"Bringing help and hope to a 'special needs' child" in Liberia, West Africa

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! FROM ALL THE FMN TEAM IN LIBERIA!

2012-01-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

Josephus and Favour

Martha

Josephus

Queeta

Kou

Esther

Annie

Martha D.

Merry Christmas from FMN...

2011-12-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just a few days away, and the end of another year with FMN, I love to look back and reflect on the wonders and miracles God has given to us. What a perfect gift God gave the world when he wrapped a baby in the womb of Mary, to be born for us and to die for our sins. God's son is given to us, free for those who accept Him, the greatest gift ever given!

Matthew 1:21, "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:23, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

As we share gifts wrapped in beautiful paper carefully placed under a pretty decorated tree, let us always be mindful of the most precious gift.

Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Thank You Jesus!

Merry Christmas from
The Forget-Me-Not Program!!!

An awesome week in Liberia!

2011-12-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am already missing the kids and the rest of the FMN team, after a wonderful week with them all!
It was a productive and affirming trip. The kids are doing great and growing so fast!!

*** The needs in our program continue to grow, and can sometimes seem overwhelming. God continues guiding and directing us, as well as opening more hearts to our program and these amazing and beautiful children. There are soooo many kids needing us and our commitment!

***If you would like to be a part of our great program in any way, through sharing your talents, time, or through funding and fundraising, please contact me. We would love to have you as part of our team!

Enjoy the pictures from our trip!

Grace and her amazing smile!

This is our David...still so fragile...

Josephus and his foster mom are trying several different things to get him to a healthy weight.

Christina loving Gracie and David...

David

Our FMN kids are not lacking in the 'love' department!

Foster mom Queeta with our newest boy, Diamond! He's looking great!

What a handsome smile Mohammed has!

Josephus and Karen. He has such an amazing heart for our kids!

Foster mom Annie with Favour and Karen

Angel and his beautiful smile!

Donna K dancing with Karen. Karen loves dancing!

Peter W...my trusty driver! He has a heart for all our FMN kids too! He visits and loves on all the kids often!

Hmmm...possible building site...

Josephus and Christina on potential FMN land!

Gracie dancing with foster mom Esther.

Surprise laughing.

A very happy Surprise with foster mom Kou.

Gborlee enjoying his sucker with Jennie and Faith

Gorgeous Korpu!

Neighborhood kids. We always attract a crowd!

Jenni and Faith with Mohammed and Gborlee.

Gracie

Korpu on beach day!

John and William enjoying the beach!

Karen enjoying the wonderful ocean breeze!

Eric..our serious little man...

Foster mom Annie with sweet baby Survivor

Foster moms with Josephus and Christina...
from left to right...
Queeta, Esther, Kou, Josephus, Christina, Martha, Annie and Martha 2

Favour is so happy and the beach!

Group photo

Christina with Hope and Survivor getting kisses..

Josephus and Mohammed

Diamond with Queeta

Beautiful Korpu

Poor Hope was not feeling well...

A happy smiley Surprise!

Martha and Kou

Junior...not happy getting his picture taken

Korpu loving on Alveena

Angel

Cutie Survivor. What a happy baby girl!

Admiring the ocean...

Foster sisters!

Josephus enjoying the water!

The directors enjoying the beach!

All of us really loved the ocean breeze and beautiful day! What a blessed time we had!

Faith with Mohammed and Jenni with Gborlee

Only in Liberia can you fit 30 people in a small van!

This is sleeping Emmanuel with his momma. We would love to support her so she can continue taking wonderful care of baby Emmanuel.

A sleepy Junior...

John and Korpu in school uniform

This is the school where John and Korpu attend.

A happy Alvenna.

Queeta with Diamond.

Handsome Diamond

John loves his drum. He also loves to dance to the drum.

Sweet babyTiamma. We are hoping to support her and her momma so they can continue to be together.

Faith and a happy Mohammed.

A happy Barry!

Foster sister with Diamond

Alveena smiling at Martha.

A happy beautiful Alveena.

Michelle loving on Survivor.

Martha watching Karen in the walker. She loves the independence!

The needs are BIG...

2011-12-06T01:40:00.000-08:00

These two beautiful children are in need of FMN Outreach. The little boy (above with his mamma), is just over one year and has visible Microcephaly and constantly is seizing. We don't know if he has epilepsy or what diagnosis he may have. A gracious donor has given funds to take him for medical care and try to get a diagnosis and see is there is any anti seizure medication we can put him on. His mother has been taking very good care of him with what she has, but she has very little resources and is very poor. The Forget-Me-Not program would like to give her some funding support for rice, formula and medication. She will be surrounded by our wonderful foster mothers willing to help and support her, as well as Josephus monitoring their needs every week.
WE ARE SEEKING A MONTHLY OUTREACH SUPPORT OF $100/MONTH FOR THIS SWEET BABY BOY...

This sweet baby girl was brought by her mother for us to see. She is over one year old and also has Microcephaly. Her mother has taken such wonderful care of her, and even does physical therapy on her daughter. This little girl looks to be very well nourished. The Forget-Me-Not program would love to partner with this devoted momma and give her some support and encouragement to continue her daughters care. We would help her with food and formula, as well as continue teaching her more physical therapy, monitor her health and weight. All our foster mothers are willing to be her support system to encourage this momma to keep her child.
WE ARE SEEKING A MONTHLY OUTREACH SPONSORSHIP OF $75/MONTH..

Please contact me for any questions or if you are interested in sponsorship.

Thank You!!

Beach Day!!!

2011-12-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

Through a gracious donor, we were able bring all the foster families and the FMN kids to the beach! We all enjoyed the beautiful weather, quality time and some great snacks! The logistics of transporting 18 special needs kids and all the foster families was a challenge...but it all worked out! What a blessed day!

Day 3 in Liberia...

2011-12-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

It's been wonderful to see all the FMN kids, I miss them so much when I'm gone, as well as the rest of the FMN team here.  All the kids have grown so much since my last trip!!

I've been able to spend a lot of time with each of the kids, and will share some highlights...

Barry continues to show his huge smile whenever we come to visit. He loves it when I talk and love on him...this kid has the most precious smile and laugh! He has gotten a lot more stronger and flexible with therapy.

Korpu is the cutest drama queen we have! She is going to school because of a wonderful sponsor, and LOVES it!  Korpu is such a delight to be around and will gladly give hugs to those she knows!

Alvena is our quiet beauty. She loves observing and taking everything in.  But, the minute her foster mom comes around, she lights up with her beautiful smile!

John continues to sing and dance for us...LOVES school and church! He is the most content and easy going child I have met!

