Our Beautiful Children

Here are some recent pictures of our beautiful children. As you can see they are doing well! We continue to pray that some of them will get to go home to their adoptive families soon...

A Village Blessing

Once upon a time, Patty and some of the Acres of Hope staff were trekking through the jungles of Liberia near a village they will be working with for the new Extreme Humanitarian Expeditions (Stay tuned for more info on these!).

They navigated jungle paths...

...teetered across a long monkey bridge...

...and stood under a tree that is hundreds of years old.

They were just about to go visit Monkey Island when a man came running towards them.

"Missy! Missy! You have to come." He beckoned Patty. "You need to see the baby."

"What baby?" Patty asked.

"Well…" the man hesitated, "it's a human baby…But, it's not correct. The baby is not correct."

So Patty and the humanitarian expedition team followed the man into his village. As Patty stepped into the circle of houses a woman came forward carrying a small bundle. Wrapped in several yards of African fabric was a tiny newborn baby girl. The baby had a beautiful complexion and thick, curly hair, but also had a double cleft palate.

"This is my wife and my baby," the man explained. "We think the baby is witched."

By now nearly the entire village had gathered around the white woman holding the unusual baby. People chattered and nodded their heads in agreement as the man explained his fears for his firstborn daughter. Not only was he afraid his daughter had been born with a curse, but the baby was having trouble eating. Patty could see that the child, at only two days old, was already dehydrated.

"What is her name?" Patty asked.

"Blessing." The father replied.

"And she will be a blessing to this village." Then, with the baby girl's family standing by, along with almost the whole village, Patty explained to the village that the little girl had simply been born with a birth defect, and was not witched (cursed) at all. That though she looked different, she was still a beautiful human being created by God to be a blessing to her family and the entire village.

The parents tried to persuade Patty to take the baby. They were still not convinced Blessing was normal and were having trouble feeding her, so it seemed like a good solution to them. But Patty said no. She knew this child had two loving parents, and one correctible medical problem. What the family needed at this point was training in her care until she would be old enough for surgery.

So Patty asked the family if they would like to have special training to care for the baby and they agreed. Blessings mother, along with the mother's sister grabbed a few belongings then joined Patty in the AOH Land Rover to drive back to Monrovia.

Patty admitted the baby at the ELWA hospital. She introduced the mother to the doctor and then helped them get settled in. Patty, who has a lot of experience with special needs babies, was able to train the mother a bit on how to breastfeed the baby. The baby was diagnosed with dehydration but she was now in good hands. The nurses and doctor began teaching the mother how to breastfeed an infant with a double cleft palate.

Patty visited the baby and her mother every day and each time she saw Blessing she picked her up, kissed her, and told her how much she loved her. The baby's mother and aunt would watch in disbelief, along with the other mothers and nurses, wondering why a white woman would see any value in a deformed African baby. "I am her grandmother." Patty said, adding to their wonderment. Patty would again explain, to all who would hear, that the baby was not cursed, but God had created her to be a blessing.

Blessing was hospitalized for four days. Over the course of the four days the baby's mother really began to bond to her little blessing. When baby and mom went home, mom had learned a lot about caring for her special little one. Additionally, after three months little Blessing would be old enough for corrective surgery.

The little family learned a lot from Patty and the hospital. Patty was able to visit the baby fairly often, but nevertheless, after about 2 weeks she received an urgent call. Blessing was not doing well. The family again said they wanted Patty to take the baby.

As Patty drove to the village to check on the baby, she knew the little girl was probably in poor condition and would likely need to be placed in foster care. She called the Laird family, who are SIM missionaries in Liberia, who graciously agreed to foster Blessing, should the need arise.

At the village Patty was shocked to see how much weight the baby had lost. The family had had a long talk with the heads of the village and everyone was agreed that Patty should take the baby. They knew that the child was not doing well in the village. They also knew the little girl would be safe with Patty, since she had shown so much love for the little girl, and placed value on a child they all thought was witched.

At the village Patty was shocked to see how much weight the baby had lost. The family had had a long talk with the heads of the village and everyone was agreed that Patty should take the baby. They knew that the child was not doing well in the village. They also knew the little girl would be safe with Patty, since she had shown so much love for the little girl, and placed value on a child they all thought was witched.

And so Patty brought the baby to the Laird's home where they have lovingly been caring for her. Blessing has gained weight and is thriving with her foster family.

We're still not sure what the future holds for Blessing, but she is safe and well, and has a loving home with the Lairds, for as long as she may need it.

