Dear Friends,

As I return from another visit to all of “our” kids at Open Arms Home for Children, I am struck by how quickly God has made this vision a reality. Less than two years ago, the idea for the Home was born and less than only 14 months ago, we took possession of the beautiful 70 acre hilltop farm that is now home to eight wonderful children. With God, all things are indeed possible!

Needless to say, this is an exciting time for the Home. We are expanding our ability to serve children with several capital improvements and we have our generous donors to thank for making this possible. It was Winston Churchill who said “you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” Truer words were never spoken about the generous donors who are making such a difference for our children. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

When I arrived at the Home this past week, I met all of our new residents. However, I was struck most by 14 month-old Asanda, a young girl who came to us two months ago. Asanda is one of our “special” children, having contracted HIV from her mother. She is extremely shy and underweight for her age. Nevertheless, thanks to a great appetite and good nutrition she is gaining weight rapidly.

Asanda is exactly the kind of child that we envisioned serving when we began the ministry at Open Arms Home for Children earlier this year. She has had a difficult start to life but with the love, attention and medical care she is receiving, she has a bright future ahead of her.

When I left the Home to return to the States, it did my heart good that Asanda cried and tried to catch up to me as I departed. Naturally, I began to cry as I realized that I wouldn’t see her for three more months. But deep inside, I knew that the feelings of love and affection that she and I felt were exactly the reasons we engaged in this grand adventure in the first place.

A week later, it still brings a tear to my eye thinking of Asanda. But more importantly, it gives me inspiration to continue working for such children and humbly trying to be a voice for children like Asanda that have no voice of their own.

This work is not a burden but an opportunity, not a job but a privilege. We thank you for being such a special part of it.

With Love for God and His Children.