Orphan no more

This is the beautiful and heartbreaking and redemptive story of a little girl abandoned as a tiny baby in a bus station. For 5 long years she lived without the love and sweet care of a mother or father. No kisses on owies, no bedtime stories, no celebrations of her birthdays. No soothing during thunderstorms, no long warm bubblebaths. No girly pedicures, no riding bikes. No toys or clothes to call her own. But....on Monday in China, her father and mother,who labored so long and hard, a whole year almost, SET HER FREE. Welcomed her into their hearts FOREVER. She is no longer a 'foundling' but a daughter, a sister, a grandaughter, a niece, a cousin. And do you want to see what that looks like?? This....

This is freedom . This is love. This is hope realized. This is God. During this family's meeting with their new daughter, they had to all leave and take an official photo for paperwork purposes. Their new daughter, quite happy up to this moment, suddenly started crying and being stubborn. She misunderstood what was happening and was frightened because she thought she was going back to the orphanage...She would rather stay with these white strangers that she had known for less than an hour than to go back to the only place she has ever lived. Just sit with that for a moment. Orphanages are no place for children. Even the 'nicer' ones are no match for a family. And even though she had friends there, Elsie for one, she was going to fight to not go back. And she and Elsie ARE friends. Here they are together on Elsie's birthday party we sent to her....

The orphanage director, at the Family Day (or Gotcha Day) meeting told my friend that the girls are friends. My friend's new daughter has watched the birthday video taken with this photo above 20 times a day. Our poor Elsie's friend has left, and we won't be there for over 2 more months. It is enough to make a mother's heart cry. My friend gave me permission to tell their story and share their pictures with you. Please pray for their travel and their transition. They are still in China, I talk to her every evening,( morning for her). She is my trailblazer! What a precious gift she has given me, letting me walk alongside and be a witness to a most beautiful and delicate moment in their life. Their holy ground. And that gift I give to you. Let it break your heart for these orphans. Prayer request: please cover this beautiful family in prayer!

" I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. ". John 14:18