For them...

Audrey (our director) and Mama Agnes with the boys!Study time with our 2 older boysHaircuts, looking nice boys...Wants to be just like Papa Malaki

Malaki playing with Desire... one strong willed and rough,

the other sensitive and laid back

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Lately, I have been thinking alot, talking alot about and reading quite a bit on studies and opinions concerning "children". Vulnerable children, to be exact. In the end, I come back to the same conclusion. What is best for them? Surly this topic has had some time in my heart. The opinions and thoughts are endless on international adoption, orphanages, institutions, foster care, community programs, orphan assistance etc...

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People see the need is vast and are compelled to do something, anything. Children are starving, babies are dying and poverty is growing rampant...

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I have worked in this field for about 6 years (Foster care, Adoption and caring for vulnerable children) and have a hint of experience on the front lines... yet I still find no "right solution". Living here in Burundi, having many friends that work and minister in various fields; I have come to know that anything having to do with vulnerable children is a touchy and sensitive subject. Could it have anything to do with the child exploitation we have seen throughout this world? People have their opinions, many being birthed from past experiences... and that's "OK"...

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I personally have always been a huge fan of the Foster care program. I worked for 4 years in a "group home" with 18 children give or take, and became fond of and saw the need for a family environment; seeing all the pros and cons of course that come with being a caretaker. We had days that the children ran away, tried to kill themselves (later being sent to mental hospitals), physically fought with both the children and staff and the list goes on. Days where you laughed, days where you cried, days where you swore it was the last day you would work there. This environment seemed more as an institution then a home of love, hope and restoration... leaving the past behind. The intentions were commendable, but daily we saw the deterioration of the children's spirits, minds and hearts. Yet, the situation they resided in within the group home, was far better off then their previous situations of abuse and neglect.

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Recently, we had a visit from another organization partnering with the government to ensure that all orphaned and abandoned children living in homes are cared for in a good way. Really, I was impressed at the amount and depth of their questions and was happy to know that they are concerned for "their" children. We discussed for hours the benefits of children living in foster homes, and children coming to live at homes, institutions, and or facilities that care for orphaned and abandoned children.

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We are here to meet an immediate need, to care for and help as we can the massive amount of children in dire need of food, shelter and simply love. Many people ask us "why not support these children within their community by giving food or money, instead of taking them from their community and culture". Although it's not all people, we have found that many who have the mentality to care for another child that is "not your own" see it quite complicated. (This could be because they themselves are struggling to survive in the rural mountains)... Often, this child would have more chores, they would be treated differently at times having to stay home from school to care for the needs of the family; most of the time not even receiving the support given specifically for that child. Even within the communities, many become jealous as one receives food and money support simply because they are "orphaned" when their neighbor struggles to eat just as well. Many argue within caring for the children in an orphanage type environment that you are taking them from their community, their culture, their inheritance and "their world". Rightly so. Burundi, a nation the size of Maryland has also become known for being very strict within international adoption. While Rwanda and Ethiopia are flooded with international adoption cases, Burundi has seemed to be very reserved; for what ever reasons may be so.

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Today, as I look at our boys in the eyes I am convinced that all the words that flood this page are but dust. What is an opinion, fact or thought when a child is suffering, starving and scared? Who are we to conceive these thoughts, when we are not the ones to endure the hardship. Today, I stand neutral. Today, I have come to believe that their are many solutions to the same problem. Surly, anything done out of a heart of love can make a difference. At the end of the day, I ask myself once again. What is best for them? For the precious child that has found their way into a "statistic". Daily, we are pouring ourselves out unto these children, believing for them to be restored and healed through the love of the Father. Teaching, loving, embracing and squeezing at times... just to show that special love we have for them. They are flourishing, they are smiling, they are grateful to the One who gave it all. Jesus. Today, I am confident, last month they were hungry and afraid. Today, they no longer face that.

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Eric is sensitive and wants to build homes just like Papa Malaki, Claude is outgoing, Vernist is affectionate and a ball of joy, Annecret is deep and compassionate, David loves to help, Jimmy loves that he has a family that loves him, Tonny loves to learn french and Desire is calm and collected. These are our boys, our family, our joy. We will be receiving into our care 8 girls on Monday, all in desperate need of care. A faithful God He is, responding to the cries of your children. Until next time...