Thursday, April 25, 2013

David - On his way to Italy!

David and his parents--
Meet David, three years old this past February!  And, introducing the new big players in his life, his mama and papa! 

After a long wait here in Burkina and in Italy, simple introductions were made and this new little family was formed.  Within a very short time, David was clinging to his parents and refusing to be cared for by the orphanage baby caretakers.  Already they are a family.

We are thankful for the three years that you were with us, David, and we are even more thankful for this loving family that the Lord has given to you!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Count Them 1, 2, 3--

If you look closely you can see all three of them.  Mama is holding 2 babies feeding one of them from a bottle, and big sister of 8 years old is holding one.  They are two boys and one girl, now one month old.  The babies are still really, really small for one month but considering their very small birth weight, they are all doing pretty well.

The family came from a neighboring village abut 25 kilometers away.  They heard that there was the possibility to get help with infant formula at the orphanage.  Since Mama is not producing enough milk for the three babies they arrived hopeful and at the same time, a little fearful of being turned away.

Infant formula is expensive everywhere and Burkina is no exception.  Although inexpensive by Western standards $7 per can is way beyond what a village family can afford to pay.  Seeing the desire of this mother to care for her children herself, we are happy to do what we can to help supplement her milk until the babies are big enough for table food. 

Before leaving to return home, one of our baby care-takers spent time with Mama explaining how to properly clean and sterilize the bottles, how to boil the water, and how to prepare the formula.  Because of the distance, the Papa will be returning once a month to get more milk and they will bring the babies back to be measured and weighed every three months. 



 

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Dieudonne Needs a Home

Dieudonne is a French name which means 'Gift from God'.  Dieudo was born on June 25, 2008.  He was very malnourished when he came to the orphanage.  He talks and walks now but his development has been slow.

Dieudo has been diagnosed to have Hemoglobin S-C. 

Dieudo is a little charmer with a sweet smile who is looking for his Forever Family!

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Jules Needs a Home--

I just met this little guy today and I am quite taken with him.  His name is Jules.  He is about 18 months old.  He can hear but we are not sure whether he can see. 

Jules was abandoned and then found and taken to an orphanage.  His head is abnormally small and abnormally shaped.  He has a problem with his neck where his head turns back towards his shoulder.

Jules is developmentally behind in that at 18 months he is not sitting up on his own or turning over or pulling up or walking.

Jules is a very sweet little baby who needs the love and affection and stimulation of a special home.  Do you have a place in your heart for Jules?