And so, that day a few months ago, as Patty and the humanitarian expedition team were simply surveying a village in preparation for their upcoming expeditions, God lead them to this family who was in great need of help. And through that, a little life was saved, a village learned the value of a little baby with a cleft palate, and Blessing has already become a blessing to many people.

Blessing is currently a foster placement only and so has no specific funds coming in for her care. If you would like to donate towards Blessing's needs (formula, clothing, medicine) please click here and specify "Blessing".

Cultural Fact: In Liberia children with obvious medical problems, like Blessing's double cleft palate, are thought to be "witched" (cursed or possessed by an evil spirit), and are frequently left to die in the bush. Think about it - if you really believed your child would bring horribly bad luck, or was possessed by an evil spirit, getting rid of the child would actually seem like a wise thing to do. If a handicapped child is not thought to be "witched", then the mother would still be overwhelmed with the thought of how she would care for this child who would take lots of extra attention, in addition to her normal duties of washing clothes by hand, farming, selling in the market, cooking, and providing clothing and medical care for her family.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin Update! We still need to pay for the flight!

Alvin is doing so well! I am so happy to share this update with you. A friend of Alvin's adoptive family wrote the following update and continued plea for financial donations, and gave me permission to share it along with these new pictures of Alvin.

This update reveals how Alvin's doctors learned some things about him that were not clear before. It also explains the details of how Alvin was able to make it to the states when the flight was not yet completely paid for.

"Alvin livid in Liberia, Africa. There he has a mother and five siblings who loved him. At the age of eleven Alvin's life changed forever. Left paralyzed weeks after a car accident, doctors there unknowingly misdiagnosed the cause of his paralysis, treating him for tuberculosis. As time went on Alvin laid in a hospital bed and complications arose placing him near death. Doctors gave up hope on him. The only thing his mother knew she could do was to give him up and pray that he would be adopted by a family who could get him the lifesaving care he needed. The mother's dream came true when Stephanie and David Dodd adopted him.

In order to get him here safely an air ambulance had to be hired at a cost of $98,750. The amount was unobtainable for the family. They started to raise the funds but realized Alvin would die before they could get the full amount. They agreed to take a $20,000 deposit which they borrowed, and give the full payment of $78,780 within 90 days .

Since that time Alvin has undergone five surgeries and received excellent medical care at Greenville Memorial Hospital. His health continues to improve and he is now safe at his house with the rest of his new family.

The family still faces the challenge of raising the money to pay for the air ambulance by November 6, 2009. By spreading the word about Alvin's story we all hope to attain the financial goal. If you can help in any way please send money to the address below. Thank you so much for the support."

(Alvin at home for his 14th birthday. Here he is with his brother, who was also adopted from Liberia).

Right now the AOH Paypal link is down (due to the website redesign project) so you will have to donate by sending cash or a check.

Alvin Dodd

119 Cherrywood Trail

Greer, SC 29650

Thank you for the part you may have already played in bringing Alvin home. Please continue to spread the word about this great need. Continue to pray and donate again, if you are able to. Remember, even the small amounts add up fast.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

The Absence Explained

I am so sorry to all of you who have faithfully been checking this blog for information on Liberian adoptions, Alvin, or any updates at all. I (Melodie) am the one who manages the blog and I have been very, very sick recently. Thankfully I am on the road to recovery, but it has been a very difficult journey. If you would like, you may go to my personal blog to read the update I shared concerning my unexpected journey with illness.

-Melodie

In Memory of Lawrence...

On August 28, 2009, we lost one of our precious orphans.

Four-year-old Lawrence passed peacefully from this life to the next (in the hospital), when (as far as we know), a fairly ordinary illness turned lethal in his fragile chest and lungs.

Lawrence had been at Acres of Hope for just over two years. Lawrence was abandoned at Acres of Hope by his mother, due to his severe limb and spine abnormalities, right before his second birthday.

(Lawrence, just less than two years ago.)

We are all devastated by this lost. There are so many questions in my mind right now. Yet God remains in control.

I still can't believe he is gone…

Patty Anglin (founder and director of AOH) had a very special relationship with Lawrence.

