The French Family has been a monthly contributor to A Child's Hope Foundation now for over a year, as well as shipping toys, books, clothing, and other items for the children. They were generous enough to allow us to spotlight them in this issue of our newsletter. The following are some feelings shared by Louise about why she and her family supports A Child's Hope Foundation.

My husband and I have always supported many charities, usually locally in the UK, but having been blessed with two beautiful children of our own, we began to talk about how we could help children who were less fortunate. I came across a website that had photos of the most adorable children, all of whom seemed to be in care largely due to poverty and this really struck a chord with me. I needed to know we could make a small difference to their lives, and maybe one day a big difference by actually adopting (but we are still in discussion about this)!

So, instead of just talking about how sad their plight was, we decided to dig deep and we now donate monthly across the waters from the UK to A Child's Hope Foundation! It gives me great satisfaction to know that it goes to help the children - the orphange built in Haiti is so bright, clean, and the children look so well cared for and happy. I am sure donating helps toward finding them great homes with great people, which is the goal after all. I am still hoping to go one day to help at the orphanages myself so watch this space!

Please consider becoming a monthly donor, even small donations make a big difference!

VOLUNTEER MEMORIES

Natalie Ash Herman was a caregiver volunteer in Haiti in 2004. Caregiver volunteers mainly spend their time caring for the children in the adoption orphanages. Natalie wrote us a short while ago to share her feelings about her experiences as a volunteer with A Child's Hope Foundation.

I went to Haiti in September of 2004. I was planning on staying for 2 months as a volunteer in the Child's Hope Foundation orphanage but because of unrest in the country, I was required to leave one month early. My experiences in Haiti are unforgettable. I often think about all of the wonderful people I met there and hope in my heart someday I can return.

Anytime I hear news from Haiti, or from any orphanage, or read about the country or people in a book or magazine, my heart skips a beat. Suddenly my mind is flooded with memories of my experiences. I can hear the babies with their huge brown eyes crying to be held and loved in the next room; I can hear the orphans squealing at the thought of playing on the new playground outside; I can hear the tap-taps noisily making their rounds in the chaotic city; I can smell the thick musty air that seems to be suffocating everyone, and feel the drowning sun on every inch of my body; I can feel the little babies course hair and smooth, yet dry, skin; I can taste Helas' freshly squeezed juice, the sweetest I've ever had; and I can see the children playing soccer in the streets, the women doing laundry in the streams, and the farmers sweating in their fields.I feel blessed when I think back on my experiences I had in Haiti.

My memories, I think, are fading slowly. But I will never forget the sweet spirits of the children and those I met. They have left an impression on my life forever.