Those who read my blog regularly know there is nothing I am more passionate about than orphan care. Orphan care can take many forms -- it's not just about adoption. One way you can help right now is to consider hosting a child this summer. As many of you know, I hosted Dasha through NHFC last July. It changed our lives. Many of you asked if there was a program that allowed non-Christian families to host. There is! Project 143 is one such program that I can personally recommend. I am currently working with its founder, Tammy Cannon, to create a host program for Orphanage #5. But they currently have many children from Latvia and Ukraine available for hosting right now! Here are a few:
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| S, age 6. Silly and goofy! A girl after my own heart! |
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| R, age 9. An artist! |
Also, two people I admire very much have started another hosting program for the East Coast (Virginia up to Maine). It is called Open Hearts and Homes. Here are some of the beautiful children available for hosting through them!
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| M is in 4th grade..and loves to sing and dance! |
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| S is a very energetic 4th grader, who is curious and asks lots of questions! |
If you have ever considered adopting an older child, hosting is a great way to meet some older children and see if they are the right fit for your family. I offer myself up as a resource person for anyone who does host and needs support. Raising the funds to host is easy -- I have lots of ideas if that is holding you back.
Please check out both Project 143 and Open Hearts and Homes. They are smaller programs than NHFC, but no less wonderful! The more the merrier, right? I am just grateful that there are ethical choices out there for hosting. These children need homes. And even if you can't adopt, giving these children a month-long experience in a loving family would be life-changing for them.
Further, if you can't host either..you can contribute to these organizations and help support the families that can and want to host, but lack the funds. Every dollar makes a difference!
Finally, please let me know if you choose to host! I'd love to follow your journey!
We are hosting through NHFC this summer! (A 13 year old boy.)
ReplyDeleteI think you know that I went with them on the winter interview trip. While I'm SO happy about the boy we are hosting, I'm so torn and sad, because saying yes to him, means saying no to all the others. I check the list all the time watching for some of my faves to get picked...many are still waiting. Which leads me to my question for you. Would you please share your fundraising ideas? I really want to raise funds, not for our child, but to put scholarships towards some of the others I met. I'm racking my brain trying to think of ideas. So, if you have some good ones, especially ones that encourage others to painlessly get involved, please share!!
Hey Keri, I would love to get some ideas for fundraising for hosting. We are seriously considering hosting with Project 143 this summer, but the cost is making us plan carefully before making the decision.
ReplyDeleteWe first became interested in hosting because of your writing about your own experiences. At Christmas, we hosted a precious boy whom we are now adopting, as soon as God provides the finances necessary. We are trusting Him for it. Thank you for the work you do for orphans! You've affected more than you know.
ReplyDeleteWe hosted summer 2010, which led to our adoption and now we are re-hosting one of the kids that came last summer, plus a new girl we met while in Ukraine. Many blessings to you Keri!
ReplyDeleteWe came home in January with our daughter, who we hosted from Ukraine a year ago. Life is good!
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