The first time I saw this photo was long before we traveled to China to get John, but we where in the process of his adoption. I remember that my heart just sank and I was sick to my stomach after seeing this precious child laying in a chalk outline of a momma.. But I quickly forgot because it is easy to forget when it doesn't effect us.
We are often moved by something (especially it creates an emotional response) and then quickly let it slip our minds when we get busy with ""OUR" life. I am just as guilty as the next person.
David Platt says, " Orphans are easier to ignore before we know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes..." . MY life now includes and ex-orphan that was able to share his heart with me the other night and that photo can rushing back into my mind.
Now that John's English is improving he is able to share his hurts, his HOPES and just his heart in general. The other night he asked me to say down by him at bedtime. In his broken English he say, "in China, my China mom do this when I afraid"...he gently pulls my arm around his little chest in a tight hug. Then he lets go of my arm, grabs his pillow and hugs it and say, "at Harmony House , I afraid, I do this". Holding back my emotions (the photo of that nameless, faceless, child now being MY JOHN) I ask, "what do you want do do here?" His reply was, "You hold me". That is exactly what I did and will continue to do each night until he feels safe.
My life and EVERYTHING in it has changed!
I know John by name!
I have seen John's face!
I have held John...
and John will NEVER have to be afraid and alone again.
"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. they are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes..." David Platt
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