Proud

I hear often words such as:

"Wow, that's so amazing what you are doing"  or
"She's so lucky, you are saving her"

Things in that nature.  But truth is- nope.  We arn't.  And that's not the reason why she's joining our family.  We didn't initiate this to save or for any other reason other than pure selfish ones.

We wanted another child.  Our daughter just happened to be in China.  The long red thread that ties hearts of those meant to be together just happened to stretch across a lot of miles & oceans!

In my ever so humble opinion, adoption is not the answer to the orphan crisis.   That's not the way to save anything or fix anything.  Adoption is a last, last, last resort!  The real answer of doing what would be absolute BEST for any child or family struggling is to start in their community and family level.  Before it reaches 'orphan level'. 

There are amazing organizations out there that assist in this.   Many.  Organizations that focus on things like,  medical care for families,  schooling for children (unlike the US MOST countries do not have free schooling), housing, training of woman in skills for jobs & safe drinking water (wells).   Helping to create these small things in a community can allow families to stay together by creating an impact on the community level.   And help keep poverty stricken children with their families & help provide them with a future. 

There is one I've been proud to be part of since I was 15.   There are many out there but this just happens to be the one I believe is doing great things (good stewardship of money in the communities).   

The girl we've sponsered since she was 4 is in the Phillipeans.   Her name is Rona.   Rona is a bright, smart & funny girl.  I  love getting her letters.  She's determined & wise.   She turned 18 years old this year.   I got a letter from her yesterday.   She wrote me to tell me how well she's doing in her studies IN COLLEGE!   

Peeps, this awesomely made wonderful girl is in college.    This is what makes me proud.  That I helped, in a very small way (because after all- it was her hard work and determination that really got her there) to go to college.    College, in the Phillipeans, when you come from a rural village with no money is not usually even an option.  Only, it was for Rona!  

This girl will do amazing things- I'm SO sure of it.   I've already seen it over the past 14 years.   She was helped at a community & family level.   Compassion helped her family keep their kids together.  Compassion helped her go to school  She soared.  She glided.

And she has a wonderful future ahead of her.  I'm so proud! 

Congratulations Rona!  You are my hero!