With the love from all of our supporters, we were able to successful raise $5,000.00 and 3 large suitcases jam-packed full of brand new clothing, baby accessories and diapers.

I must convey that the staff at Hogar Mision de Maria were literally crying as they opened each suitcase. As they dug further down each layer of clothing, they realized there was more, and more and more. Tears were flowing as they said they never get new clothing. They said that the children will be so enthused! Hugs and thank-you`s circulated the room. They also noted that each child gets their own personal wardrobe and they would compile clothing for each child and gift it to them. They said it would be called gifts from Canada. How wonderful!

We also supplied the workers with gifts, like scarves and beauty products. We walked around the orphanage as my oldest son held out the gifts and gave each gift to a worker. They all smiled with wonder in their eyes. Through the language barrier, I surely hope they received the message on how impactful their role is to these beautiful children.

The funds donated will be used towards a much needed sun screen for the back patio as in the summer the heat is so intense that it makes it very difficult for them to allow the children to play in the backyard. Now, with these funds, they will be able to purchase this item.

Additionally, they conveyed that they would like another sun screen for the other patio as well as learning toys, books (they are very expensive in Chile) and capital improvements for the baby area.

To contact Hogar Mision de Maria directly, please visit their website:

www.hogarmisiondemaria.cl

(Wild man in the red shirt)

We found day two at Hogar Mision de Maria most interesting and just as impressive as day one.

We joined the older children in lunch and helped feed and clean up and shortly after we went outside and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine with the children in their backyard.

It didn`t take long to discover the classic standout in the group, which in a very nice, round about way means the bully. Each orphanage has one or perhaps two and for the first time my children were confronted with this. In an effort to stay positive and find some laughs through it all, we called him the wild man. Yes, he was very wild and exhibited the traumatic effects of institutionalization at its finest. I would guess that he is suffering from neglect, abuse and Reactive Attachment Disorder. Regardless, it was a bit comical and livened up our afternoon. He is a 4 year old boy, ruling the roost. He has a favourite plastic batman figurine which he would propel into the air at full force and (I`m guessing that in his mind) a good throw was an immediate hit to the other children. It got out of hand at times, which included my oldest son being bit on the bum, hit by the batman figurine and jumped on by this boy. Later on, he strangled me in an effort to climb up my body.

One of the young girls in the backyard entertained herself by finding walnuts on the ground and eating them. She was very sweet as most of the children were. They loved the presence of new people and simply wanted love and attention. Through the batman flying in the air and our frequent ducks to the ground, there were plenty of hugs to go around.

What a whirlwind experience as we arrived in Santiago after two connecting flights and 11 bags of luggage. The travel was long, but well worth it as we visited the orphanage on the first day just after dropping off our luggage at our Bed and Breakfast. 

Upon arrival, the love and openess of the Orphanage staff was immense and flowing. They scurried to us with open arms of hugs, kisses and enough thank-you`s to last a lifetime. It was beautifully overwhelming and very well received.

As we entered the doors to a very non-descript, white building, I could feel a difference in the air. The children were genuinely happy, there was art on the walls and most importantly, I could sense that the workers actually cared.

We were proudly presented with an in-depth tour of the facility. The first floor houses the play area, kitchen, eating area, patio and backyard, bathrooms and laundry. The second floor consists of the sleeping area, of which the babies under 1 year of age are separated and have their own individual cribs.

Shortly after the tour we were invited back to the Headmistresses office and engaged in a very meaningful chat on what it feels like to be an abandoned baby and my thoughts and experiences surrounding this topic.

The Headmistress eagerly explained to me how they handle the children and how they take great pride in assigning a worker to a child. They feel and understand the importance of continuity in the child`s life, whereas the same child will wake and go to sleep each night with the same worker, and any important points of the child`s day resides with that worker. For those that don`t know, this is a very unique model in the orphanage world, and it emotionally caught me off guard on how connected and caring they were for these children. The Headmistress also keeps in-depth notes and most importantly a life journal on the child`s life, growth and milestones, which also includes many, many pictures. As I thumbed through one of the journals, I saw pictures of this sweet, innocent baby that may never know it`s past, and may never be connected again with her biological roots, but will always have a beautiful reminder that she was cared for and loved. I couldn`t help but to think of my story and the darkness that surrounds the beginning of my life. We all made eye contact and started crying and through the tears a powerful message re-affirming their purpose was transcended.

