It's from the Preece's blog that I found the following pictures. Let me take a moment to explain exactly what is taking place in many Eastern European countries. When a child is born with Down syndrome, it is common practice for the parents to place the child in an orphanage. Some orphanages are better than others, but in the end, they are still orphanages. It is here where the child stays, parentless and without a family of their own for the first 5-6 years of their life.
At age 5-6 the child is then sent to an adult mental institution. Although orphanages are not the best place for these children, they are 100% better than an institution. It is common for these children to pass away during the first few years of being transferred because of the harsh circumstances they face in the institution.
Before instutionalization After being transferred
In looking at these pictures of Ksenia, I want you to remember one thing, THERE IS HOPE!!! There are families ready and willing to adopt RIGHT NOW! The only thing standing in their way is the financial burden of international adoption. Costs for an international adoption are between $30,000-$40,000. These families are not asking for us to take on all of the costs. They just need SOME help. If a child's adoption grant gets to between $15,000 - $20,000, that is sufficient help to give these families the ability to go save these children.
There is one child in particular that we are desperately working for right now. Here name is Maggie. We chose Maggie about 3 months ago. She had no donations in her adoption account and she had just been transferred. MAGGIE IS IN AN INSTITUTION! The good news is we've been able to grow her account to over $9,300, more than halfway to our goal of $15,000. The sooner we can get her account to $15,000 the sooner she will be adopted!
As I've discussed, an institution is a horrible place for these children to be. With that being said, this is the result when a family is able to adopt one of these children. Images and info are courtesy of www.nogreaterjoymom.com.
"Meet beautiful Kori. Adopted at almost eight years old and weighing in at a mere 16 pounds! Lifeless, sad, circles under her eyes, and in very poor condition. But God could not leave her like that...He knew that her life had purpose and a destiny. And so He reached down from heaven and gave her a miracle....a family to call her own.
Today...a picture of health! Healthy, happy and growing in every way. Adorable!"
"I know that so many of you followed Katie's amazing journey home. Sweet, little, teeny-tiny Katie. Rescued just three months ago--hanging on by a thread in a faraway orphanage. God had big plans for this angel! Katie also went straight from the airport to the hospital--weighing a measly 10 pounds 9 ounces at nine years old!
Oh, but just LOOK what a difference family makes! Today...Katie is doing incredibly well. She is a healthy weight for her height and is growing before her family's eyes. She now weighs nearly 23 pounds! What an absolute JOY Katie is to her family!"
"And darling little Belle. Adopted at almost three years old and weighing only 15 pounds. Belle knew nothing but a life confined to a crib...until her family heard the call and said, "Here we are, Lord! Send us!"
Today...just 13 months later she is a happy, healthy little toddler who weighs 26 pounds."
"This is Dusty. Adopted from the same orphanage as our girls just nine months ago--weighing just 20 pounds when he came home and was admitted straight into hospital for malnutrition.
Today, only ten months later, Dusty weighs over 30 pounds! I have been so blessed to meet Dusty in person, and to watch him develop and grow. He is a little miracle boy for sure."
"And beautiful Carrington. Adopted in March 2011 and taken directly from the airport to the hospital. Carrington was nothing but skin and bones--weighing only ten pounds when she came home. Doctors told the family that Carrington's organs had already started shutting down and she had just 24 hours of life left in her.
But God...! Just look what He did! Today, almost one year after coming home, Carrington is healthy and thriving--weighing in at 27 pounds. Glory to God in the highest! Another little miracle."
May we each take the time to act on the feelings that come to us individually as we ponder these children's circumstances. Whether it be to share these children's story with those you love, donate to a child, or take that leap of faith and adopt one of these precious children, it all helps, and it is all so greatly appreciated!
Because every child deserves a family to call their own...
4 comments:
What a gift these kids have in you, willing to share their story and be an advocate for those that have no voice. Thank you!
As I read that, and saw the pictures I has tears running down my face. I am so sad people can treat anyone like that, especially with Downs. You see, I am the youngest sister to an amazing lady who will be 35 next week. She has Downs. I know what joy they bring to people's life. She leaves a trail of happiness everywhere she goes. When she comes to visit me at work, she usually ends up getting hugs from all my co-workers. Thank you sir, for doing what you are doing. See those pictures reminds that there is good people out there. I can only pray (for now! soon prayfully to adopt), that God lessens the pain and sadness they experience. I do believe that Jesus, Himself goes and holds each and everyone of them. God bless (and sorry for my ramblings).
Thank you for your comments. I agree, these kids are so special and deserve to have a family of their own.
Thank you for posting this Brady. Just when it all seems so hopeless, I find another beautiful family's blog and story of redemption for one of these children. Just today I read on at least 3 sites of how things may finally be starting to change or at least come to light in one of the worst orphanages (where Katie was from). HOWEVER, we can't stop advocating and being their voices! Let's bring Maggie home.
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