Every time I look at this picture I am at a loss for words…
It embodies the plight of the older waiting child.
A loving family visits their son’s orphanage just days after they meet him. Their daughter (being carried by her mother) has been home for over a year. Their new son is in his nanny’s arms. He has come to say goodbye to all he has ever known. He has a bright future ahead of him filled with love and opportunities.
Two orphans happen to be in the hallway as this picture is being taken. They watch and wonder if a family will ever come for them? This is not new to them. They have seen many children in the orphanage come and go. No matter how often this happens it does not get any easier. They feel the emptiness in the pit of their stomach. It is a dull ache that does not go away.
Just one year after this photo was taken, the little girl leaning against the wall on the right learns she has a family that is coming to adopt her. That little girl is our Sarah.
She remembers the day the photo was taken and she remembers feeling sad that no one was coming for her.
She remembers the day they told her that she has a family. She was excited and a little nervous.
The little boy on the left was not as lucky. His adoption file was never prepared and because of a severe heart condition the orphanage deemed him as unadoptable.
Every child deserves a family, whether they are older, younger, have a special need or healthy. Every child deserves love, medical care, an education and an opportunity to learn about God.
Please consider adopting an older waiting child.
Please be the hands and feet of God.
We are actually adopting again and would love a middle child! Funny that I would come across this!
This was so hard hitting. Thank you for writing this.
How do people begin the process of international adoption?
Hey LeeAnn! Here is a great post written by Amy about first steps once you’ve decided to adopt: https://www.nohandsbutours.com/2014/12/02/im-ready-adopt-now-series-post-one/
Thank you! I just saw your response. I live reading all these stories on No Hands But Ours. We have two bio kids (and won’t have any more biologically) and my husband and I have discussed off and on through the years, the possibility of adopting.