This is what she wanted to share:

I had just returned to my office after a busy day running from one place to another. We had a staff meeting scheduled and I headed for the conference room, but got distracted when hearing the whimpers of a baby. Lo and behold, under a chair in the waiting area was a little soul left abandoned, crying for someone to come to his rescue. As I looked down at this sweet hurting child I offered my arms to him as a refuge and protection from the harsh reality that he was left alone, likely never to see his familiar surroundings or mother again. He quickly responded by reaching his little arms out to me. As I picked him up, I felt a tear touch the side of my face. I held him close and whispered in his ear that God loved him and now so did I. There was a special bond that took place that day between Lawrence and me. God had entrusted me with one of His precious angels. I knew the road would not be easy for either of us as I committed to welcoming this little boy into my life.

God gives us the privilege of reaching out to those in need. What we get in return is the immense joy of experiencing God love and blessings as we strive to honor what He commands us to do. The road can be rough, the challenges many, but as we give of ourselves unselfishly, God promises His faithfulness and steadfast love through our journey of life. My comfort is knowing today, I did my best for God, and little Lawrence is resting in the arms of our loving Savior. I will miss my precious angel who touched my life in a profound way. For Lawrence...he is dancing with the angels in a perfect body. What joy to know his suffering is over. Lawrence's life brought a ray of sunshine for me and many others. I saw a baby grow into a sweet little boy and if only for a short time he helped me realize that God called me to reach out to the orphans in their time of distress. For us...we must remember there is still work to be done.

Little Angels

When God calls little children to dwell with Him above

we mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love.

For no heartache compares with, the death of one small child

who does so much to make our world, seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold

so He picks a rosebud before it can grow old.

God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few

to make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.

Believing this is difficult, still somehow we must try

the saddest word mankind knows will always be "Goodbye."

So when a little child departs, we who are left behind,

must realize God loves children, "Angels Are Hard To Find."

Love Forever,

Grandma Patty

Lawrence was matched with an adoptive family who loved him dearly and was anxiously waiting to bring him home. For reasons we can't explain, they will never see that day.

To the Son we never met,

You were such a hope to us in our quest to expand our family. We waited, anxiously at times, for that definitive word that said you would come and be our Son. That day was so joyous even with all your difficulties it didn't matter because together, with God at the helm, we would overcome them.

We showed your pictures to everyone who encompasses our family and they too prayed and dreamed of the day you would come and join us. People would ask, "Are you any closer to bringing your Son home?" Our response would be, "Only God Knows that answer."

We would hear stories of the joy and happiness you had and willingness to freely give hugs to everyone. We cherished those times for they helped us to hope and dared us to dream because you were in our hearts from the moment God spoke you there.

Now our Son, we must let you go to the Father's hands where you will bask in the glow of his unfailing and eternal love. Yes we will be sad that you couldn't come to be with us, but we understand what a great time you are having there, dancing with joy at the Father's feet.

We love you,

The Parents you never met.

Mommy

Daddy

& Brother Ben

Please remember those who loved Lawrence in prayer, including his adoptive family, the nannies and staff, and all the other AOH children. They have already lost so much, now they have lost a dear friend.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin in America

Now that Alvin is in America and safe with his new family, we will not be able to update the blog frequently like we were when he was in Liberia. But I will share any info I do come across. I know personally I really love to hear how the adopted kids are doing, and whenever possible, I have visited them in the states. Alvin's story is not finished yet and as I do receive updates I will be sure to post those here.

Alvin was able call Patty the other day and he just couldn't believe how clean the hospital was.

"Grandma, you wouldn't believe how clean it is!"

"Yes, I know, it is very clean."

"No, it's CLEAN."

Patty has been in many, many hospitals in her day, so she does know how clean an American hospital is, especially in comparison to a Liberian hospital! Alvin was also thrilled to have a TV in his room and enthralled by the wonder of a remote control.

Recently Alvin's adoptive mother shared that Alvin is in OK spirits but is missing his birth family and Patty. Alvin's new family is also hoping that he might be able to be moved to their home while he heals and waits for his reconstructive surgeries.

So now we know a little more specifically how to pray.

Alvin is a 13 year old so obviously completely remembers his life before he was adopted. He has a wonderful story to tell, and being adopted is his dream come true, but he will of course take some time to grieve the loss of his previous life. Please pray for a quick healing of his heart and that he will bond smoothly with his new family. Concerning his health, I can imagine the idea of a seemingly endless hospital stay is not very appealing to anyone right now. Also, the best way for Alvin to get to know his new parents and siblings is to be in a home setting (and it is much more interesting spending your days at home, as versus a hospital room). So pray with us that it would work for for Alvin to be at home while he gains more strength and waits for the doctors to make a decision on how to address his multiple open wounds.

