Quiet House...

Saturday
August 3, 2013

The house is quiet today.  Very quiet.  Michel's omnipresent radio has been turned off.  Her peals of laughter are too far away to hear (although I hope she is still laughing in Colombia the way she did here).  The constant patter of Spanish has faded away.

It doesn't quite feel the same.

There's a lot missing from our house today.  In some ways, it feels a little like getting back to normal.  But after this summer's hosting experience, I don't think we'll ever be the same.  We certainly miss Michel a lot.

As you follow our hosting journey, has anything stirred in your heart?  Maybe you'd like to try hosting a child for the summer?  Perhaps you've considered adoption of an older child for the first time?  Maybe Kidsave's new "voluntourism" program interests you - a chance to visit Colombia or Russia and interact with some of these amazing kids, who, through no fault of their own, are living in orphanages or foster care.  Each one is waiting for a forever family.  For some, that family will never come.

The thought moves me to tears.

I think a lot about the eight kids that traveled to Des Moines this summer.

One sidles up next to her caregivers, asking, "Are you okay?" if she senses someone is upset.

          One is a great student and wants to be a doctor.

                    One loves to swim, bike, and play outside.

                              One is an amazing artist.

One loves nature and being outdoors.

          One enjoys making her own jewelry.

                    One is intelligent, inquisitive, and eager to make new friends.

                              One wants to be a teacher, scientist, or psychologist.

Many of them will find forever families.  Others, maybe not.  The picture isn't pretty for kids who "age out" of orphanages.  I'm sure you can imagine the risks they face.  All of these kids have big dreams, but without the support of a mom or dad to love them, teach them, and guide them, the challenges are awfully hard to overcome.

These kids needs families, and Kidsave can use your support to help the kids.  Do you live in Iowa, Minnesota, Southern California, Chicago, or the East Coast?  You could host a child next summer.  Some areas have a "Winter Miracles" program, where orphans can spend a month with a family over the holidays.  If you're not able to host or adopt, you can volunteer for the program, or contribute toward the costs of bringing the kids to the United States, or cheer on those who are hosting or adopting.  The encouragement of friends and family has meant the world to us this summer.

Could you be part of the bridge to bring these kids home?