Thursday, July 29, 2010

Foster care


When you imagine a child who is recovering from surgery, what do you see? For many people, we envision a child in a clean, safe environment, with one, or maybe two parents who stay no more than an arm’s length away, ready to spring into action at the first sign of discomfort or want. In my “day job” as mom to three young children, I’ve lovingly attended to my kids through a total of five surgeries, the most recent being my seven year-old’s tonsillectomy and ear tube placement two weeks ago. Each time, I’ve stocked our kitchen with tasty post-surgery foods and drinks, made plans for our other children to keep them happily busy at a friend or relative’s house, and had several consultations with the doctors regarding pre- and post-surgery care. I’ve made sure prescriptions are ready to go and follow-up appointments are scheduled. Most importantly, I’ve been here, ready to give one-on-one attention to my child for as long as he/she needs it. It is not always easy—spending these past two weeks of 95+ degree weather helping my son heal has not exactly lived up to our dreams for summer vacation around here. But, there is no way I wouldn’t do all of this, give all of this, for my kids.

In my “night job” as Orphanage Support Coordinator for Angel Covers, I know that the reality for most orphaned children recovering from surgeries is nothing like what my children and yours may have experienced. These sweet little boys and girls are often taken to a hospital for surgery, and then returned to their orphanages to recover. The caregivers are devoted and do their best to care for all of the children they work with, but there isn’t

enough time in a day to give each child the kind of undivided attention that we all wish they could receive. There aren't freezers full of every popsicle flavor invented, stacks of rented videos and doting moms at the ready. No one is counting ounces of fluids taken in, obsessively feeling foreheads for fevers, or spoon-feeding ice chips one at a time in the middle of the night. The recovery process can be much longer, riskier, and lonelier.

But now, for some kids, the vision and reality are coming much closer together thanks to some wonderful foster families. Through a partnership between Angel Covers and Love Without Boundaries, there are three very special and adorable little guys who are thriving and growing under the watchful eyes of their foster families in Huaibei, Anhui Province. All three of these boys received surgeries through Love Without Boundaries, and after a period of recovery, are now enjoying the attention of their foster parents. We introduced you to Anton and Harrison in a recent post and are happy to report that they are settled into their foster home where they are developing well, gaining weight, and showing their individual personalities. Our newest foster child, Emillio, joined his foster family last week and is making a smooth transition into their home.

We would love to see our program grow so that all children receiving surgery will be able to benefit from the care of foster families, but for now, our goal is more modest. We are in need of sponsors to help support Anton, Harrison, and Emillio so that they can continue to reap the benefits of living in a family setting. Sponsorship for each child costs $70/month, and sponsorships can be shared among family members, friends, church or civic groups—anyone willing to help these sweet boys. In return for your support, you’ll receive a monthly update, including pictures, on your child.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Kenya Music Festival

The Humble Hearts children will once again attend the Kenya Music Festival competitions on the 8th of August. Last year, these students were very successful, receiving top honors and gaining a great experience through the trip and competition. Two groups of Humble Hearts kids, one hearing and the other deaf, earned a spot at the national music competition because of their amazing talents of signing, reciting verses, and singing. Ultimately, both groups placed second in the national competition.

For so many reasons, we are confident this is an important annual challenge for these students, academically, socially and emotionally. Each of them, along with their families and community, are learning that deaf people are just as capable as those who can hear. They are learning clear, concise and educated communication while their community is learning of their talents and abilities-despite their challenges.

Their travel budget, including fares, accommodations, and food for twenty-three girls and two teachers, is coming to around $1500. We need to raise these funds over and above the monthly commitments our dedicated sponsors continue to send. Can you help? This may be the perfect opportunity for you to join the Humble Hearts family, though you have not been able to commit to a specific child in the past.

If you are interested in supporting these amazing kids by helping with the costs of travel to the competition, please go to http://www.angelcovers.org/donation.html and putting "music competition" in the memo section of your donation. Any amount is helpful to these children who have been working day and night to perfect their skills and bring a trophy back to Humble Hearts!

Thank you for considering these precious kids a cause important enough for your prayers and donations.