In April of 2012 my feet touched down on West African soil for the first time. I thought I was there to do a VBS for missionary kids. And I was. And it has changed my life.
I also went to an orphanage for the first time...and met my SON (although I didn't know he would be my son at the time!)
But he wasn't the only kiddo that caught my heart's attention.
I also met a sweet little girl named Dorcas.
Today I'd like to introduce you to her.
Look how little she was the first time I met her?!
April 2012
April 2013
2014/2015
Eating pizza!
Trying a hamburger.
Fun at the swimming pool.
Pete & Amy Riley
Dorcas is determined. I've seen her with the help of her friends at the orphanage ride a tricycle.
Dorcas is a beautiful child of God. Her smile literally lights up the room.
Dorcas is an overcomer. She has been "diagnosed" with CP. However, she doesn't let that stop her too much. Since we met her she has received a walker and learned to get around very well with it. Recently, through the help of therapy (done by an amazing volunteer missionary) she has began to learn to walk unaided. We can't imagine what she could do with professional focused therapy!
I have to confess I put off writing this post. I am a detail person. I wanted the perfect set of pictures and description of what her skills are and her prognosis is. I wasn't sure exactly how to advocate for this precious girl. So this year our family began praying on a daily basis for Dorcas to find a family. And the Lord has burdening my heart like crazy. And so I write. Do I have all the "answers" to what life with Dorcas will look like for a family? No. But, I am confident her forever family is out there.
Could it be you? Could it be a friend of yours who has a heart for children with special needs? Your friends who have been looking to adopt an older child?
Dorcas is currently living in an orphanage setting. She has the amazing blessing of a missionary family (The Rileys) who are investing in her while she waits for you. They are paving the way for her to have a family by taking her swimming (fun therapy), doings exercises, exposing her to American food, taking her places outside the orphanage walls, and pouring love and affection on her. (and photographing/videoing it all for you to have!)
But, this is not a forever family. It breaks my heart that she has been waiting this long. What have I been so busy doing that I haven't written this post before? Why did I think I had to have advocacy all figured out before I began? No more.
The Lord has challenged me to do more. I am starting a fund for Dorcas. Many of you know my cupcake business Sweet 2 the Soul began as a way to bring David home. I have continued to bake and give half of everything I make to missions. For the next six months half of everything I make will go into a fund for Dorcas' future family towards their adoption expenses.
If you'd like to hear more about what an amazing little girl Dorcas is and what day to day life with her might look like I'd be happy to put you in touch with Amy Riley. If you have questions about how to adopt from her country we've done it and would be happy to help you on that end.
What can YOU do?
-Pray and ask God if you could be the family God has been waiting for to step out in faith and adopt Dorcas. If you are certain that isn't you then please begin praying for her forever family to be found.
-Share this post with your prayer warrior friends, your heart for adoption friends, your special needs friends.
-Give. If God leads you to be a part of this little girl's journey I'd be happy to add your contribution to her adoption fund. You can Paypal the funds to hummy25@hotmail.com.
Or checks can be sent to:
515 Euclid Ave
Hannibal, MO 63401
We will make sure they get to her.
I can be contacted at jenniferhumiston@hotmail.com or through Facebook.
"God sets the lonely in families." Psalm 68:6 Will you pray this promise for Dorcas right now?
