Sunday, February 17, 2008

Inspirational!!!

There are some days that I am just blown away by the emails I receive. I think that there are many unintended consequences from running a foster home and being able to write about it. I honestly do not always understand the ripple effect that these letters cause on the world outside of the foster home. I am often very humbled by the letters I get from people who in one way or another get to have some healing take place because of what they have read. The letters I get from people have my babies at heart. I get letters which offer help though donations or time to volunteer. Then there are the letters of inspiration. I love those and I am particularly partial to the letters I get from kids who write. This letter from Jack who turned 15 on the Great Wall of China, is just phenomenal!!! It is the kind of letter that I would frame and hang on the wall. When you read it you will understand. What a family to have raised such a son with so many insights. I felt so honored to have gotten such a letter.

My name is Jack. I don't know if you remember me, but I hadthe privilege of meeting you and visiting your foster home lastSeptember. My parents and I were in Xi'an adopting my little brother,Thomas. Since my incredible visit, I have thought a lot about you,your work, and the many lives you are changing.

Before we left for China, my mother told me we would be visiting yourfoster home. I knew from the things my mother had said, you cared fororphans with medical needs. Yet when I walked into your home I wastaken aback. "Medical needs" took on a whole new meaning for me as Isaw children with spina bifida, heart conditions, clefts and more. Iadmire you so much for taking on the responsibility of caring forthese children and getting them the medical attention they sodesperately need. You have created an amazing home filled withvolunteers to love and nurture each one of these children. These arechildren that had nothing; and now, because of you, they have a chance.After returning home from China, I read the story of how you startedthe foster home. The courage you displayed by stepping out in faith tomake such a difference is awesome. Your fortitude is an inspiration tome. As I understand it, you have no corporate sponsors and rely onindividual donations to fund your foster home. I say this laughingly,but that must be absolutely terrifying. I can only imagine how hardthings must get sometimes. Your resolution during difficult times isextremely admirable.

I pray that I am able to come and help you in Xi'an one day. I feelGod has given me a heart for the orphans in China. I am studyingMandarin to prepare for whatever work He has planned for me. I do notsee these children as just poor, faceless orphans as I feel manypeople do. The word "orphan" is no longer just an idea to me. I nowsee them as precious souls, and I know God places infinite value oneach one. I feel I should also.

You have made such a difference. You stepped out in faith and tookon the responsibility to be the provider, protector, and defender ofthe abandoned. You give hope to the hopeless and you inspire others tofollow in your footsteps. I hope that in my life I am able to make afraction of the difference that you have. I have to be honest withmyself and wonder if I could do what you have done. I am always disappointed with my answer.

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he willnever leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not bediscouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8. When I tell you, keep up the goodwork; I really want you to understand my full meaning. You are awonderful person; and I know this from only meeting you once. I knowwith all certainty that you are doing God's will.

Hope...
It's one of the greatest gifts we've been given;
It carries no price tag, but it's value is priceless;
We cling to it when the future looks uncertain;
We praise it when things turn out better than we could ever imagine;
It is the cornerstone upon which ordinary people have accomplished extraordinary things;
Hope endures..."
-Author Unknown

Life, Love and Laughter,

Amanda
Starfish Foster Home

http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com

www.chinesestarfish.org

5 comments:

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

What a gorgeous and uplifting letter... though I am not religious I do like that 'quote' that was written... "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he willnever leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not bediscouraged." - I have said it before and will say it again... you all do great work... take care

Paula said...

What a letter! What a little boy!
That is so amazing. I am humbled. Praise God for the little children and Praise Him for all of the donations you get. I would frame that letter too!

Anonymous said...

The youth of today are trully inspired and mesmorizing! What a beautiful, uplifting and thought provoking letter. Thank you for sharing such a treasure with us.
~Jesicca from Utah

redmaryjanes said...

Wonderful letter and so very true. When I think of you the word Mother is what comes to my mind. Mother to many. You are amazing and incredibly inspirational. I know that if I could spend a week with you in your foster home that it would change my life forever.

Jewels of My Heart said...

What words of wisdom from one so young... how refreshing to be reminded that there are still young people out there that not only "get it" but you can be certain will become adults that will change our world for the better.
God Bless You