Heart wrenching visit….

at the Guiyang Orphanage.

Ever since we stepped foot in Russian orphanages almost 12 years ago, I have had a very hard time dealing with the reality that children actually live in these places.

Yes,they are better than living on the street, Yes, they have clothes, food, the basics our bodies need for survival they have caregivers who CARE they get medical attention when they need it they have some toys, some games, some play time BUT they don't have a family!!!

Imagine waking up one day and not having your family???

What would you think?

What would you do?

Where would you go?

What would you FEEL?

An orphanage is a place where over 147 million of the world's children have their basic needs met YET, they still have the most incredible need left unmet-that for a forever family-a mommy and daddy to hold them, kiss them, tuck them in at night, hold their hand when they are tired, scared, hungry, upset....

These children have care givers, but that is not FAMILY!!!

Guiyang Children's Welfare Institute is a wonderful place for the 200 orphans that call this place  home.

It meets their needs, it provides them with food, clothes, and a place to sleep.

It has caring people who want the best for the children.

BUT, yet, it is filled with children who really need mommys and daddys.

We only spent 2 hours there today.

We only had simple gifts for about 40 of the chidlren-pads, pens, and some snackies!!

And did they appreciate the pens and paper-they all went to work immediately writing, drawing, and sharing with their friends.

Tonight: I have my 3 girls with me in our fancy hotel room.

I have my 4 boys safe and sound at home.

They were once orphans, and they aren't any more!!!

May we all hear the cry of the fatherless, and hear God's heart for them-that they would all have families, and may we have the courage to answer that call !!!

In Him,

Chris and the girls