Kristen Thomas Photography » Northern Virginia Portrait & Wedding Photographer

Orphan Sunday

There are an estimated 163 million orphans around the world…  15 million who have lost both of their parents…  Children. Without. Families.

My Daddy was one of them. I can’t imagine how his life (or my life) would have been different if his parents had not adopted him and his twin brother.   Today is Orphan Sunday.  A day to recognize the need and see what we can do as a country, a church, a body of Christ.  To see what our own families can do to help orphans around the world.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  Proverbs 31:8-9

I have been so blessed to travel twice to Romania and meet some of these orphans.  Children who deserve to feel love and know they are worthy of a family.  Precious, beautiful children, that changed my life forever.  I have also been incredibly blessed to work with many adoptive families and be a small part of their adoption journey.  I love keeping in touch with all the families; seeing pictures and hearing stories.  Watching these children thrive, now in loving homes.

God is doing so much, and I love witnessing the absolute miracles in the adoption process for these families.  Just this week an incredible thing happened.  A family adopting from Eastern Europe arrived at the baby-home, expecting to be offered one boy.  They were offered twin girls!  Overnight, in less than 12 hours, we watched as donations poured in from everywhere to raise the extra thousands of dollars needed for them to bring an extra child home.  Amazing…

Another friend, adopting from Africa, had a successful court date this week after years of longing and waiting.  Waiting for their children, who they knew were in Africa.  “It was like going into a hospital pregnant and coming out with a baby. Kinda. We went to court and came out with two little Clarkes.”  Amazing…

And today, John and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a family who brought home two precious children from China.  I can’t wait to feature their photo session soon and share their story!

There are 1.5 million adopted children in the United States, over 2% of all U.S. children. But can we do more?

Pray, adopt, give financially to help someone who is adopting.  Support charities that help make these children’s lives better.  Because every bit helps in bringing a child home to a family.  We may not be able to help all 163 million, but it certainly makes an impact with each child we’re able to help, just like Zhenya featured below….

Sweet Zhenya is from Kichiry, Kazakhstan.  September 21, 2009 is the day her life changed forever.  She gained a Mama, Papa and five older brothers and sisters who love her dearly.  Below is a picture of her today…..

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