In One Month

Almost exactly one month ago a desperately ill 13 year old boy asked Patty Anglin if she could help him.

Almost exactly one month ago Patty thought Alvin would die and prepared him to meet Jesus.

Almost exactly one month ago Patty cried in my living room for a precious little boy she didn't know if she could do anything to help.

Yesterday Alvin's dream came true when through Patty's tireless efforts combined with the partnering of many other individuals and organizations, and most importantly, a wonderful adoptive family, Alvin flew home to America.

This picture was taken by Patty almost one month ago.

And I took this one yesterday, as Alvin laid in the bed on the air ambulance right before he left.

Alvin's story is a true testimony of what can happen when the Body of Christ comes together in obedience to the Bible's many commands of caring for the suffering, the needy, and the orphaned. And while Alvin's life has been saved (provided he recovers in America), we are also changed by our obedience.

The internet was down last night and I am working on writing up a long post of Alvin's departure day, but I wanted to share this with you as soon as I could.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin's Flight Home

The emergency medical flight is scheduled to come in at 2:45 this afternoon and should be leaving with Alvin approximately one hour later, after refueling. We are all so excited that Alvin is finally going home! This is truly a modern day miracle. Alvin leaving Liberia is the end of the beginning of Alvin's story.

I will be going to the airport with the Alvin in the AOH ambulance and plan to share all about the day (with pictures, of course) later this evening. God is so good and I am humbled to be a part of this amazing story.

Please remember to pray for Alvin on this last, though major, part of his journey home. He will be in the very best of hands on the air ambulance, but flight can be hard on the body and Alvin's health is very precarious. Also pray for wisdom and alertness for the flight crew, and strength for Alvin's biological mom as she says good bye. Only one other person is allowed to travel with the patient, so that will be Alvin's adoptive dad.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

We Have The Visa!!!!

Praise the Lord we have Alvin's visa IN HAND as of just a few minutes ago! It was processed yesterday and Acres of Hope just picked it up. This means Alvin is free to leave the country and enter America! The air ambulance service has been notified and hopefully Alvin will be able to fly out tomorrow!!! I am really hoping I can be there to see Alvin off and of course take pictures that I can share with all of you who have become a part of Alvin's amazing story.

GOD IS GOOD!!!

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Orphanage Life

Here are some pictures of our kids in their everyday lives.

The babies during playtime on the porch:

The kids during a rousing game of "Red Light Green Light":

Listening so nicely during story time in the morning:

Beating the drum for song and dance time:

Chillin' in the nursery:

Marveling at themselves in the screen of my sister's camera:

Game time in the courtyard:

Drawing a masterpiece on the magnadoodle:

Hanging out with friends:

Sitting at their cute desks:

I will be posting more pictures like these from time to time to give you a little glimpse into the lives of our orphans.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin's Visa

(This post was prepared for Friday night but due to no internet (again), it is late. My apologies.)

On the list of things to do today was to pick up Alvin's visa medical report, and then head on over to the embassy to process Alvin's United States visa. Well, as Patty was at the hospital picking up the report, the embassy called and said to head over as fast as they could as they would process Alvin's paperwork in 20 minutes (the embassy is about 20 minutes from this hospital, with zero traffic). Since this case is an emergency, and Alvin's paperwork represents Alvin the person, Patty felt this would be a time to use the AOH ambulance. So they were able to speed through traffic, park right in front of the embassy, and jump out. Only to be told sorry, they changed their minds and would process Alvin's paperwork on Monday instead. Patty reminded them that this was an emergency, but still they said it would have to be Monday. Oh well...at least they will be processing it at all (considering the nationwide moratorium on adoptions).

At this point we are hoping for Alvin to fly out on Tuesday, as it simply can't happen any sooner than that. The good news is we only have one more thing to do (acquire the visa) before Alvin will be cleared to travel to the US.

Again I ask that you would keep all these things in your prayers:

-Alvin's continued health

-That they would receive the visa on Monday as promised

-That the flight would arrive and leave as scheduled

-That the funds for the flight would come in

Thanks again for following Alvin's story. One day when this little boy, who thought he was forgotten, learns of all those who were fighting to get him home, he will realized how valued he is by God and us, His children.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)