Thank-you everyone for all of your support towards Hogar Mision de Maria. For more information on their efforts, please visit their website at: www.hogarmisiondemaria.cl

I have received and welcomed a surge of emails in response to the latest efforts of Tunisia’s revolt.

To be very clear, I cannot facilitate adoption in Tunisia, and I cannot and will not be able to connect those who want to travel to Tunisia to assist the orphans.

This is a very difficult time as they feel their way through this transition period, of which I would feel uncomfortable to encourage westerner’s travel to Tunisia.

However, as this remarkable time comes to pass, remember this moment in time of when you were inspired to give back. Geography and situation should not compel you to lose this drive!

Again, thank-you for your care and concern for orphaned babies and children of Tunisia.

Recently, I had the honor of attending Hope’s Funeral.

Bonnie Vanessa Hope was my second name (after Baby Jane Doe). This name is significant as this was the name used for my formal adoption to my parents.

When I received the email and learned of a new abandoned baby and that they were dedicating the name Hope, I immediately felt compelled to attend and I flew in a week later. The Garden of Innocence is based in San Diego, CA and provides dignified burials for deceased abandoned babies. These babies who never received the choice of life are laid to rest with dignity and respect. The amazing individuals at the Garden of Innocence pick these babies up from the police and put them back in "god's hands" with careful attention to handmade caskets, formal funeral processions and giving the child a name, which is formally registered and labeled on their tombstone.

Before the Garden of Innocence was formed, abandoned children who died in San Diego County were cremated and scattered at sea or buried in unmarked graves at Mount Hope Cemetery.

As I was dealt the card of life, I felt it was most symbolic to pay it forward. With this said, I am reaching out to you as an ambassador for Hope.

These ceremonies cost approximately $450.00 USD. Any denomination would be greatly appreciated and heartfelt to the brilliant souls at GOI. A little from many can add up and go a long way. Cheques are preferred and can be made payable to "Garden of Innocence San Diego".

To learn more about GOI, please visit:
www.gardenofinnocence.com

Photo courtesy of CBC News

Today was a remarkable day. Today (with the lovely gents from CBC) I ventured to the abandoned baby drop-off doorway at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, located just up the street from my office.

For the record, I am conflicted on this issue as I do believe it can promote abandonment (looking at the USA's statistics - abandonment has tripled since they enacted the Baby Moses Law) however I do approve of it as our society does in fact need this. These innocent dead babies who have died in dumpsters or plastic bags needed this.

As I walked up to the Hospital Emergency doorway, I gingerly walked around the corner to the drop-off baby door. My eyes instantly locked on the cold grey, metal door and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I surrendered to these emotions and took it in, slightly amazed at my reaction. As much as this is about the mothers who need social support and these babies that need to survive, it selfishly comes back to self. It selfishly came back to my primal pain and experience as an adult "abandoned baby". To visualize that I could have been left in this doorway made me ponder my own abandonment. I questioned; does this solve anything? Is this a good thing? Does it truly make it better than a cold outdoor doorway? Perhaps that leads me to believe that I would want to be placed in a warm, indoor facility for immediate care. The experience of these emotions convinced me to accept and appreciate the role this drop-off will play in innocent lives to come.

A woman who abandons her baby doesn't just dream this up as she plays with her barbies as a young child. She is in anguish, hormonal, in dire straights and typically has poor social support. She firmly believes that she has no other choice, whether she is mentally incapable of making this decision or not.

I believe that the point of this drop off is to save lives - not to contemplate what is politically correct or what the masses will accept. Dr. Cundiff's intentions are pure, appropriate and meaningful. These babies who have been saved (and I can attest to this) dare not care what is "proper" or the best political decision...we just simply care that someone cared enough to keep us alive.