William, my little butterfly, continues to be more social. He has more smiles and laughs, and still enjoys coming to hold my hand and walk with me. He is such a special boy to me.

Gracie is a go getter! She wants to walk and will be receiving her walker during our trip. She has such a precious laught and beautiful smile. Gracie is our social girl.

Gborlee is our silly ham! The kid has the funniest personality!! He continues to gain strength and show wonderful signs of pre-vocabulary with all the great sounds he can make.

Diamond is our newest little boy. He is one and has CP. He is quite content being held and talked to, and lights up with foster mom.

Junior is still afraid of us white people...but getting a little relaxed around us. He is getting really strong and can stand with assistance.   He truly loves his foster mom and will smile when we aren't looking!

Hope is one who has captured my heart. She has gotten stronger, babbles...and has a really cute pouty lip when she gets sad. Hope is a great cuddle bug! I could hold her all day!

David is slowly gaining weight and has been healthier and more loose since we got him. I just increased his feedings to hopefully get some weight on him faster. He looks so much better and is a lot less tense.

Hope

William and foster sister

Peter and Hope (A GOO medical case)

Gracie

Eric

Surprise and Foster mom Kou

Gracie

Community kids

Jenni and Faith with Mohammed and Gborlee

Barry and Hope

Josephus and Christina on potential FMN land

I will give the rest of the updates on another post. So for now, enjoy more wonderful pics that Michelle has been taking!

Day 2 with the FMN kids...

2011-12-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Gracie and Foster mom

Barry

Hope

David

Junior and Foster mom

Alvena

Karen

Foster mom and Survivor

Eric

Survivor

Korpu

Day 1 in Liberia...

2011-12-01T23:44:00.000-08:00

Sweet Karen!

Click on the link below for more pics of our day!
http://globalorphanoutreach.blogspot.com/

Emmanuel...

2011-10-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is sweet Emmanuel. He is a one year old little boy, diagnosed with CP. Looking at his picture, his head also looks to be on the small side, but he looks healthy. His family does not want him...

The realities of raising a child with 'special needs' in Liberia, is a difficult one. You can be shunned, shamed and offered no help. Families see no hope or future with a 'special needs' child. We have tried to counsel the family and offer our help and support, trying to encourage them to keep sweet Emmanuel. We have so many wonderful FMN foster moms that want to come alongside a family, and encourage them through example. Unfortunately for Emmanuel, his family has decided they want to abandon him. They are done...

Just like little Diamond, who is on the post just prior to Emmanuels, we are seeking sponsors. Diamond now has a committed monthly sponsor. It's Emmanuels turn to have that chance too!

Will you consider helping sweet Emmanuel?

Diamond needs a sponsor...

2011-10-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

DIAMOND HAS A SPONSOR!!!

Diamond is 1.9 year old little boy that has mild Cerebral Palsy. He is presently living with his family that wants to abandon him and is not taking good care of him. We need a sponsor to step up for him or a one time commitment of $150, to bring him immediately into the FMN program.

LET'S CHANGE DIAMONDS LIFE AND PUT A SMILE ON THAT PRECIOUS FACE!

Contact Christina

Making a difference in a special child's life!

2011-10-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Pictures are worth a thousand words!! I wanted to give you a glimpse of how much of an impact your sponsorship funds have on a special child!

Below are a few 'before and after' pictures of just a few of our FMN kids.

FAVOUR - (Left picture is of Favour at a feeding center where she was abandoned. Right picture is Favour today in her loving FMN foster home)!

HOPE - (Left picture taken immediately upon arrival from a village where she was being starved. Right picture is happy Hope today, being loved on and cared for)!

BARRY - (Left picture is at a hospital where Barry was living because of being abandoned and no place would take him in. Right picture is of Barry extremely happy and being loved by his own FMN foster family).

SURVIVOR - (Left picture taken soon after bringing her in our care, abandoned by her family. Right picture taken just a month later, thriving in her FMN foster home)!

Please consider becoming a FMN sponsor!

Contact Christina Hoffman

forgetmenotchildren@yahoo.com

or #651-353-5248

Forget-Me-Not Community and Children's Village

2011-10-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

The above title, may very well be the future of the FMN Program! We are excited to share that we are 'brainstorming' the future for FMN! A whole community, built from the ground up, of foster homes, a community school with special education, a physical therapy department, a huge playground adapted for all the FMN kids, as well as a community playground incorporated alongside it! We see using the land as a big part of the 'self efficiency' too! Gardens, chickens, goats...and land able to produce crops for the community! So many possibilities and big dreams! Not only will the FMN kids and foster families be blessed, but the surrounding community as well! We have plans to train and employ local Liberians for various positions, along with a few Americans to direct and oversee the FMN Village Community.

We will be visiting various land areas, talking with contractors, etc., before the end of this year!

Look for more information in the near future!

This looks like a mountain to all of us...BUT...God gave us the vision of this village, now it's our job to be obedient and plan forward!

*We invite you to come alongside us and share your commitment of time and talent to build and implement this Village! This will take a community of others, to build the Forget-Me-Not Community!

"Family" is an important part of the FMN program!

2011-09-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Below is picture of Josephus, the FMN Liberian Director (on right), with his wife and family, together in their newly rented home!

Josephus' family has not been able to live with him because of the high expense in the Monrovia area. He would travel all day to their family home every few months and visit for a few days with his family. He sacrificed a year and a half, being away from his family, as a commitment to the FMN program.

Because family is such an important part of the FMN program, we felt it a priority to raise funds for rent on a home so they could all be together.

The FMN Church Rummage Sale, AND the Garage sale at Michelle's, was able to cover those expenses of the $2500 needed! So Josephus' family was able to move down to the Monrovia area and be together!

What a blessing it was to finally meet his blessed family in their new home! They love their 'modern' home and the location.

You can tell how happy they all are by the smiles in the picture!

Thank you to all who helped and donated for the Rummage and Garage sales! It truly is a blessing to all of us to see Josephus have his family together again!

Visiting the FMN kids!!!

2011-08-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Survivor...(diagnosis:severe malnourishment/neglect)

I am just now getting to posting some pics from our trip to the FMN kids last week.

Below is our sweet little girl Survivor. She came to us at 5 pounds and is now just over 7 pounds. She is looking healthy, is very alert and aware of her surroundings. We are guessing her to be no younger than 4 months. Once she starts growing more, we may have a more accurate age. Her foster mom has done an amazing job getting her to gain weight. She eats very good and sleeps well. She is beautiful!

Favour...(diagnosis:CP)

Here is our gorgeous Favour! She plays so well with the other kids in her home, and can be very silly! She is such a great eater, has the most beautiful smile, and is doing great learning to stand!

