Blog

This last week I had the privilege of working with a team from 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The eight members were with us only briefly, but they managed to impact over 100 kids' lives in three different orphanage homes.

We often get distracted by the big things that happen here- a boy who is sick, a girl who is barely getting by, the lack of food or clean water, even the joyous giving and celebrating of Christmas. We are anxious to report those needs and milestones to everyone because they seem measurable. The truth of the matter is that we are seeing miracles and reaching milestones everyday. The children in our homes are growing, going to school and playing with their friends. They are eating balanced meals and staying healthy. They are learning and coming up with new ideas.

Gabriel Moses Wonderful was given a birthday on October 1st, 2008. While many children celebrated their first birthdays with cup cakes and balloons, Baby Wonderful found himself alone in a box next to a dumpster in Monrovia.  When he was found he had worms, congested lungs, was covered in scabies and extremely tired. He is only one of many who have been in this predicament before. He came to Divine Healing Orphanage after waiting for three days at the police station.

We all love Baby Wonderful, and he quickly works his way into the hearts of everyone that holds him.

Today we delivered Christmas to two more orphanages. It was absolutely spectacular. The children cheered as they received their bundles. Giggles and smiles abounded and they were so happy that they broke into spontaneous singing. Each bundle included an apple in addition to the pencils, toothbrushes and candy. In Liberia, apples are a sign of love. We were able to tell them how much we love them, but more importantly they are greatly loved by God.

Thanks to all who donated Christmas bundles. Each child felt truly loved and they were touched by the notes that you wrote.

December 25th is just around the corner, and the kids in our Child Development Program have been getting in the Christmas spirit this week! The kids got a chance to explore their creativity as they worked on some special Christmas crafts. (Thank you, North Lindale Church, for donating the materials. They were put to great use, and they put a smile on all the kids' faces!) Since we want to encourage the individuality of every child that we work with, all the kids had the opportunity to choose their own project and decorate it any way they liked.

Orphan Relief and Rescue is excited to welcome Elena Pellizzaris to our growing field team in Liberia. Elena fell in love with the children of Liberia and the vision of Orphan Relief and Rescue while she was visiting for a few weeks last year. She comes to us with several years of experience teaching preschool and elementary age children near Philadelphia, PA. The expertise she brings to the field will greatly benefit our Child Development Program where she will be working closely with Mariel.

Will and Brian came to Liberia with a set plan: play soccer and disciple the boys at Fatu’s orphanage three times a week. Due to school exams, however, they had to delay the start of their soccer program by a week, and instead focused on tutoring the kids for their big tests. Here's the rest of the story straight from Will and Brian:

Many people picture orphans in Africa as small runny nosed children running around with big bellies and no shoes. Often that is the case. However, in a country like Liberia that is recovering from years of civil war, a legacy of teenagers has been left behind. Children who were orphaned or abandoned during the war are now trying to find their way as adolescents living in orphanage homes.