kids are a big help. They love to hold and hug & kiss the babies.
Brenda spends a lot of time in the nursery.
And – while these little guys are no substitute for my new nephew –
I am getting good practice at being patient, selfless, and messy. 😉
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