I'm fine, it's fine, everything's fine...

 

I want to start off by apologizing. I have not written in over 9 days. These last nine days have been a whirlwind of activity and emotions. The boys have safely returned to the Dominican Republic and hopefully, with some help and hard work, they will be returning in one way or another. The above picture are ALL of the kids that were able to spend the winter holiday here in the US. Look at those smiles! This is what it is all about! We gave these kids so many memories, love, hope and a family. These were the kids that I helped by working with them weekly to make sure all was well. These kids all hold a special place in my heart. 

Our last few days together were great! I was able to take JM and Edwin to the Indy Zoo (which was completely empty since it was a school day AND COLD!). We saw quite a few animals and even got to see and touch some sharks and stingrays!

We spent the night at the hotel and met up with another family and their host child. The kids got to spend some time together and I got to know more about another host family. It really is amazing how connected we all become because of this experience. 

Our day to leave really was a day of crazy emotions. I helped take the kids back so I travelled to Newark with seven children under 16! The total travel time was almost 22 hours. The kids were troopers! 

Upon arrival, it was a quick trip! We completed 19 return interviews and many NEW interviews for next Winter session! We brought back supplies, saw some updates and quickly turned right back around for another 20 hour return trip! 

As this session comes to an end, we are just beginning a new start for many of these kids! Some families are pursuing adoption (YEAH!). And now that some of the older kids have seen some of the other older kids studying in the US (yep, some of the teenagers are hosted by a family and finishing their high school studies in the US), the ones still in the DR see that it IS a possibility and are starting to get their studies in check so that they can participate. We interviewed many NEW kids that are going to be ready for hosting next winter session. There are SO many amazing things that are happening! So... what about my two?

Edwin was told that he would be going to a high school here in the US in the fall! And, JM, well, I am going to do what I can to get him back. He is working hard now as he knows that he has a family here. 

However, I am not going to say that it was all sunshine and roses. There are definitely some difficult moments. There are families (including mine) in the US that are mourning the quiet that has come as a result of the children leaving. There are more orphaned children than there are families. There is less support in general (financial, emotional, etc). So, if you have read and followed my blog, and will continue to do so, how can you help? 

1. Help and support financially - you can donate directly to me (to help with future hosting of JM) OR you can support HOW (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=u5j1oFR8ZSk6Ot44WpRGZogsFrw8BeZWccCxuY5W7iwwJUDboENjt0_FVPsUJ0NhEgySy2Hwie9xgAdf&locale.x=en_US) HOW donations are scholarships directly to the children to help support them and/or their host families.

2. SHARE my story! There are people that are always willing to help but are not aware and they trust YOU. And if YOU trust ME, and they see that, they will help! SHARE! SHARE! SHARE!

3. Follow the HOW FB page (https://www.facebook.com/HostOrphansWorldwide) and watch for opportunities with respect to our next hosting session, and any other needs for our children!

As I close on this particular session, my heart and mind are filled with all sorts of emotions. I will continue to inform on this topic and I hope you will follow me on this path as I am not done.