Karen...(diagnosis:CP)

She is getting better at her walking, starting to say a few words, plays very well with her foster siblings, loves to clap and listen to singing and dancing. Karen has had some serious feeding issues, and we are hoping that those will be resolved with oral therapy ...(peanut butter!). Karen's foster mom is doing such a great job with feeding her, and helping her blossom! She's got such a sweet smile!

Hope...(diagnosis:CP)

She is doing amazing! She has completely filled out and has gotten so strong! She can even bare weight on her legs! She has the most wonderful happy personality, smiling and baby talking the whole week we were with her. Her foster mom states she is like this all the time. She is precious!!

Junior...(diagnosis:CP)

He is sooo healthy and strong! Poor Junior is still so scared of us pale face people! Even though his foster mom says he is such a happy boy, I have yet to see a smile! During his assessment, he screamed the whole time. One of these days I will be able to love on him, just not yet...

Junior is doing so wonderful with his foster mom and siblings!

David...(diagnosis:CP/severe malnourishment/neglect)

From the time we brought David into the program, he has had chronic malaria, and was suffering from severe malnourishment. He had just recently been discharged from the hospital and is starting to eat very well. He is still so fragile and needs to gain a lot of weight to become healthy. I have full trust in his foster mom to take wonderful care of him and help him start gaining weight.

Angel...(diagnosis:CP)

What a handsome sweetheart! Angel is so easy going and has the most precious smile and giggle! He has gotten very strong, and loved jumping in the jumper that was donated for this trip. What a handsome little man!

Eric...(diagnosis:CP)

I am so proud of this little guy! His personality is just blossoming! He smiled and laughed for the first time, during our trip. Foster mom has always stated how "serious" Eric is. It was almost as if he did not know how to smile, then once he did it, he continued to smile and laugh. It was such a sweet blessing to see more of his personality. He can play very nice with toys, loves his foster mom, is a great eater, and likes to listen to singing and dancing. We tried so hard to catch a smile in a picture, but were not successful. Such a handsome boy!

Surprise...(diagnosis:Microcephaly)

He is still such a happy boy, easy to please, adores his foster mom, and has gotten a lot stronger! Surprise is so easy going and fun to play with.

Mohammed...(diagnosis:CP)

What can I say? He is adorable! He has grown so much these past few months and has gotten stronger. His adoptive mom came on this trip, so she got to love on her boy!

Alvena...(diagnosis:CP)

What a sweet and beautiful little girl! Alvena has a quiet and calm personality, and has a smile that melts your heart! She is growing and getting stronger with therapy. She is sooo sweet!

Korpu...(diagnosis:Failure to thrive)

She is our healthy princess! Korpu is thriving, and is very much a girly girl! She is so sweet with the rest of the kids, loving on them and teasing them, but also can be a stinker! Her personality is adorable and is so easy to love on!

Barry...(diagnosis:CP)

Such a joy to be in his presence. Barry has the biggest smile, sweetest disposition. He loves being held, and can communicate very well in his own way. His foster mom knows exactly when and what he needs, by his sounds and gestures. Barry has done great with continued therapy and message.

William...(diagnosis:Autism)

I get to see more of his sweet personality, every time I visit. He has such a gentle and loving spirit. I can't believe this is the same little boy that curled up in a dark corner and would rock himself, not allowing anyone to touch him. He loves walking hand in hand with you, and truly craves loving touch. Although William is non verbal, he can communicate his wants and needs with his body language very well. Such a sweet boy!

John...(diagnosis:Cognative/Learning disabled)

He LOVES dancing and singing! He gets silly happy when he starts his dancing routine. John has an enfectious smile, and is so easy to please, and such a calm personality. He loves school and going to church! His foster mom says that he is starting to say short sentences, and does very well following instructions.

Grace...(diagnosis:CP)

She is such a beautiful and motivated little girl! All Gracie wants to do is walk walk walk! We are desperately trying to get a walker over to her that will give her enough support, and allow her feet to go wherever Gracie wants to go! Her feet are always going! She loves her foster mom and loves playtime. Gracie has gained a lot of strength, and has grown so much these past few months! What a sweet and beautiful girl!

Gborlee...(diagnosis:CP)

What a handsome little guy! He has got such a funny personality, but takes awhile to warm up to you. He is very attached to his foster mom. Gborlee has grown so much, and has gotten so much stronger. His adoptive mommy got to visit this trip. She is one blessed mommy!

No pics...not good internet...

2011-08-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

So sorry to not be able to update everyone with pictures of all the beautiful FMN kids!! The internet service here won't let us load any pictures.

I can't wait to show you their wonderful improvements!

Our little Survivor is thriving! She is looking so healthy, alert, but still such a tiny peanut.
Little David is so fragile right now...he came to us with chronic Malaria and severe malnourishment, and recently was released from the hospital. He needs a lot of prayer for his health, and to be able to put some weight on quickly.
William has been my shadow since we got here. He loves holding my hands! So cute!
John is always smiling!
Gracie is wanting to go go go! She loves walking with our help.
Korpu is her normal cute goofy self!
Elvena is quiet, but LOVES to be held!
Hope has gained so much weight, she is sooo healthy. Always smiling and talking 'baby talk.'
Junior is very attached to his foster mom, and is quite scared of us white ladies.
Gborlee is so stinkin adorable!
Surprise is still our happy boy!
Angel has gotten stronger!
Mohammed is looking like a little boy and is so adorable with his cooing!
AND...the biggest blessing I have received so far, is Eric smiled and laughed for the first time while we were visiting him! THAT made my heart sing!!!! This kid has a wonderful personality that has been waiting to come out. Yahoo!

I promise to keep trying to get pics loaded...but it may not be until I am back in the states...

Our trip is wonderful so far!
God Bless,
Christina

FYI!!

2011-08-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

I will be in Liberia all next week!

If internet is good, I will try to update the blog several times during the week! So keep a look out!

The greatest privilege I have as director of this program, is being able to love on some very special kids and see the wonderful progress they are making!

SEE YOU IN LIBERIA!
Christina

Our amazing girl, Survivor!

2011-07-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the updated pictures of beautiful Survivor, after just a week in Forget-Me-Not's care!

Her foster mom is doing such a great job!

Survivor's update!

2011-07-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Survivor is doing very well with foster mom Annie. She's smiling and eating well! I will post pics as soon as I can!

Meet a little girl named Survivor...

