Rich, Heather and Alana’s Blog

I know that I blog a lot, and it’s typically about the everyday aspects of life. I usually don’t use the blog as a venue to share the deeper things that are on my mind.

But tonight my heart is a bit heavy.

I have a confession: I cannot watch the news. I literally cannot handle the trauma and tragedy that is exposed in the news. Primarily what I cannot cope with is the news about babies and/or children being abused or neglected. And it’s all over the nightly headlines. I feel like every time I tune in, there are horrendous stories of babies/children who are physically, emotionally, or sexually abused. Precious, innocent little lives that are being forever altered as a result of sin.

I cringe, I tense up, and I cry.

I have always had a burden for children who don’t have parents to love and nurture them, but something has happened to me since I have become a mom. It’s gotten worse. Much worse. It’s something I don’t really talk about, but it’s always on my mind. I constantly think about this issue.

I remember the heartbreak I have felt while visiting orphanages on mission trips in other countries. Babies are left to cry all day long in their cribs because there aren’t enough adults to care for them. I cry when I think about it. It is such a helpless feeling, because the problem is so big. Nigh untouchable. I simply do not have the time, resources, or opportunity to cuddle all of them. To tell them they are precious.

When I look at my little Alana’s face, I think about the fact that she has a warm, cozy home to live in, a soft crib to sleep in, clean clothes to wear, diapers to keep her comfortable, sanitary water to drink, but most importantly, two parents who are crazy about her and hug and kiss her all day every day. It’s difficult to think about children who grow up without those conveniences, but it’s beyond comprehension those who grow up without love. Without knowing about God’s love, and without knowing the love of a mom and/or dad.

Truly, this has been such a struggle lately. I have been praying that God will give me peace, and remind me that this crazy place is not our home. And that he loves all of the little ones, in the entire world, more than I can imagine. I am just so eager for all of the hurting, unloved children to experience the amazing love of Jesus. Sometimes I am just so eager for heaven.

Rich and I want to adopt a child who would otherwise not be loved, but the hurdles seem so huge. Just the financial aspect of adoption alone is enough to totally overwhelm. I want to have faith that God will honor our desire and our stewardship.

I want to please God with the little one that He has entrusted to us, and to love with reckless abandon.

I love what the International Justice Mission, Gospel For Asia, Compassion International, World Vision, and countless other organizations are doing. I am so inspired and hopeful when I think about all of the wonderful people who are loving, protecting, and nurturing children for Jesus! Rich and I have been honored to sponsor two children through Gospel for Asia for the past few years, and I so strongly encourage everyone to do this!

And until every tear has been dried by their perfect daddy, I will pray for all of the precious children of the world.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” James 1:27