I just want to take a moment to thank all of the people around the world who have taken the time to help orphaned children in China. If we started a list of all of the kind people who have helped us, it would run off the table and out the door.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love quotes, and I have collected so many over the years that deal with giving to others. I like this one by Bertha von Suttner......."After the verb 'to Love,' 'to Help' is the most beautiful verb in the world." I know I am very fortunate in that I get to read so much of the mail that comes into our Oklahoma office. So many times, the checks that arrive will come with a note that says "I am sorry it cannot be more". I want to write everyone back who has written such a note saying, "your gift is priceless to the children because it so obviously came with love". Whether it is $5 or $5000.....the very fact that someone looked at the face of a child in need and actually took the time to help them is a wonderful blessing and a testament to the fact that this world is still filled with hope.
We also get emails and notes from people telling us that they are praying for the kids, or lifting up the work of LWB. Now that we have been helping for three years, we sometimes get notes from the parents of the children we have helped as well. I cannot tell you how much these keep us encouraged. I always tell people to always remember that all of the work is worth it to help the life of even one child.....and of course, thanks to the generous spirits of others, we have been able to help so many more.
So "hats off" to everyone who has made a difference to these beautiful children! This year we had so many wonderful people make blankets for the babies who live in orphanages with little heat, and also wonderful volunteers who knit the cutest hats to keep the children's heads warm during the winter.
We've had people make scrapbook pages for the older orphans, and who have helped us research the best hospitals, and so many wonderful volunteers who helped with the art auction and now the special needs manual. So many people helping in every way possible.......We couldn't do it without you.I know the media is often filled with stories and images of a world in turmoil, and I think we all hear over and over again that the world is "going to pot". Yet through my work, I wake up every day knowing with certainty that the world is also filled with incredibly kind people who love children and want to help them in any way. Each and every day I get to see the beautiful kindness of strangers. Each and every day I get to see people reach out a helping hand. And it reminds me of one of my most favorite quotes of all...a beautiful one by Carl Sandberg: "A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on......" That sums it up well, don't you think? THANK YOU to everyone who has helped change the life of these beautiful babies. All of us at LWB are so very grateful.
