I loosen Rosalia’s swaddling blankets in the sweltering heat of the ambulance. Rosalia’s limbs, like sticks, betray her malnourishment. It is immediately clear that she has Down syndrome. She is wearing only pink eyelet underpants; white scabies adorn the rest of her thin body. She seems not to notice the siren scream or the jolts as we drive along the rocky road carved into a wooded thicket leading away from the deadly river toward life.
Yet if I speak softly to her, she turns her unfocused eyes toward my face. When I learn through a translator that tiny Rosalia is 4 years old, the lightness of her being becomes unbearable in my arms.
- The Great Tiny Baby Rescue byKaren Swallow Prior, Christianity Today
It’s been a little while since I’ve written about Baby Rescue, but I never stop thinking about it.
Dr. Karen Swallow Prior serves as the Chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages at Liberty University. She was one of the many beautiful people I had the opportunity to meet during my trip to Guatemala with World Help this past October. Christianity Today recently published an article on Operation Baby Rescue that Karen researched and began writing during our trip.
To read the article, the details come back so clear and fresh; I was there, in that place, too; I held those same babies, rode in that same sweltering ambulance, attended that same heart-wrenching funeral with the tiny casket and young mother.
I would love for you to read Karen’s article, The Great Tiny Baby Rescue, for a deeper look into a few of our most intense days in Guatemala, days that are like every day for those babies and families.
Many have asked about my Jenri, the sweet boy who broke and stole my heart in the same moment.
From an email I received yesterday, Jenri is not well.
His tiny, ten-pound frame is no heavier than when I left him three months ago, even as he nears his third birthday.
The doctors say they have done all they can for Jenri. In the words of Carlos Vargas, Director of Hope of Life,
“Please pray that God gives him the strength to continue fighting and prove everyone wrong. Our team of doctors has done all they can; it’s up to Jenri and God now. Let’s pray that he lives!”
Would you join me in praying for my boy Jenri? Since I received the email, I honestly have been wracking my brain for a way to get him here, even if just for temporary comfort of a family. There is no way legally that I can find. So I offer my prayers and ask for yours.
Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.
Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
- Psalm 119:116-117
in tears + hope,
lauren
To read more of my Baby Rescue story, or to make a donation, click here.
sometimes, i share here
photo credits: Michele Lyn
@mercyink
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praying for the precious boy that captured your heart. God knows him, and intimately cares about him. Hugs to you, Lauren.
~Heather @ The Welcoming House
Thank you for praying + encouraging, Heather. It’s a blessing to me and to Jenri. -l
Lauren recently posted…Not One Has Failed {+ Heart+Home link up #30}
I believe …..”the Lord is close to the broken hearted…joining you in prayer..lifting up precious Jenri..trusting His Maker to allow what is best…
with a hopeful heart,
Karmen
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thanks so much Karmen..
Lauren recently posted…heart + home link up {#29}
Lauren ~ Thanks for sharing this emotional post. Living in America, we take so many things for granted – may God open our eyes and heart to the world around us. Praying for God’s love, mercy and comfort for you and this little one. God knows what He is doing and He does all things well. Blessings to you ~
Ronda – grateful for your prayers. I am also praying God might send someone to physically wrap their arms around Jenri and whisper prayers in his ears, since I cannot be with him.
Lauren recently posted…Not One Has Failed {+ Heart+Home link up #30}
Can you please explain the legalities of getting Jenri here? If its a matter of money with the miracles that happen via the internet I’m sure we can all pitch in and get that obsticle out of the way. There has to be a way to save him and here in the States he’s got such a better chance at it. But of course it needs to be done yesterday.
In the meantime I’m praying so hard right along with you.
Sandi- thanks so much for your sweet words + passion! Guatemala is closed for adoption… I know that’s not why he would be coming here necessarily, but I don’t think there is any way to get a child out of the country without his parents getting a Visa, also not a simple process even if they were able to. Not simply financial, though, thank you for being willing to help rally + tackle that obstacle, though!
Lauren recently posted…Not One Has Failed {+ Heart+Home link up #30}
My heart’s heavy…
Michele-Lyn recently posted…Contentment in the Now… [Dream Again Day 25]
I know, friend. I’m trying to cling to hope…
Lauren recently posted…Not One Has Failed {+ Heart+Home link up #30}
So glad you linked at Richella’s today – praying got him now.
Isaiah comes to mind…I have made and I will bear, I will carry and I will save…
Blessings
http://bit.ly/Wr2frJ
Thank you Lib… beautifully encouraging verse.
Lauren recently posted…Not One Has Failed {+ Heart+Home link up #30}
Joining in prayer for this tiny child that has made such a big impact on hearts that know him!
Allyson @ All Our Days recently posted…Weekend Links
Praying for that sweet child.
Deuteronomy 1:29-31 Then God said, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
God has already fought the battle. Jesus redeemed us at the cross.
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Oh wow, such a hard life at such a young age. Definitely praying for him and wisdom for you!
So hard. I was thinking today about how God made our hearts to feel what goes on around us so that we can look to Him for help. I pray for His help to this baby boy and your heart.
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