Current statistics say there are an estimated 163 million orphans in the world.

Try for just a moment to wrap your mind around this: if you wanted to look into the face of each and every orphan for just ONE second, it would take more than FIFTY years to do so.

Each year more than 20,000 children age out of the U.S. foster care system without being adopted. That means they enter adulthood with no support, no family, no dad to walk a girl down the aisle, no man to model being a father, no home to go to at the holidays… This happens here in the States, but all over the world, too. A friend who adopted a child from Russia told of driving through the town near the orphanage and seeing the young teen girls, the ones without families and without a way to support themselves, lining up for men to come pick them up for prostitution services. The interpreter explained to my friends that this was typical for the girls who aged out of the system there; the boys didn’t fare much better, as most ended up in gangs.

Friends, this is NOT okay. I don’t believe every person is called to adopt, but every one of us who claim to be Christians are called to care for orphans. For those that are not Christian, perhaps this mandate from God doesn’t apply to you, but these statistics are no less heartbreaking, and you can make a difference!

There are SO many ways you can care for the orphans of the world, even if you never adopt! A few ways you can join in this mission:

– Consider contributing financially to another family’s adoption expenses.
– Pray for orphans around the world, and pray for adoptive families.
– Provide a supportive, non-judgmental listening ear for adoptive parents.
– Help raise awareness of the needs of orphans around the world.
– Respite care! This means being trained and certified to care for foster/adoptive children temporarily, which allows foster/adoptive families a chance to rest and reconnect so they can continue to devote time and love and energy to the children.

–> Even if you are not currently considering adoption, I do hope you’ll read all of my 10 Days of Adoption posts to learn more, and to know a bit better how to help or encourage adoptive families or friends who may be considering adoption. You can always ask questions here in the comments or by email.

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The 10 Days Series is organized by iHomeschool Network. To visit all the 10 Days posts from the 10 Days Series, just click the collage of lovely faces below!

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »