Many of you may not know, but I was an orphan myself. A true orphan by definition. Both of my parents died when I was 7 years old. Thankfully my grandmother took my brother and me in and raised me. Thankfully I didn't have to go into the foster care system or live in an orphanage as many others out there do. Thankfully God had a plan for my life. I wouldn't change any of it. I know that sounds crazy because my parents died tragically, but if things were different, I wouldn't be who I am. I wouldn't have as strong of faith in God. I wouldn't have such a heart for the children at our children's home, but I have experienced, on a small level, of what they are going through. And, ultimately, if I wished things were different, that would mean I didn't trust God. God has a plan for my life, and this is all part of it. I trust Him because He is working things out for His wonderful glory.
As I think about my own story it makes me hurt for the children here at our children's home. Most of them are not true orphans like myself. But if they are, they cannot be adopted from Haiti. It makes no sense to me. I know God has a plan for them too, even if I cannot see it. But differently from my story is an all too familiar story. Most of the children here in orphanages have parents, but they cannot take care of them. This breaks my heart! It is hard for me to fathom. But. Again, my God can! And I know that is one of the reasons He brought us here to Haiti. He uses His plan for my life to impact other lives He planned out also! Amazing!
I think about the children throughout this country that live in horrible situations that have no choice, that being extorted, that are being used for so many various reasons. It angers me, and it pains me. When I think about it, I hurt because I cannot help them all, but I know my God can! He reassures me through my friend's organization ONEless. He reminds me that I am only able to help one at a time, but He can help them all, just like He helped me! Then, he reminds me at this time in my life, I am even able to help more than one at a time. What a blessing!
The numbers of orphans around the world are so overwhelming it makes my head spin, but being reminded that we are only called to help one, two, three or how ever many he calls us to at one time is doable. God doesn't call all of us to adopt, but He does call us to care for the widows and orphans. You can do this by getting connected to local organizations. There are so many ways you can do this! You can pursue adoption or you can sponsor a child. You can be a big brother or big sister or be a foster parent. You can get involved with others who are adopting or help a widow in need in your community. Maybe it is as simple as praying for a specific family adopting or a specific child who needs adopting. I encourage you to do something. It's what God calls us to do, and we can't ignore His calling.
You never know who you might impact. There are so many people who have impacted my life. You may not even know you are impacting a life as much as you are. I urge you as a sister in Christ to live out your life loving others. Be good stewards of your money and your time and God will show you His plans for you and how maybe an orphan or a widow fits into that plan.
My mind is still spinning thinking about all the children in the world who are in need of someone to love on them. I am thankful for those who have loved on me along the way. Mostly, I am thankful for Gods gently reminder that I am doing what He called me to do.
Brittany
Here are a few pictures of our precious kids at the children's home:
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