Thanks again for following Alvin's story and to those of you who have prayed and donated financially. I know they still need money to be coming in towards the flight, so donate if you are able to. I will be sure to update the blog when all the money needed has come in.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin's Miracle

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside,

and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted,

"Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet,

but they shouted all the louder,

"Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Jesus stopped and called them.

"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.

"Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.

Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

(Matthew 20:30-34)

When Jesus came to earth as God made man, his purpose was to die on the cross for sinners - every human being that has ever lived. The sacrifice of a perfect person was the only acceptable offering for a righteous God. Because of Christ's suffering everyone who confesses their sin and accepts Jesus as their personal Savior can be saved from eternal damnation and look forward to an eternity with God in Heaven.

In Jesus' first recorded sermon he said

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

(Luke 4:18-19)

Christ accomplished so much during his time on earth (before he died on the cross, then was raised back to life, and soon after ascended back to Heaven). Miracles were a major part of his ministry.

The purposes of Christ's miracles were twofold. "First, they revealed the sovereignty, power, and glory of God and of His Son. Second, they revealed mankind's desperate need. His healings expose the devastation caused by sin, as well as God's power and will to repair such sin-wrought desolation and wretchedness." Another way to look at the first purpose is that "miracles are the testimony of God as to the nature and person of Jesus Christ." Miracles confirmed that Jesus was who he said he was.

While Jesus is not walking the earth in visible, human form today, he is every bit as much present and involved in our lives as he was with the individuals he healed in the Bible.

When a 13-year-old boy from Liberia, West Africa, lay dying in a tuberculosis sanitarium, it seemed this child had been forgotten. When his bed sores had eaten away his flesh to the point that he bones and internal organs were visible, he could no longer walk, use the bathroom, roll over, or simply lay in a comfortable position, Alvin's future seemed hopeless, and death just around the corner.

On one of Patty's first visits to Alvin she thought he would die within a few days. Alvin asked Patty to sleep near him in the sanitarium (on the floor beside the bed) so that if Jesus came, when he saw a white person, He would be inclined to stop and see Alvin. Patty explained to Alvin that Jesus showed no preference for black or white skin, and then led Alvin through the plan of salvation, so that if Alvin were to pass away in the night, Jesus would indeed bring him home with Him to Heaven. Alvin accepted Jesus as his Savior that night and Patty slept on the hard cement floor beside him.

Alvin and his birth mom had been praying a long time for some way that Alvin's life could be spared. Some way for him to live the future he dreamed of and recover from his constant suffering. Through the ministry of Patty Anglin with Acres of Hope, Water of Life, various missionaries on the ground in Liberia, and a loving Christian family in America, the present day hands of Christ reached out to Alvin to save his precious life and bring him to a place where he can receive the most physical recovery possible on earth. Through this, along with financial donations, and the prayers of thousands of people, God has worked a modern day miracle in the life of a little child who thought he had been forgotten. Who thought Jesus only came to white people. Who thought his dreams to see life and a future in America would never come true.

Christ is still alive and well today, working in the lives of the great and the very, very small. I hope Alvin's story has convinced you that Jesus Christ is who he says he is, and he has great, great love and compassion for the physically suffering and spiritually lost.

As I stood watching Alvin's plane taxi toward the runway last night I realized I had just experienced one of those "once in a lifetime" days that you never, ever forget. Sometimes I just can't believe I am so blessed to be a part of what God is doing in the hearts and lives of people here in Africa.

Here is Alvin's departure day in picture:

The flight ended up coming in late so Alvin left the country at about 5:50 PM (Wednesday, the 12th of August). It was raining most of the afternoon.

Unfortunately Patty was not able to actually come to the airport to see Alvin off as she had previously scheduled a really important meeting for Wednesday. This is the Alvin/Patty good bye picture. I love this one!

Leaving ELWA hospital.

Boarding the AOH ambulance.

He was very excited!

Roland from Water of Life saying his good byes.

Roland will see Alvin again soon since they

are (now) both from Greenville SC.

Alvin crying as the time approaches to

say good bye to his birth mother and siblings.

There it is!

Buster/Greg from AOH meeting the pilot and crew.

The pediatric nurse meeting Alvin and David, and discussing details.

The paramedic meeting Alvin.

Alvin's least favorite part.

Time to board!

One last smile for the camera before saying good bye.

The Jet ICU team was incredible and I know Alvin was in great hands.

This was Alvin's miracle.

Please remember to pray for Alvin's physical healing. He has a long road ahead of him. Also, continue to contribute to the flight fund, if you are able.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)