Hope

Some boys fell through the cracks. They didn't get adopted. They left the system without ever having their own family. But, now, they have the closest thing to a family they will ever have. They have it because a 70 year old woman decided she wasn't too old to make a difference. Grandma Lela came to Odessa as a 70 year old woman, began her career as a missionary, and lived here for over a decade ministering to orphans. The ones who never got adopted broke her heart. Their prospects were not good.

She did something about it, and now a big ole house stands out away from the city housing four big boys. They aren't adopted, but they have parents, house parents that is.

Roma and I spent the day there with these guys since I know them and they are Roma's friends. I sat, watching them play and interact, for several hours. When Roma later asked me if I had fun, I answered that it wasn't exactly fun, but it was an honor. It was an honor to sit and just be in the presence of a last-resort ministry that gives these boys one last chance to make it in this life. It was an honor to sit and watch these guys have fun and wonder at the puzzle as to why certain boys were adopted and others weren't. It was an honor to be part of Ira and Igor's life and to watch them interact with their temporary sons. It was all an honor.

I got to know these boys last year and I feel a love for them. If there were a way, I'd bring them all to America. Four more boys I wish I could help and can't. What's a mother to do?

I can tell you. I can tell you about these boys, about House of Hope, about the need to have more sponsors, and about one more thing. As good as House of Hope is, adoption would've been better, and cheaper for these boys. If a child can't have a biological family, adoption is the best choice. It's the most economical, the easiest, the best way for these kids to find Christ, the best way to train them to be leaders for the world.

A house for boys not adopted. That was Grandma Lela's idea, her passion, her work, her service, her way to help orphans and to change the world.

I'll ask again, what's your idea?

I had my camera, but forgot the memory card, but Ira has promised to send me pictures later. I'll post them when I get them. Sorry!

http://www.harvestinternational.org/HeritageHouse/Sponsors.htm