Can't wait to hear God's heart through your stories…

hugs,
lisa

Hi,

I have been reading your blog for a few months now, and I would like to get your input on something. I hope this question does not offend you– it is something I am genuinely struggling through, and given your experience with adoption and orphans, I would like to hear your perspective on this issue.

I have done mission work off and on for the past 9 years, and I have recently come to realize how potentially harmful short-term mission trips can be. The book "When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself" really opened my eyes and challenged my way of thinking on many things. I have spent the past 15 months living & working in Haiti, and have experienced first-hand the damage that has been done by (well-intentioned) missionaries, aid organizations, and especially short-term mission teams.

My question for you pertains to orphans specifically. A lot of people visit orphanages on short-term mission trips, and some go with the specific goal of just "loving on" the kids in these orphanages. I have done this myself and 100% understand the heart behind it…but I have recently been challenged by the idea that maybe this is not the most loving thing to do for these kids. Orphans already have abandonment and attachment issues…so perhaps a revolving door of short-term mission trippers visiting them is not the most beneficial thing for them. What if we are doing more harm than good when we do this? We come for 1-2 weeks, smother the kids with hugs & kisses, tell them we love them…they start to form an attachment to us…and then we leave. It makes sense to me that this is probably creating further attachment issues for these kids. And the last thing I want to do is hurt the very kids I have a heart to help! I want to make sure that what I'm doing is actually benefiting them, on a long-term deep level– not just making me feel good (and them too, in the moment). I would love to hear your thoughts on this. I love what you and your husband are doing, and your huge hearts for orphans. I don't at all mean this to be critical…it is just something I'm trying to figure out and would like to hear your perspective.

Thanks!

Yes please, tell us about Africa, the joy, the sadness, the needs, what we need to hear so God can break our hearts for the things that break His.

I don't know what you will tell Heather who raises caring questions about short term missions. I have heard that is a good book. I have also heard short term mission teams be encouraged to go back to the same place 2,3, and more years in a row to develope relationships with the children who have not been adopted. Just as your family is doing going back to the same communities and loving those children who are so difficult to leave. I know the impact that short term mission teams can have educating their communtiy at home with the needs of the orphan. Which can encourage more families to cae about or adopt those treasures. Know you can tell us more Linny when you have the chance.

You and your team made a huge difference in the lives of those precious children. God Bless

Can't wait….note to self: stock up on kleenex

1st! I think you are just teasing us!! Can't wait to hear stories!!

2nd, Heather's concerns have crossed my mind as I pray for the opportunity to go with you.. on one hand I see where it can be a problem but if you go in sharing hope and love and not promising things you cannot follow thru with… Also, what a perfect way for satan to keep us away and not go into these places and share God's love and hope and joy.

Tick, tick, tick – time is passing and I keep checking back to see the first stories and pictures from your trip. I think you keep taunting us on purpose. :o)