May 21, 2009

Each of the children here at New Hope Foundation are here because they have medical issues, some of which are correctable, but turn out to be fatal if the child is left in a state run orphanage. For example, many children here are born with cleft lip and cleft pallet. This means it takes them a long time to get enough milk. As a result, many don’t survive in the government orphanages. Others arrive extremely malnourished. New Hope strengthens them until they are able to receive corrective surgery.  It seems like every other baby here has a cleft lip or is recovering from corrective surgery. Right now 12 are preparing for surgery. At this center, the procedure costs approximately $650.  PFO will fund a number of these with donations that have been coming in.  Others of these children have complex heart problems, tumors, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and a number of other less common medical issues. Surgeons from all over the world serve these children. Many kids have been flown to the US and Hong Kong for surgery. Today I saw the director tear up, because one of the little girls is inoperable.

New Hope has a nanny for every 2 babies, and 3 shifts of nannies. They come from the nearby village. This center is only for infants with medical needs, most are adopted but not all. Those who aren’t, must return to the government run orphanages. Benjamin is one who does not yet have a forever family, there are many others.

I recently heard about a Christian woman who is pregnant with a 2^nd child. If she doesn’t abort the baby, both she and her husband will lose their jobs. However, if it weren’t for the one-child policy demanding this, the country would be more like Africa with street children digging through burning piles of rubbish to find food.

I realize this isn’t ‘pleasant reading.’ Thank you for caring and reading despite how it might make you feel. I feel the same tension every time I walk in to see the children, it’s sad, but it’s real, and we are called to speak for them and help them. The Biblical idea is that we all give a portion to help meet their needs. Thanks to all who’ve joined us in this effort.

Here is one baby currently waiting for cleft lip surgery, 

here's a before and after pic of another baby, 

 

and here's a picture of Benjamin.

If you’d like to sponsor a specific child, which costs $40/month, you can view the children who need sponsors at: www.hopefosterhome.com, just click on ‘babies.’