2011-07-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

I got a phone call yesterday from Josephus in Liberia, explaining about a baby girl that was abandoned and left in the arms of one of our foster moms. Her story is a very sad one. Survivors mom is a prostitute, had not been caring for the child, passed her off to the grandparents, who cannot take care of her either. They heard about our program, brought her to one of the foster homes, and left. You can see from these pictures that her special need is severe malnourishment. These pictures break my heart...I cannot understand how a child can be so neglected and left to starve. We don't know her exact age, we are estimating 6 months.

We need immediate sponsorship for this precious one! Please consider joining our FMN family and watching a child be transformed...

We now have 3 kids who need full sponsorship! Alvena, David and Survivor. If you can't do full sponsorship, please please consider a partial sponsorship.

RUMMAGE SALE!!

2011-07-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual Forget-Me-Not Rummage Sale!!!

WHEN? JULY 22 & 23

WHERE? CALVARY CHAPEL RED WING, 800 EAST AVE., RED WING, MN

WHY??? ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT FORGET-ME-NOT CHILDREN'S HOMES

WHAT? ITEMS TO SELL

PLEASE DONATE GENTLY USED ITEMS SUCH AS FURNITURE, LAMPS, PICTURES, POTS & PANS, DISHWARE, TOYS, CLOTHING, SHOES, BEDDING, BICYCLES, ETC...

LAST YEAR WE HAD AN AWESOME TURNOUT OF VOLUNTEERS AS WELL AS DONATIONS WITH ABOUT $1200 BEING RAISED TO HELP PURCHASE THE FMN VEHICLE!

OUR GOAL FOR THIS YEAR IS TO RAISE OVER $2000!

***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TOWARDS THE RUMMAGE SALE, PLEASE CONTACT CHRISTINA...651-353-5248.

FMN Immediate Needs...Can you Help?

2011-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

FMN needs your help this month! If you can help in any way...WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!

1. ~~We need a laptop for the director in Liberia (can be used). The one we had, got a virus and wiped out EVERYTHING! He cannot get it recovered!~~

2. Funds toward rent for our foster homes.

3. Funds toward tires for our FMN truck. Each tire is $150. All the tires were blown, ON THE WAY FOR TWO OF OUR KIDS TO BE EVALUATED FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY! We are having to park truck until we have these tires.

4. Two New Monthly Sponsors.

*A wonderful donor just donated a camera for the program! Thank You!!!!

Please feel free to call me or email me with any questions! WE LOVE ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!

Seeking two new child sponsors for two beautiful and special kids!!!

2011-06-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here's one of our kids needing an immediate sponsor!

Alvena is 3 yrs. old and has mild Cerebral Palsy...

Two new kids needing sponsors...

2011-06-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

FMN is looking for sponsors for two new kids we are bringing into the program within the next week.

Here is handsome David. His birthdate is June 11, 2010, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Here is sweet 3 year old Elvena, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

If you would like to become a FMN sponsor for one of these beautiful children, or a regular sponsor for any of our ongoing program needs, please email me or give me a call. Our program is making a huge impact on the lives of all our special needs children. Sponsorship is the most important aspect of this program! Please consider partnering with us?

More beautiful pictures of some amazing FMN kids!!!

2011-05-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Pictures of our beautiful kids!

2011-05-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!!

2011-04-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Alvena needs us!!

2011-04-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

We are still in need of two sponsors! Gracie, pictured below, is already in our program but needing sponsor funds. We are playing 'catch up' this month because of bringing in 3 new kids last month without sponsors.

I am happy to announce that Hope and Junior now have committed sponsors!! Awesome news for FMN!!

Alvena (pictured left),is waiting for us! She needs a sponsor now!

Alvena has been cared for by her family and is very healthy. She is 3 years old and has Cererbral Palsy. Josephus (the Liberian side director), has had several meetings with this family, trying to encourage them to keep sweet Alvena and the FMN program would come alongside, helping them through support and training. BUT, they said they are done! They want her in our program asap. When a family decides they are 'done' with their child, it is crucial to move quickly. I would like to see Alvena in our program by the next week.

Please consider being a FMN sponsors! All of our beautiful children need you!

Gracie (Age 3, has Cerebral Palsy)

Enjoy some pics of our March trip!!

2011-04-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Foster mom Kou, and Surprise

Beautiful Favour

Michelle and Favour

Happy Barry

Barry and Christina

Foster sister holding Karen

Foster mom Martha, walking with

William, Korpu and Melvin to the party!

Angel and Eric, leg wrestling!

Adorable Mohammed

Angel LOVES his foster mom!

Celebration party!

Barry

Foster mom Esther and William

Josephus and Surprise

Karen

Beautiful Gracie!

Princess Korpu!

Junior

John in his school uniform

Gborlee

Korpu

Karen playing with neighbor girl

Josephus

John and his drum

Cutie Melvin

Sleepy Korpu

Foster moms laughing

Smiling Barry

Karen walking!!

Favour loves Josephus!

Esther and Gracie

Happy Gracie

Handsome William

Melvin playing

Group hug!

Amazing Hope!

Most of the FMN team!

Meet Hope...

2011-03-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Below is a picture of sweet Hope age 2 1/2. She came into our program the night before this picture was taken, exactly two weeks ago. She was so malnourished, too weak to move any part of her body. You can't see it in the picture, but her skin was just hanging off her bones. There was little expression in her face. She was from a very poor village, neglected because of her disability. We think she has mild Cerebral Palsy, and should know more once she has her strength back up.

Here is beautiful Hope just two weeks later!!!! I just received this pic yesterday! Look at the light in those eyes!! She has a wonderful FMN foster mom that cares and loves her! I hear she's a good eater!!

PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A SPONSOR TO ONE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL KIDS! WE WELCOME PARTIAL SPONSORSHIPS, AS WELL AS ONE TIME DONATIONS!!!

THANK YOU!!

ERIC NEEDS YOUR SPONSORSHIP!!!

2011-03-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Meet Eric! Eric came to us six months ago, very malnourished, always wearing a blank stare, not moving much, a lot of sores on his hands from chewing and scratching himself, and would bang his head alot.

I have seen so much improvement in Eric. He eats really well and is starting to fill out a little bit. He understands his foster mom, even answering her with facial cues and sometimes verbal sounds. He has gained strength in his hands, arms and legs, as well as his neck and trunk muscles. We think he has CP, and is very delayed because of his muscle weakness. I noticed him several times studying my face when I was holding him, and concentrating on activities going on around him. He is very aware of his surroundings, and his foster mom is working on getting him to smile. Eric's sores have healed and he is no longer chewing or scratching his hands and arms. It was wonderful to see him playing with a toy when it was within reach!

On one of the visits we had from the government, they were very surprised to see Eric alive! They honestly thought he was not going to make it! Yet here he is, growing and improving!

I see so much wonderful potential in this little boy! I can't wait to see more improvements as he continues to come out of his shell.

