Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Losing Twins, Gaining Perspective

A college friend alerted me to news of the death of her infant niece and nephew recently. Her brother and sister-in-law were awaiting placement of these sweet wee ones from Africa. A dysentery-type disease spread through their orphanage and village, taking these precious lives and numerous others.

The story has rattled the mister and me. 

Is it because our hearts feel so connected to the realities--heartache and hope--of adoption? Is it because of the senseless nature of the deaths? Is it because we should be and can be doing so much more to ease suffering and poverty in this world? Is it because when I see these littles I see my own sweet girl--dark-skin beauties so deserving of hugs and kisses and cuddles?

The answer is yes and more.

Can I beg you to read this mother's post about this event and her babies? (Click here.) It is not only filled with grief, but also with comfort and calling . . . everything a healthy, hopeful perspective affords.  And be sure to click on her own link to a page dedicated to explaining the challenges this orphanage faces in terms of clean water, toilets, and beds. It all seems so fixable to our first-world minds, but requires people with creative problem-solving, people who will extend beyond their comfort zones, and people who will open up their wallets.

If you have any information about how to help this orphanage tackle its clean water issue or know of any organizations who'd join forces with the Lotz's agency to save lives, please comment on my post below or on the links provided in the paragraphs above.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting this, Emily. How tragic. :( Fresh, clean water should NOT be a problem in this world.