Updates--

Baby Wonderful

When I first met Wonderful, in March of 2008, he was a pathetic nine month old trying to recover from pneumonia.

At almost four years old, we can't call him 'baby' anymore. Whenever he sees my truck driving up he comes running with a huge smile and leaps into my arms (sometimes even smelling of cologne, never to young to impress I guess).

 Korpu

Longtime readers of my blog will remember Korpu. Here she February of 2010-- four years old and 15 pounds.

She has never been a fan of the camera, but here she is today. She actually looks her age!

 Emmie

I first told Emmie's story about a month ago-- head covered with sores from a chemical burn at the hands of her step-mother. Today she is laughing and playing with the other children in the home-- head clean and clear, new hair growing in.

Rough edges

I’m tired.

Today, I am tired. I am discouraged. I am saddened.

I want to give up. God says, ‘Press on.’

I have realized over the last few weeks how deeply exhausted I am. How tired I am of fighting so hard for everything. Can’t anything be easy? Can’t I just have a refrigerator that works all the time and I don’t have to think about changing the tank? Is it so much to ask for a day of running errands without the hassle? Can’t anything ever go as planned? And don’t even get me started on hot water! 

My strength is over. It’s finished.

I was talking to a friend the other day and he said he felt so stripped of everything he didn’t even think God could use him anymore. My response to him— that’s exactly when God can use you. I guess this is one of those times I need to take my own advice. But that, of course, is not always easy.

Today was filled with rough edges-- A confrontational meeting, traffic, disappointing news about choices that some kids are making, a child afraid to smile, a small boy still limping three years later, a brand new fence… busted.

And of course today's rough edges just build on the ones from yesterday. 

I am not meaning to sound sorry for myself, just being honest. Today was a rough day. I am tired. If it was up to me I would be curled up in the fetal position—done. I am even discouraged that I am discouraged.

Some of this may be true. Some may be hormonal. Some may be situational.

The day may have had rough edges, but there is so much more. There is the beauty of a child’s laugh, a hug, an interlaced hand-hold, coffee in the morning, sunshine in the afternoon, someone who cares enough about me to fix my favorite dinner. 

A God who says, ‘Press on,’ when I don’t want to anymore, and then gives me the strength to do it.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil 3:13-14, 4:13

sweet Emmie

Today I met a precious girl. I hugged her. I tried to find a smile. I cut off all her hair.

Emmie is about six years old. She was dropped off at an orphanage this week after her step-mother put a chemical on her head which caused serious burns over most of her scalp. The only reason to do so was to cause her harm. There were other reports of abuse as well, so another family member brought her to the orphanage and begged for help. She is in a safe place now.

When I found her today, her big sad eyes showed her confusion and fear. As I tried to examine her scalp she burst into tears, afraid of further pain and the unknown. As I cut off her hair, trying to assess the damage, she stiffened and jumped at each touch. I applied soothing ointment and covered the wounds with clean dressings but the wounds on her heart run deeper.

Please join us in prayer for sweet Emmie today.

Thank you. 

www.orphanreliefandrescue.org

Safe and Secure

In the past week the owner of the night club next door was murdered-- shot by armed robbers as he left for the night,  his family staged a loud and disruptive protest (riot) against the police right outside my house and some of my own security guards (the ones who I increased for security due to the problems outside the fence) were caught stealing from inside my fence. Needless to say, it has been a rough week.

I heard the shot, witnessed the traffic stopping protest, discovered the missing fuel. There has been a great range of emotions-- fear, anger, numbness, disbelief. And even just plain feeling like an idiot. There were many moments that I didn't exactly feel safe and secure.

Somehow I am still standing. Somehow through it all I have felt protected. Scared, yes. Unsure, yes. Betrayed, yes. But, most of all, protected and saved and thankful.

I am thankful tonight for those who have worked hard for my safety and security. I am proud and thankful for my team, who has endured the trials of the last week and has come through strong, even smiling. I am thankful  for God's protection and the endurance to carry on.