Please consider being Eric's sponsor! All of our kids need your help to thrive!!

Our program is helping all these beautiful kids!

Junior NEEDS A SPONSOR!

2011-03-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is handsome Junior with our newest foster mom, Martha. Junior is 20 months old and has Cerebral Palsy. He was very afraid of us 'white women', so I was not able to evaluate his muscle weakness as much as I would have liked. He cannot sit on his own, has very weak trunk and neck muscles, but is very healthy. He moves all his arms and legs nicely, responds to Marthas verbal cues and love. He eats and drinks great! He was attaching nicely to his foster mom. We expect some wonderful improvements from Junior in the near future!

Please consider being Junior's sponsor, or a sponsor to any one of our FMN children! We would love to have you as a partner in helping these special children reach their greatest potential!

Grace NEEDS A SPONSOR!

2011-03-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Grace is 3 years old and has full body Cerebral Palsy, mostly the muscle tightness rather than the lack of muscle strength. She is very healthy and is strong. She loves to stand (with support from others), and thrives on praise. Because she has the correct movements and body posture to be able to simulate walking, we would love to get her a walker in the near future. She has the most beautiful smile, and is great at interacting with others.

While visiting with Gracie last week, Michelle interacted a lot with her and learned how motivated Gracie was by simply praising her while excercising. She really utilized her leg muscles a lot!

Please consider being a sponsor for Gracie!!!

NEEDING CHILD SPONSORS...

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

With the three new FMN kids, we are in need of committed sponsors to help cover their care costs. Without sponsors, we cannot cover our costs to feed and properly care for these precious ones. Our program is growing, the foster moms are doing an amazing ministry of caring for all the FMN kids, and every child in our program is doing fantastic!

We don't want to turn away any child due to the lack of funds, so we faithfully bring a child in need, into our program, hoping that a sponsors can soon be found.

Our kids needing immediate sponsors are... Eric, Hope, Junior and Grace. I will be posting more pics from our trip, so you will need to scroll down to see the kids' pics for now. Please let me know if you would like to help. FMN email forgetmenotchildren@yahoo.com or click on the 'donate' button on the left if you would like to help us with a one time donation.

Thank you so much!
Christina

More pics from day 6!

2011-03-20T03:23:00.000-07:00

Josephus and the FMN truck...

Sweet and goofy Melvin!

Korpu doing her handprint.

Day 6 in Liberia...

2011-03-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day to spend with the kids and caregivers. It's always so sad to leave. Each and every one of these children are so special, as well and our caregivers and Josephus, the Liberian director. I'm proud of all their hard work and the love they pour into this program. It takes so many hands to make a program work, and everyone on our FMN team is truly making it work! This program is changing the lives of these precious children!

Cutie Mohammed!

Our newest caregiver, Martha, and our new boy, Junior! He is severely afraid of 'white people' and the camera, so we did not get a smile out of him.

This smile is sooooo worth a million bucks! After just two days in our care, Hope was smiling!!!! She was so weak and dehydrated when she came into our program, she couldn't lift her head or move. Now, after two days with her foster mom...she's holding up her head briefly, and started moving her arms and legs a little bit. She's going to do great in our program!

Christina and Kou. Kou is my most precious foster mom and the 'overseer' of the other foster moms. I see the love of Jesus when I watch her with our FMN kids.

Day 5 in Liberia...

2011-03-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Christina and Gborlee...

John with his drum. He loves to dance to his drum!!

Melvin posing for pic. He was pretty silly today, we just didn't catch the silliness on camera!

Surprise can laugh like crazy! He is very engaging and interacts wonderfully, and, throws some amazing tantrums!

Day 4 in Liberia...

2011-03-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Today we went to one of the hospitals that have referred us several of our FMN kids. It was great to see the nurses and doctors who cared for them, and they were all so greatful for our type of program to come alongside them and help these special kids.

We then went to a chicken farm to get some pricing on chicks. Our goal is to provide each of our foster homes with egg laying chickens so they'll can get more protein in the kids' diet. The FMN program will be doing an Easter fundraiser for this purpose in the next few weeks!

We then went to visit the foster moms and FMN kids! Our favorite part of every day here!

We are in need of 3 new sponsors for 3 new kids! Please consider being part of the FMN sponsorship program to help these precious little ones. It is the committed sponsors that help these special ones thrive!

Enjoy a few pics...

This is from our cake and balloon day!

This little girl we took in yesterday as an immediate placement due to her condition. She is very malnourished and weak, but is now with a loving foster mom.

Eric enjoying his new toy!

Karen laughing at her foster mom! Super cute smile!

Beauty Queen Korpu!

Day 3 with the kids!

2011-03-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Today I surprised all the foster moms and kids with cake and balloons! I wanted to celebrate and congratulate them on the wonderful care they've been providing, but especially for the praises we have been getting from the government. Pics of the party will come later! Enjoy a few pics that the internet allowed to upload.

Cutie Angel!!!

Michelle and Gborlee...he was really studying Michelle's face...

Beautiful Grace (the foster moms call her Gracie)

Today was another awesome day of spending a lot of time with all the caregivers and kids. The cake and balloons went over really well with everyone! Since we are able to spend so much time with the kids, we are seeing some wonderful personalities come out. Here is a quick rundown of a few...

Favour interacts so well with her foster mom, playing and teasing, then giggles! So cute!

Barry is full of smiles and has giggled more than I have ever seen him!

John is loving school and is adorable in his uniform! Still sings and dances!

William is doing so well, likes hugs on his terms,and continues to improve around crowds.

Gborlee was playing, smiling and laughing! I haven't been able to see that before!

Karen was giggling and laughing with her foster mom and a few neighborhood kids.

There's a lot more details, but again, unreliable internet, so I want to send this out!

Goodnight from Liberia! Christina

Day 2 at the FMN homes

2011-03-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today we brought bubbles for blowing, yesterday we brought supplies and gifts for all the kids, tomorrow is a surprise!
The kids are warming up to the camera, as well as us. We had a lot of smiles! Barry was funny...he started to cry everytime I walked away from him, he was even trying to 'noodle' his way out of the wheelchair to get down to try to get to me. Barry has improved so much in his ability to move. He loves air walking, but mostly loves to be held. He's got a million dollar smile! Korpu came right up to me for holding, Melvin did come to me with some coaxing, John was all smiles, William continues to amaze me with his desire to hold my hand and walk around with me. Karen has been gaining some good weight, and her skin has cleared up so nicely. She had terrible sores when she came into our program, was even chewing on her feet and lip. She's looking great now! Gborlee is just cute, period! Grace loves to giggle and practice walking...she's adjusting quite well to her foster mom. We did not have time to see Favour today, but will tomorrow...her foster home is farther out. Angel, Eric, Surprise and Mohammed are the 'quadruplets!' Their foster mom, Kou, is an amazing woman...she beams joy and love for each one of these boys. It was such a treat to spend a long time sitting and chatting with her, and holding all the boys. Today was a great day of 'chilling' with the moms and loving on all the kids!

