In Lieu of Gifts

Today my post has little to do with our own adoption.  It is about helping the orphaned, sick and vulnerable.  It is about one precious baby girl in particular.  

In lieu of gifts.

Our son Caleb is turning one year old on November 4th.  He is a perfect, sweet, healthy baby.  But today I read a story about a baby girl who is not healthy.   I first read about baby Jovia on October 12th when she was brought to the children's home my son Jeremiah is from.  She was thought to be 8 months and only weighed 10 pounds!

Meet Jovia link

They have been caring for Jovia at the baby home for nearly 2 weeks, feeding her high calorie formula every 3 hours around the clock.  Despite the constant care provided, Jovia was admitted to the hospital today and is receiving special food via feeding tube.  She has a low HgB and malaria.  Jovia is an orphan and doesn’t have a mother or father to cradle and hold her while she is sick.  What the doctors discovered today while running tests made my heart stop and I realized I had to do  something to help.  What they learned is that Jovia is not 8 months old.  The doctors determined she is between 18 and 24 months old!  I am crying as I type this because this sweet baby girl is nearly 2 years old and is starving to death.  She weighs only 10 pounds!!  Caleb weighed 10lbs 9oz at his two month check up!!

 Instead of buying a brightly colored toy that may or may not catch our 1 year old son's interest, I am asking that donations be made to help with Jovia's medical care.  Caleb's birthday is November 4th and I would love to see my community of family and friends rally around this sweet girl and raise $400 for her medical care by Caleb’s birthday on the 4th.  Please help be a part of Jovia's rescue and visit this website to learn more about her and make a donation in lieu of gifts for Caleb's 1st birthday!  

Update on Jovia link

Under the donate button at the bottom of the page there will be a clickable link to read the first part of Jovia's story entitled "Meet Jovia."

“I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” ~ Lily Tomlin 

Let's all be the somebody that Jovia needs right now!

PS.  If you do donate will you please comment here or on my facebook page so I know when we reach our $400 goal.  Thank you!