Would You Leave These Faces In An Orphanage?

We've been home from Ethiopia for a little less than two months. My mom said everything changes when you have kids. Like usual, she was right. Everything has changed. I've never laughed so hard, been so sleep deprived or scooped poop out of a bathtub in my life before now. I wouldn't change a thing.

Ruta's English is better everyday. Yesterday she looked at Walter, our french bulldog, kissed his face and said "there you go Walter." I'm not sure Walter knew he needed a kiss until he had received it. That's kind of how I feel too. People will say to us at church "oh that is such a great thing you are doing for them", "how lucky they must be", but I feel just the opposite. I have found a piece of my soul in my children and I would have never had it if they weren't here.

They have changed every dynamic of our family. We use to see each other on holidays and special occasions, but I've seen my parents more in the last two months than in the last two years. The transformation of Le and I's relationship itself is mind blowing. He looked at me last night and said "mommy why don't you go take a bubble bath and I'll put the kids to bed." My mouth fell open. I've never loved him more than that moment.

I read an article from one of my favorite authors who was quoting a recent study on adoption. It said that adoptions were down 40% since 2004. In a world where statistics quote anywhere from 143 to 150 million orphans, why is this so. If only 7% of those of us who drive to a church on Sundays, sit in a pew each week, put $5 in an offering plate and claim that Jesus has changed our lives, would open our hearts and our homes there would be NO. MORE. ORPHANS.

Most people in order to assimilate with a situation need to put a face with a problem. Do you want to know why my family and I are passionate about orphans? Because these faces have changed our life:


Aunt Laura and Ruta:

Papa Clay, Ayat and Alazar fighting over pizza:

Kisses from Aunt Laura:

Cinco de Alazar:

Consider opening your hearts to someone who needs a home, not to save their lives, but yours:

Hugs and Love,

The Andrews Clan