Barry all smiles!

***After several attempts to upload pics, it's just not working. Most of the pics for the blog will have to wait until we get back to the states.

I forgot to mention this...yesterday the foster moms had bought fresh watermelon for Michelle and I. We all sat around at Kou's and enjoyed it thoroughly!!

Posting from Liberia!!! Our first full day!

2011-03-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Our first full day in Liberia was FANTASTIC!! I may have a short window of internet time, so I won't waste it on writing, but more importantly, share pics! Michelle did a great job with the pictures and I can't wait for her to fill up the week with more pictures and video!
All the FMN kids look soooooo beautiful and healthy!! WAHOO!! I absolutely loved seeing the growth and improvement of each of our kids. I am so proud of Josephus and our foster moms! They are all so dear to my heart, and I am so appreciative and thankful for their commitment to the care of these special little ones!

William (Christina's little butterfly), smiling and giggling!!! This beautiful boy could not smile or laugh when he was first brought into our program 6 months ago. Look at him now!! That's my boy!!!!

Handsome Mohammed! I don't think he could be any cuter!!

Gorgeous Favour...she's so beautiful!

Foster mom, Esther, with our newest little girl, Grace. She's loving sharing her sucker with Mom!

Eric pondering. This is one of the few moments he wasn't

doing silly faces!

We will be visiting the kids almost everyday while we are here. So...if we have internet, I will be posting everyday with pics.
From Liberia, Christina

The FMN program has been rated EXCELLENT!

2011-02-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

I just received this news from Josephus today...

..."The Ministry Of Health & Social Welfare unexpectedly came to our FMN Homes today.The team consisted of five members, including those from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. They really praised our program for quality caretaking and graded us excellent!"

This just makes me beam with great pride for all our team members on the ground in Liberia!

Great job Josephus! Great job FMN foster moms!!!

WE FINALLY HAVE OUR 4RUNNER!!!

2011-01-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

After many many months of delays at the port in Monrovia Liberia, Josephus finally has his much needed vehicle for the FMN program! All glory to God! It is truly a miracle that we got the truck out of port, and everything inside the truck was right where we left it when it was packed here in August.

Other than the battery needing a jumpstart, everything is great! This will be a HUGE blessing to our program, Josephus, all the kids and the caregivers! Thank you to all who were instrumental in aquiring the 4Runner, through funds and contacts. Thank you to the team in Liberia who persevered, stood their ground, and never gave up! Awesome!! WE OFFICIALLY HAVE A FMN VEHICLE!!!

Meet handsome Mohammed...

2011-01-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Meet our newest member to the Forget-Me-Not Program!
This precious little guy has Cerebral Palsy. These pics are taken from the hospital where he was abandoned. He is now in a FMN home with his wonderful foster mom, and is adjusting nicely.

Please pray for our FMN kids...

2011-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our Precious Patience...

It's with great sadness that I am writing this post. To our shock, Patience passed away from Malaria on Tuesday morning. The sweet and goofy personality that Patience brought into the family of FMN kids and caregivers, will be severely missed. She had the most beautiful face and cutest giggle. There is just a huge emptyness now. She will be missed....I'm just at a loss for words...

Our FMN kids are so vunerable to every aspect of life in Liberia. Malaria is a huge killer for all kids in Liberia...especially 'special needs' kids. Our program does what it can to prevent this killer, but we are so limited. Please pray that the government will follow through with their word, and allow 'special needs' kids to be adopted. Just being able to get these kids out of the country, away from Malaria infestations, have the access to sufficient medical care and be adopted and loved into their forever family will be a huge step. I'm so tired of watching kids die from such a senseless killer! The death of Patience has given us all the more reason to fight and advocate for the lives of these precious children.

We will miss our beautiful princess, Patience...

Day 6

2010-12-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Josephus and Christina having a meeting with the FMN foster moms

Therapy "refresher" course using Favour as our 'model'

Stretching Barry

Barry

Barry 'happy feet!'

Barry and foster mom

Josephus and Christina having our meeting with the foster moms

Denise and Melvin

Korpu 'platting' her dolls head

Patience on the phone...again

Bubbles!

Gborlee clapping...

Treating the foster homes with donuts and juice for breakfast!

Josephus and Christina

Co-Directors for FMN!

OUR COSTS ARE NOT COVERED THIS MONTH!!

2010-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

WE ARE IN NEED OF ~~FOUR~~ ~~THREE~~ ~~TWO~~ ONE MORE SPONSOR TO COVER OUR COSTS!! Please pass on this info...

If you can help sponsor a FMN child ($25-$100 per month), please email me asap. We have medical costs that are taking out of our regular sponsor funds. If we can get all our kids sponsored, this would not be an issue. Our kids are so worth every cent! These kids are more vulnerable and suseptable to common illnesses, so they need very high nutrition and care. We really need your help!
PLEASE HELP US GET ALL OUR KIDS SPONSORED!

Surprise

William(SPONSORED)

John(SPONSORED)

Eric(SPONSORED)

Visiting K Village...

2010-11-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

On our third day in Liberia, we were up before the sun, ate breakfast and headed out of town on a 5 hour drive to Pastor Peter's village. This is a very remote village about 4 hours out, then we 'four wheel' in a few miles, then walk the rest of the way. We had planned this for a medical outreach day, knowing from our last visit that we weren't prepared for all the illness we encountered. So we did bring supplies to treat what we could. Tracey, a Nurse Practitioner, Josephus and Denise both nurses, were able to diagnose and treat more than 60 adults and children! They ROCKED!!! Some of the things diagnosed were...Intestinal Worms, Malaria, ear infections and Bronchitis. This team of 3 were amazing!! Thank You Tracey, Josephus and Denise!!
We also brought 50 Cabbage Patch Dolls that were donated to us! The whole village was very intrigued by these dolls. They loved the fact that they could 'plat' some of the dolls hair! We also brought a ton of little cars, a variety of other little toys and suckers, which are always a hit! This village is filled with the most loving people!
After such a long day, we encountered a flat tire, which was promptly fixed! Then headed back for the LONG drive back to town.
Thanks Jim for the wonderful pics!

Day 2...Physicals for all FMN kids and outreach kids!

