Blessed by four little angels

Saturdays are our orphanage days. We have 4 kids named Louis, Tommy, Pat and Olivia. We get to act as their foster parents on these Saturday's taking them on outings that they would not get to do otherwise without the help of volunteers here in Shenzhen. They get to see the outside world and experience things like the park, mcdonalds, dinosaur exhibits, etc. which is a HUGE treat to these precious kids.

On our way to the park - Tommy and Pat are the boys in the back


This is Olivia. She is about 4 years old. Absolutely PRECIOUS and so happy. Grace loves playing with her! Olivia kept tugging on my hand calling me ma-ma during our outing this past weekend.

Jon with little Louis


I must say it is quite amazing when we stop and see the world through a child's eyes... But even more so when you have the opportunity to see it through an orphans eyes. 
Grace and Olivia blowing bubbles









Time to head back to the orphanage...Until next time sweet children..

On our way back they got to check out bunnies for sale on the side of the road...small things that make children happy!

I hope that these pictures of these 4 precious children will be A reminder to PRAY, A reminder to GIVE, & a reminder that we all have a responsibility to be a VOICE for those that don't have one of their own.

It is estimated there are between 143 million and 210 million orphans worldwide.

Every day an estimated 5,760 more children become orphans.

Each year 14,505,000 children grow up as orphans and AGE OUT of the system by the age of 16.

Studies have shown that 60% of the girls become prostitutes and 70% of the boys become hardened criminals.

Another study reported that of the 15,000 orphans aging out of state-run institutions every year, 10% committed suicide, 5,000 were unemployed, 6,000 were homeless and 3,000 were in prison within three years…

I know for myself it is very difficult to really think about these statistics and what they represent, but when we become PERSONALLY involved and risk HEART ACHE they become MORE than statistics… these 4 orphans we spend time with on the weekends have become REAL children with REAL hearts that ache for parents with REAL bodies that hunger for love and attention.  

These precious children need men and women willing to make a difference...

“Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Deliver the weak and needy from the hand of the wicked.” Ps 82:3-4


statistics above from:
www.unicef.org/uniteforchildren.org