Celebrating Buster

 A year ago my friend Buster died. Even though Buster didn’t talk much, he was the life of the home. You could always find a smile and a laugh when you were with Buster. The orphanage is not the same without him.

Since the anniversary of his passing was on its way, we (at ORR) decided to honor him by bringing some Buster-sized smiles to the orphanage family he left behind. It was declared “Buster Day"! Our Buster party-pack included smiley face stamps, silly bands, balloons, and a heart shaped craft to remember our love for Buster. And, of course, no party is complete without chocolate biscuits, candy, and juice!

I started out by asking what everyone remembered most about Buster and got a little worried as I was greeted with serious, unsure faces and a few trembling lips. Then an answer came—“Buster loved to sing!” “He loved to dance.” “Buster always loved to smile!”

Everyone enjoyed the Buster Day party. It even ended with a spontaneous sing-a-long in his honor. We may never know why Buster died so early, but thankfully we can always remember the life he brought when he was here.

Miss you buddy!

Buster "Busta Rhymes" Findley
Died June 2010

Click here to see what else we are up to at Orphan Relief and Rescue.

Beach Day!

Spending time with kids affords many fun experiences and creates many unforgettable memories. There are some days that outweigh the rest... some days you wish you could live over and over... some days you don't think you could possibly smile any bigger and you maybe have to wipe a tear away, it is so real, so amazing.

A day at the beach. 

A sunny, playful afternoon at the beach was a staple in my growing up years. Something I took for granted. You might think, living in a tropical beach bordered country, it would be something the kids in Liberia enjoy too. The truth is that most children here, HAVE NEVER BEEN TO THE BEACH! There are some who grow up on the beach, and for them is it a place to wash and (unfortunately for the rest of us) go to the bathroom. Others may live a short distance away, yet have never seen the sand, felt the wind or heard the crashing waves. This is a tragedy.

There are 26 kids inside this beach-bound clown car.

We decided that the time had come to introduce some (of our favorite) kiddos to the beach. We borrowed a friend's Land Cruiser for the afternoon and loaded it up for the 15 minute drive. As we rolled to a stop at our destination, all you could hear were gasps of delight (and fear). Some kids didn't even want to cross the street towards the water. Others ran close then came to a quick stop. I literally had to carry one small girl over.

Then we stood there for awhile--
30 kids soaking in the ocean view for the first time. 

These two were very reluctant to get their feet wet.

Slowly we inched closer. Some cried out and ran away while their braver friends forged on. As the minutes went by, more feet were wet, clothes started coming off, squeals of delight snuck out. Dodging the waves seemed to be instinct, shovels and buckets were filled and emptied, Uncle Josh was buried in the sand, a football was kicked in the surf. 

Warming up to the ocean-- a wave is coming...

BAM!

When it was time to go we had to pull kids out of the water, they didn't want to go. The mother of the home exclaimed, "they are going to be talking about this for days!" ... And so are we.

Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

house for rent

Necessity dictates that I take a break from all news Liberia and focus back at home for a moment. 

My current renters (who have been wonderful and amazing in every way) have just informed me that they will be moving in a few weeks. While this is a great opportunity for them, it leaves my house empty and me without means to pay my mortgage. I was stewing about this yesterday and a song came on that reminded me, "everything's gonna be alright." Phew. I know God is faithful to fill this need and trust that He is already working on something good, but in the meantime can you pray? 

And if you or anyone you know are looking to rent in the Bonney Lake, WA area, please let me know. (debbie@orronline.org would be the best way to contact me.)

Two bedrooms/two bathrooms, large wrap around deck, good sized yard. ~$1100/month + utilities.  

Can't tell you how many hours I've spent on this great porch!

(More pics and info available upon request.)

I love this house. It has been a blessing and a refuge to me. I am praying that while I can't be there enjoying it there is someone else who will. Thanks.