One

One hundred forty-seven million.  147,000,000.  That's one number thrown around for how many orphans there are world wide (some estimates are actually quite higher).  If you are in the adoption community it's a number you can't get away from.  It's paralyzing to think how many babies are going to wonder the streets today, how many are being spread much too thin among too few car givers in an institution, how many are falling in love with a foster family that is not their permanent home.  You know that you can't help them all and that can be so defeating.  Our church has an excellent contact that works with orphans in Ukraine.  Her story is unbelievable and she has literally given up everything to advocate for the kids hidden behind orphanage walls over there.  She spends most of the year there loving on them and then comes to the states for a few months to personally spread their stories and try to find them homes.  Her mantra is not getting hung up on the 147,000,000.  Get hung up on ONE.  She'll tell the stories of a few children and finish by saying, "Now you know".  That's her charge to say no, you can't change the lives of 147,000,000 million kids, but you can change things for one. 

Another thing you know if your a momma in the adoption community is that you STALK waiting children photo listings.  Doesn't matter where you are in the process- you may not a have a penny to your name and are fundraising, you stalk.  You may have been matched with your baby, you stalk.  You may be waiting for the travel call any day, you stalk.  You may be home and waiting to finalize you current adoption, you stalk.  Your husband and family think your nuts, but you don't care.  You stalk!  You can't stay away from all these precious little ones who are waiting.  And no matter how much you try to stalk from a distance, one little face always grabs you and won't let go. 

I want to introduce you to that face for me.  He's been nicknamed Casper by his caregivers in the southeastern Asian country where he was born.  He's 3-1/2.  He's been diagnosed with failure to thrive along with some respiratory issues.  His health seems to have improved, but I would imagine he will probably have a few home breathing treatments in his future.  He's described as friendly and loving, but a little shy of strangers.  From the videos and pictures I've received on him, it looks like his favorite toy is the snap on cap to a baby bottle. 

So I am now on a mission to find this little man a home.  He is at my absolute favorite age!  Three year olds are just soooo wonderful.  He needs a momma and a daddy. Right now he is one of 31 children being cared for by 2-3 nannies.  Can you imagine trying to prepare meals, feed, dress, clean, and start it all over again for 15 children at once!  I'm sure he's loved, but there's just no way it's enough.  And don't even get me started on a bottle cap for a toy.  This boy needs some hot wheels, and trains, and tonkas!  The last weight I have on him is from a year ago, but at 2-1/2 he weighed less than Wilson did at 3 months!!  This sweet guy needs some hot meals and the security of home so that he can grow and thrive.  More than all of the above, he needs Jesus.  If he is to remain in the country he's in, he'll likely never know the name Jesus.  He'll never know the beautiful adoption story that we can all share in with our Heavenly Father.

 Enjoy this smile because this is one serious toddler- out of 90 pictures of him there are only about 2 that you see a hint of a grin!

 Look behind him at ALL those crib legs.  An orphanage is no place for a child!

And here he is all dressed up- oh how I want to kiss those little cheeks.  I want to see this guy horsing around with his brothers & sisters and holding hands with his momma and daddy.

Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested.  Please don't let finances stand in your way.  His country's fees are among the lowest I've ever seen and would possibly be lowered.

Is there room for one more in your heart?  Please contact Erin Mower at Holt International (541) 687-2202.

Now you know about this ONE.