2010-11-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Tracey, a nurse practitioner, graciously agreed to give all our FMN kids physicals, as well as our outreach kids! Leslie took great notes and was her helper for the day! Thanks so much you two!!! This is a wonderful gift you have shared and given to our program!

Patience talking on the phone!

Gborlee

Korpu

Favour in foster mom's lap

Favour and Pastor Peter

Josephus passing out toy cars

Tracey and Brown

Patience

Melvin

Korpu

Eric

Surprise

John

Korpu

Denise and Melvin

William

John

A few pics from day 1

2010-11-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Christina, Leslie and Favour

Favour is stylin'

Foster mom with Melvin and Korpu

Gborlee and Christina

Our first full day in Liberia, was spent visiting the FMN kids and foster families. What a blessing to see how the kids have grown and progressed, meeting a few of our newest arrivals and giving big hugs to the foster moms, who I have grown to care for deeply. They are wonderful examples to the surrounding communities!

Hi From Liberia!!!

2010-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

We are in Liberia, loving on all the kids! We have had no internet since we got here and don't know how long we will have internet...sooooo...this will be quick and I promise to update the blog on what we have been doing, when I get back to the states. Internet is also VERY slow!

So far it's been a wonderful blessed trip and we still have a lot to do and see!

The kids are doing excellent and we are loving on all of them!

Promise to update later!!!!

God Bless From Liberia,
Christina

Some wonderful happenings for Forget-Me-Not...

2010-10-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here is handsome Gborlee! He is our newest FMN child. I have to say, I just fell in love with his picture! He will be turning 2 and has mild CP. What a blessing he will be to his foster mom and foster sister!

Our trip to Liberia is coming up quick! I cannot wait to love on all our beautiful FMN children and build upon the relationships of our foster families! This is my favorite part of being involved in this wonderful program for 'special needs.' I am blessed to work alongside such a compassionate team of people. I have a wonderful Co-Director, Josephus, whose the hands and feet of FMN in Liberia. He's got an amazing heart for these kids and FMN. I work very closely with Donna, director and founder of Global Orphan Outreach. And now our newest member of the FMN team, Leslie. Leslie truly has a wonderful caring and compassionate heart and is a perfect fit for the FMN Sponsorship Coordinator. She will be going to Liberia for the very first time this trip! I'm so excited for her!

As always, everyday is PACKED full of things we will be doing. Therapy and Hygiene training for our caregivers is a very important aspect of FMN, so that is always on the agenda! We will also have a lot of fun handing out supplies and gifts. Through some generous donors, we have over 50 Cabbage Patch dolls, 100 dresses from 'Little African Dresses', and over 300 little cars to give to the community kids! Plus, with our group of 7, we all will be involved in doing a medical outreach for Pastor Peter's village, and giving medical attention to those we encounter along the way during the week. Our last trip, everyday we encountered children, from several surrounding communities, that needed some sort of care. This trip, two of the gals coming, have been filling their suitcases with medical supplies that will be utilized the whole week! We will be well prepared wherever we go!

That is just a sampling of our week! Keep checking the blog for updates while we are on our trip!

SEE YOU IN LIBERIA!!!!

Needing two sponsors for some handsome boys!!

2010-10-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Forget-Me-Not Program is in need of two more sponsors!!! Surprise (in the above pic), and William, who we are awaiting a good picture. Please consider becoming part of these precious lives...your support makes such an impact and change in these 'special needs' children's lives. Thank You!!!

Favour is looking for her 'forever' family...

2010-09-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

We are looking for an adoptive family for our sweet Favour. The Liberian government has given Forget-Me-Not, permission to advocate for a family for her .

Favour is 3 1/2 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. She is doing wonderful with her foster mom, getting therapy and gaining weight every month. I can answer any questions you may have if you are an interested family. We would prefer a 'homestudy ready' family.
Contact Christina for further info or questions...651-353-5248

Can you even imagine?

2010-09-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine being an abandoned child in Liberia? Do you know what it would feel like to not have a momma or a pappa to love and take care of you? Can you imagine feeling those terrible stomach pains from being hungry for days? Can you imagine being so dirty, thirsty and hot, that just having a small drink of water and some shade would make your day? Can you imagine not knowing the concept of 'play?' No toy of any kind?

Of course most of us can't truly imagine or even come close how this would feel.

Now, imagine all of that, plus having a handicap/'special need'...

You are left for dead, abandoned because you are considered demonic, or you just may put a curse on the family. Can you imagine others considering you such a burden, they treat you less than human? No one helps you, so you just exist...waiting...

Some of these kids are blessed to have a stranger have pity on them, bring them to a hospital or the police station. But then what? There is no place 'taking in' just 'special needs' kids, for the purpose of helping them reach their highest potential. Or, better yet, encouraging families and training them, to keep their 'special child.' WE ARE DIFFERENT!

Forget-Me-Not Children's Homes and Program, specfically trains a foster family, to take in a 'special need' child. They are taught therapy, proper hygiene care, equipped with food, supplies, beds, clothes, etc. Our foster homes are also committed to be these kids parents, and be a witness to their community, that THESE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN ARE WORTHY AND CAN BE AN AMAZING BLESSING!!! We also encourage families by training, and giving some support of supplies to help take a little of the burden they may feel by the extra care their child requires.

Even though a lot of our kids have some severe disabilities, they are being loved, improving every day, and now have a family, a home, and all their needs met.

FMN is doing what it can to bring hope and help to these special little ones. We do need your help though!

We have two new children in our program that need sponsors ($100/per month/per child). We need another $1500 to help our Toyota 4Runner make it out of the Monrovia port, smoothly. We need to have two more beds built for our two older children. ($100).

If you feel that you would like to help in ANY capacity, please email me and let me know! I will be going to Liberia next month, and cannot wait to see all our precious FMN children.
I will also be sad for not being able to see sweet Kenneths face, and precious Martina! I will truly miss holding those two precious and delicate children. I do gain comfort in the fact that they had wonderful foster moms, who loved them dearly and are truly mourning their loss.

Please pray for all the 'special children' that are lost, abandoned, starving, and have no home. Pray for our program to grow in sponsors and children Pray for hearts to change, compassion to grow for 'special children'. We all can join together and help these children grow, flourish, love and reach their highest potential.

Our Red Metal Treasure!

2010-08-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

This has been a bittersweet week for the FMN program. The very same morning that our FMN children passed away, was the day I was scheduled to pick up our Toyota 4Runner. Dealing with the sadness of losing Kenneth and Martina, was very hard to mix with the joy of picking up our FMN vehicle! But, I know this vehicle will bless many children and our program director in Liberia! No more worries about trying to 'find' a taxi or any kind of transportation! This has been such a huge hurdle for our program!

