Sweet babies

Today, I am stepping out in faith.  Today, I am trusting that God will do a mighty work.

You see, my eyes have been recently opened to atrocities on the other side of the globe.  Unthinkable things happening to innocent children.  In Eastern Europe, children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities are deemed unacceptable.  Many parents are strongly encouraged to put their babies in orphanages at birth.  Here they stay, some in unspeakable conditions, until they find a forever family.  Unfortunately, there are many who do not. 

But that's not the worst of it.  At the age of 5 or 6, they are transferred to a mental institution.  Once transferred, there is very little chance of them ever finding a family and reaching their full potential.  Instead, they waste away in dark rooms, sometimes tied to their beds for hours or days at a time.  These are precious children who just need a chance.  Sweet babies and toddlers who need proper medical care.  Innocents that only want someone to love them.

Here is a clip from the Today Show about the institutions in Serbia.  These exist all over Eastern Europe.  I warn you, it is hard to watch.



Now, I know this can all come across as quite dramatic.  And here in the priviledged land of America, we are often shown pictures and stories of the sadness around the world, innundated with requests for 'sponsorship' of some sort.  But please, please don't get numb to the needs of others.  There is so much that you can do to help.  You don't have to adopt 15 orphans with special needs to make a difference.  You don't even have to adopt one. 

There is a wonderful organization called Reece's Rainbow that raises money for adoption grants for the sweet children in Eastern Europe.  The average international adoption costs $25,000+ and many families who have a heart for it, don't have the bank account big enough for it.  That's where Reece's Rainbow steps in.  They provide grants for these children so that they can find a forever family to call their very own. 

What can you do to help?  Blog about it.  Post about it on Facebook.  Donate money.  Pray for the families who are in the process of adopting.  Pray for the sweet children who are in need of a family.

Over on the side of my blog, you will find a link.  Sweet Danila is getting very close to aging out of the orphanage.  The more money in her grant fund, the more likely she is to be adopted.  Help me give her hope.  You can donate via PayPal right here through my blog.  You can link this blog to your Facebook page. Please consider taking a few minutes to look into this and pray about how you can help.

It could mean the world to this sweet girl.