Simple Orphan Care
I had a completely different blog post ready for this week, but it just didn't feel right. It felt forced, and I felt like this week deserved better.
It's National Adoption Month and this Sunday is Orphan Sunday (www.cafo.org). Seven years ago we felt the call to adopt on Orphan Sunday. How has it been seven years already? Since that day, I have been involved in the adoption community. This is the first November in many years that I'm not organizing a special event. If I'm being honest, I'm thankful for the break.
Do you want to know what is more important than organizing events to raise awareness for orphans?
This girl.
If I have learned anything about orphan care over the past seven years, it is this: Keep it simple and do what is right in front of you.
Some of you reading this will be called to adopt or foster. Some of you may even be called to serve at an orphanage overseas. In reality, most of you reading this probably aren't called to do either of those things OR you've done them and you're wondering what's next.
Keep It Simple
Small acts of kindness matter a lot.
I've met numerous people that want to get involved in orphan care but aren't sure how. These people don't necessarily feel called to adopt or foster. If this describes you, allow me to point you in the right direction. Do something small for an adoptive/foster family that is in your life.
After we came home from China, a friend of mine's sister brought us food for dinner one night. I felt so loved and cared for in that moment. She was more of an acquaintance to us back then, but she blessed us anyway. Her small act to someone that was right in front of her was a huge blessing to our family.
This is James 1:27 being lived out.
You don't need an organization or ministry to be involved in orphan care. Do the small, simple things right in front of you.
My Ministry
I live out James 1:27 by loving this girl right now. It's what God has placed in front of me, and it's so simple for me.
OK, maybe simple isn't the correct term for parenting a child who has a hard past, but it is simple to love her. Look at that smile and laugh!!!! It makes me smile too! Scott and I do our best to help her navigate her emotions and questions as she grows up, and I continue to pray that she will see how God is redeeming her story.
God continues to place adoptive families in my family's life that we can pray for and cheer on. He knows my heart, and my desire is to stay faithful to what he places in front of me. I simply remain faithful with open hands for God to use me in the orphan care world. I am confident that He will take care of the rest. He knows your heart too and will do the same for you.
What is something simple that you can do for orphan care this month that God has placed right in front of you?
*Pictures by Melissa Schlabach at www.smallthingsphotoco.com.