Packed and ready for the long boat ride to Liberia!

Jesus called them home...

2010-08-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have tried so many times to find the right words to write this post, but I am coming up empty. I will stick with the simple facts and hope you know that my heart is aching to have to write this.

Two of our precious FMN children have passed away. They were completely separate circumstances, yet called home on the same day.

Sweet Kenneth (age 2 with Cerebral Palsy), and beautiful Martina (age 1.5, with Hydrocephalus), passed away in the early morning hours last friday, just hours apart.

Kenneth had contracted Malaria, which is VERY common. The problem with CP kids, is they cannot fight an illness like an average child...they can't cough to remove the junk that can build up, and they are much weaker and so fragile...therefore, alot of the time, malaria becomes complicated with pneumonia. These are the times that it gets REALLY hard for these little ones. Yes, we do take precautions to try to keep malaria 'at bay', such as using mosquito nets, giving our kids daily vitamins, good nutrition, and getting medical care once they start having any kind of symptoms of being sick. But, you must also understand the lack of 'sufficient' medical care for 'special needs' kids. Sadly, Kenneth could not fight the Malaria with the typical 'treatment' (antibiotics). His malaria became aggressive and entered his brain. Kenneth died from Cerebral Malaria.

Martina had Hydrocephalus. Her foster parents said she had died quietly in her sleep. Her beautiful little body just had had enough. We believe she had been suffering from headaches from her hydrocephalus for awhile, and could only combat that pain with simple tylenol. I'm sure there were other unknown symptoms that she suffered everyday from her Hydrocephalus. Global Orphan Outreach had been working toward a medical visa to get her the needed surgery to help her. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to find a dr. to care enough, do a medical examine, get a PROPER diagnosis, and finally get the proper medical paperwork to move forward. We have been working on this for 8 months! Just to get a simple letter! Again, the impression of the FMN team from the Dr.'s perspective, was that she 'was not worthy', why bother? It's heartbreaking!!! When we were there in April, we had taken Martina to the hospital to be admitted for an allergic reaction, as well as suffering from some illness, (we never did get an answer for this). They wanted to release her two days later, even though she could barely breath and was in distress! I had to beg for two more days and her to be put on IV!! It was insane! But, again, this is what we are up against! This is normal practice. Thank goodness she got better and had been flourishing with her new foster mom since! We truly thought she had more time, as well as Kenneth.

I cannot tell you in any words my despair and heartbreak! I can't help but think how wonderful these kids would have done, IF Liberia would have let them out of the country on an 'expedited' medical visa, to have sufficient medical care, or to be adopted and have the peace of mind that whatever illness or therapy is needed, they would have the the access to great medical facilities.
Kenneth had CP equal to the extent of my Liberian son. My son is doing amazing! I have the priviledge to have that peace of mind, that whatever hurdle we will go through, I have help! Kenneth didn't have the opportunity to have access to great medical facilities and tons of therapies.

Martina would not have even been considered a surgical candidate in Liberia, simply because a shunt surgery is pretty rare in country, with very few shunts available! Those shunts would be 'saved' for a more viable child!

Both of these precious children were loved dearly, especially by their foster moms. They were cherished and will be greatly missed.
Global Orphan Outreach and Forget-Me-Not, are more determined than ever, to be the voices for the rights of these special children!

These kids need sponsors!

2010-08-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

Korpu, God's Gift, and Angel...

Every month we operate on the faith, that all our expenses will be covered. Every month funds do come together, sometimes at the very last minute! This last month, we took in THREE precious children, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!! This is a big leap of faith...but we will not turn a child down, they could die or be killed because of their 'special need'. So, our immediate need is finding three remaining sponsors, to our 12 total FMN children.

PLEASE CONSIDER INVESTING IN ONE OF THESE PRECIOUS LIVES!

Kenneth

2010-08-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Kenneth completely melts my heart every time I see him, or a picture of him. He also is a huge cuddlebug...LOVES to be held close! Kenneth just turned 2 years old, and has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and was severely malnourishment. He came into our program last November, and is starting to thrive! He is consistantly gaining weight, and is getting stronger everyday. He is now starting to stand. Before, he couldn't bare any weight on his legs and couldn't hold his head up on his own for long. He had such little muscle tone all over his tiny little body.
He is doing fantastic in his foster home, getting therapy and balanced nutrition, but most of all, he's getting lots of love from his foster mom and foster sister!

Meet Favour

2010-08-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

We first met Favour at a feeding center on the outskirts of the Monrovia area. She had been abandoned at a police station, who then in turn, brought her to this feeding center. This feeding center helps severely malnourished children, who are referred or brought in by a family member. There are typically no abandoned children here, but they had a heart for little Favour, and took her in. She would get care from whomever was around, a worker or another mom with a child. She had no one in paticular that was loving and caring for her.
Here are some pics we took at the feeding center when we first met her...

Here are some pics with her after being in one of our FMN foster homes, with a foster mom who is loving her, doing daily therapy with her, and feeding her very well as you can see!

Favour is also very attached to her foster mom, who has lovingly taken her in as her own and is doing so wonderful caring for her!

Barry...

2010-07-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

We first met Barry in the summer of 2009, at a hospital where he had been living for a long time. He was abandoned, estimated age of 5 years, and has Cerebral Palsy. He was propped up on a bed, leaning against a wall. It broke my heart to see such a beautiful boy, stuck in a hospital with no one claiming him as their own. We knew that we wanted to bring Barry into one of our loving foster homes.

Here is a pic of Barry living at the hospital...

Here is our Forget-Me-Not Barry! This kid has a smile that melts your heart!!

Enjoying his new wheelchair that we were able to bring over on our last trip!

Barry and Donna (Director of Global Orphan Outreach), sharing a laugh!

Here is Barry with one of the men in the community who truly adores this kid!...

Meet another one of our beautiful FMN children...

2010-07-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Surprise is a 2 year old little boy, we were referred from a hospital where he had been abandoned. When we first met Surprise in the hospital, he was born with Microcephaly. He was unresponsive to our voice and touch, had very little muscle tone, and made no sound or gestures. Surprise basically just 'existed' in that bleak hospital bed, no one interacting with him or loving on him. His future for development was unknown...but we knew we could do better than a hospital.
Meet the new Surprise!!!!

Surprise gets therapy from his foster mom every day! His muscles strength has improved throughout his whole body! He smiles and laughs, loves to try to copy your voice sounds, has learned to communicate his needs to his foster mom, and can throw a toddler temper tantrum like any kid! He has a very committed foster mom who truly loves our Surprise!
BUT...Surprise still needs a regular sponsor. Would you like to be his sponsor?