So within the next week and a half, I will be headed out of the country to visit a place that contains one of the sweetest faces to grace the world. I am hoping, yet again, to bring a bunch of needed items along to donate to those who desperately need them.
Confused? Feel like you missed something? The story behind it was awesome. Click here to catch up (hint: it's toward the bottom!)
The quick sum up is that my friend Rhonda is traveling back solo to pick up her son and bring him home as her husband hates to travel. Obviously I can't just willy nilly head out of the country whenever I'd like - but was kicking the idea around and praying that if I was supposed to go that God would confirm it. The money for the plane ticket was amazingly provided in full (through others who were not asked). Umm. Confirmation.
The plans and provision for this trip unfolded two weeks before it became clear this week that our little miss will be in country for much longer than anticipated and hoped for.
Again, grace.
Not only will I be able to see my sweet girl, not only will I be able to be a travel companion and help to Rhonda as she travels home with her little dude, but I should be able to meet with the pediatrician and discuss little miss's care now that it has been extended. This is important for so many reasons - but the main one is that she is just not gaining weight well. She will go a months time with not one ounce of gain. Might not seem like a big deal to some, but folks, she is teeny tiny. I don't ever get too specific on a public forum (because like it or not there are those who are anti-adoption and could try to use info such as her actual name, age, region, etc. for not positive purposes) But I will tell you this - Little miss is still just over the birthweight of my oldest bio son.......we have had her referral for six months, and she was not a newborn at referral. Weight is an issue. Folks. That is teeny. We continually praise the Lord that her immune system is strong, but we do think about how this slow growth could potentially be affecting her development, which is why this visit in country with her pediatrician is SO important.
Whew.
I am hoping to again help support Embracing Hope Ethiopia by bringing clothing with us for their organization. The program works with 174 children and their mothers. EHE helps bridge the gaps that could end up in a child being orphaned (relinquished by the mother because they literally can't support their child and they want them to survive). It is orphan prevention at it's finest!
So why clothing?
Two times per year each child in the program receives a new outfit, coat for the rainy season and new shoes after the rainy season has ended. I wondered (and voiced) when we visited previously, if it wouldn't be more beneficial to purchase the clothing there rather than bring it.....however, as we have found to be true, some things are oddly more expensive there then here. Clothing is one thing that can not be purchased as inexpensively as it can be here in the U.S. Which is why it is a huge blessing to them to have it provided.
So what is needed?
Clothing sizes 6 months to 4T. Short and long sleeved shirts (no tanks), pants (no shorts), jackets, winter coats, shoes (not really sure what that would be, maybe size 1 to 6?). Used clothing is TOTALLY FINE. My local people, if you've been hanging onto clothes that you need to get rid of, I'd love to take them off your hands - they are guaranteed to go directly onto a child that needs them!
There you have it folks. Exciting stuff!
If you'd like to help - just let me know!
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