So - while I wait on news regarding our adoption from the Philippines, I thought I could turn my attention to the adoption crisis in Russia. Very recently the Russian president signed an order that literally stops all adoptions of Russian children to US parents. This is basically a political game and has nothing to do with American parents or the adoption process. It definitely has nothing to do with the urgent need for families for these children. My heart is breaking for those children who could now be receiving a death sentence with the swipe of the president's pen. I know that sounds so harsh but it is true. Many of the children who are adopted out of Russia are special needs and unless adopted, they will spend their entire (sometimes too short) lives in a dirty, under funded, under staffed, stale & pale institution. Because the care is so poor, many of these children die at a very early age.
Take a moment to read this article and then you'll have a tiny understanding (I'm sure there is no way to completely grasp the meaning unless we see with our own eyes).
Why We Should Care About Russia's Orphans
As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I feel we have a duty to care for the world's orphans. This does not always mean adoption - not everyone is called to adopt. Some folks are called to foster children. Sometimes this means giving of your time to a local Children's Home. Maybe it means that you put together care packages for you local Foster Care program. Maybe it means that you donate a little money to a family that is in the process of adoption. Maybe it means you leave the comfort of your home for a week or two and go to a foreign land to love on these precious children. Maybe it means that you become a sponsor of a child through groups like World Vision, World Hunger or Compassion International. God calls us all in different ways to get involved with the care of our orphans. Just because you don't feel you can adopt a child, doesn't mean you can't make a difference in an orphan child's life.
As we start this new year, it is my greatest wish that everyone will find a way to get involved with God's cry for the orphan. Just google orphan care and you will find many ways that you can get involved. But if you are still unsure of where to start, here are a few organizations to help you get started...
Help for so many: Lifesong for Orphans
Amazing work: Show Hope
Incredible way to care for orphans & widows: Bring Love In
Dear to my heart: Children's Shelter in Cebu - Philippines
Check our local church. Check your local Department of Social (or Family) Services.
Happy 2013 to you and may God rain down His blessings upon you.
For His Glory,
Christina
