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Last week I watched our visiting doctor assess and check out each needy person we brought his way. Doctors never know what to expect when they come to volunteer with Orphan Relief and Rescue, but he did a great job assessing each patient brought before him. 

Eager eyes watched as the newcomers got out from our Orphan Relief and Rescue vehicles. Immediately our guests from America were swarmed by beautiful children who were more than excited to see new people visiting the orphanage. The newcomers were overwhelmed by the affection and sat back, taking it all in. There were so many children, all wanting their attention and love.

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of peace in Liberia. Civil war ravaged the country for decades and destabilized the entire infrastructure. Basic necessities such as jobs, health care, and education had become all but nonexistent. Many of the educated population fled for safety, leaving a huge hole in the education system. By the time schools started running again, almost every single child was behind. Displaced by these circumstances, many children also ended up living in orphanages during this time.

Last week I shared the story of Damawah and her brothers, Paul and Lawrence.  After I posted their story I went and spent the afternoon at the orphanage where they now live. While I was there, I saw Paul sitting off by himself looking at a book. I called his name and he looked confused, but eventually understood I wanted to spend time with him. He brought me the book, crawled into my lap, and I proceeded to read it to him. Then I read another one, and another...

Damawah, Paul, and their baby brother Lawrence lost their mother just a few weeks before Christmas. After their father was put in prison, their mother moved them to a small village up country where she had found work. Sadly, she became sick and, since they had no family in that village, no one was there to help her in time. She died in a wheelbarrow, while a stranger was attempting to transport her to a doctor.

This year's Christmas deliveries were a huge success! Take a look at how much the kids enjoyed them.

The Christmas bundle deliveries began yesterday in Liberia. Fifty children received their very own Christmas gift, including a personal note from a friend in America and an apple which, in Liberia, signifies love.

Even though Christmas is less than a week away it is not too late to buy a Christmas bundle, write a note of hope and bring joy to a child in Liberia this season. It only costs $25 to bring this priceless gift to a child who will not get anything else for Christmas, a child like Tiny Tiny.

Dear Family and Friends,  

We at Orphan Relief and Rescue send you our greetings and pray you have a very Merry Christmas. As we come to the close of 2012 and set our gaze on the new year, many of us see changes coming our way.

Watch this video to help you get into the Christmas spirit, then follow this link to our Christmas page to help bring Christmas bundles to our kids in Liberia this season.  

The need is always here in West Africa. Children are starving, abused, neglected, raped, sick, kidnapped and dying every day. Orphan Relief and Rescue continues to combat these injustices.

-We are thankful that Gifty, who’s been lethargic and weak for so long, was today described as ‘lively.’

-We are thankful that Anita, who had lost so much weight she looked like a skeleton a few months ago, is healthy and happy again.