Nashda - Angel of Hope

When Nashda came to us, I called her our Angel of Hope. Nashda Esperanza is how I even write her name out sometimes. But I had no idea how true that name would be. On April 4th, Maicol (John and Melissa Hanley's son) was in an accident and died that night due to injuries - even after all the prayers and searching scripture and assured belief that he would be okay. I was sure. But he crossed into to the long side of eternity and we are left here, still grieving and asking why - but learning each step of the way to "trust in the Lord with all your heart." This all happened just a week after Nashda arrived and Jesus knew how much we would need her. Baby therapy has been the best. She cultivated smiles and laughter and joy where it seemed there could be none. 

Once again, this post is mostly pictures - and definitely more than usual... but bear with me? I am enamored of this "Lil Bit" and can't resist her cuteness. If you are interested in joining Nashda's sponsorship team, click here.

Anyway, here is a progression of pictures of Nashda from the last two months.

March 26, 2014. The day Nashda entered my heart. She came to us so sick and malnourished.

Even after just one day of liquids, she looked and felt so much better. And fell in love with that little teddy ^_^

Big sister Karina's first time holding Nashda. She is such a good helper and is one of my go-to "baby sitters"

One of the first times I saw Nashda really smile was when she was looking at Alicia, our only teen girl - who has a heart for babies like I do. She will be such a good momma!

... as will be my munchkin Kimberly. Every day when she gets home from school, she asks to be with Nashda.

Sweet "mommy moment" one of the kids captured on my camera that I just found! <3 nbsp="" td="">

With Yohana

Snuggling with Evlin

Bathtime!

Our first try with the Mei Tai carrier ^_^

Perfect picture that will be on my wall one day :) Thank you, Kessy!

Lil Bit holding her bottle on her own!

Easter Sunday - practicing sitting up and checking out her baby bunny

Hanging out with the big girls one morning :)

Can you caption this face? ^_^

My other favorite momma picture :) This girls gets SOOOO many kisses a day!

Baby Girl loves her teddy ^_^

Welcome to Baby Ruth! (Learn more or sponsor Ruth here). Nashda is not sure what to think...

Mean muggin' with new friend Brianna ;)

Concentrating on getting a hold of Anna's super colorful sunglasses

Who doesn't love a baby in a bucket? ^_^ And just check out those chubby arms and legs! 

This happened while I was holding Ruth one afternoon... haha

Perfection... with Avila

heehee I wish I knew what she was thinking when she makes this face!

So much love! 

Suddenly Nashda is SO big... She and Ruth were really looking intently at each other. I pray they will grow to be precious sisters and friends.

Girl's got personality! Hangin' out with John

Favorite. Face. Ever. ^_^

Trying out the mei tai back carry. She wasn't really a fan. haha

"There are no more peeeeeaaaaas!!!!" She loved them and was so sad when there wasn't any left in her dish. ;)

This goob is starting to pull herself up in her little bed. Time to lower the playpen!

Love.


And now that I have finally made it here, my little princess is waking up from her nap and it is time to take our day kids home and keep going with the evening. Maybe someday I will actually find time to write and reflect with words again. In the meantime, go look at a couple of these picture again and fall in love just a little bit more with the beautiful Jesus who created little Nashda and little Ruth, with a plan and a purpose. Neither was an accident - nor is the fact that they are with us here at the Children's Home. Jesus knows. 


If you are ever wondering about a way you can help care for our children, consider looking into our sponsorship program. All proceeds from sponsorship go toward caring for all the kids, and so none lacks, but the individual benefit is a relationship you are able to foster with a particular child. We keep you connected with photos and stories and the kids enjoy sending messages back and forth with their sponsors. They love knowing they have special friends caring for them, praying for them and loving them from far away. Click here to learn more and to meet the kids who are still in need of sponsors.