In the palm of His hand
The foundation of the care of GHI is rooted in attachment.
This comes from the belief that a child's initial
tie to his mother establishes the attachment relationship which forms a secure base by which the child
is safe to explore the world. 

As children who come into care have had their attachment relationship severed through abandonment, neglect, rejection, abuse, and subsequent separation from their primary caregiver, we work very hard to provide a substitute attachment figure to bring healing, safety, and security to each child that comes into our home.  
We believe that a child who is securely attached will be prepared for life's challenges and successes. 

As many of our children are survivors of trauma, we recognize the impact of trauma
on the development of the child. We believe, however, that the effects of trauma can be reduced
and we focus on providing provide holistic care that provides the environment for the child to freely
grieve, heal, and grow.
We have the privilege of serving more than 175 children every day. Most of them have come from situations that would make many of us want to give up but they are incredibly resilient and responsive to love and hope.

God is faithful and listens to their cries for healing, and for permanent families that will accept them and care
for them through adoption. 

And while we do not hold their future in our hands, we know that if we continue to love them with a love that is so much deeper and bigger than our human selves,
God will hold them
in the palm of His hand.

Healing and hope
will be theirs. 
Even though he's not really mine

He doesn’t have my eyes or my smile.
My hair, or even my skin.
He isn’t really mine.

But here I am, awake during the night
Feeding him, burping him, singing to him, and praying for him.

I have lost count of how many times I have done this 
Given all I have
For a child to thrive.
Sometimes it has made the difference between life and death.
For a child
That was not really mine. 

I have wondered if my heart can continue to love and give away.
The last few times have been hard.
I think sacrifice is like that. 
And I love him.
In spite of the risk, the unknown, and the inevitable.

One day, I will hand him to another 
And I will pray for her to love him and for him to love her.
For it is in that love, that he will become who he was made to be. 

But for now, 
I hold him. I rock him.
I sing to him and I pray over him.
I love him.
Even though he is not really mine.
Whatever you give, will make a difference as we work in bringing care,
healing and hope to children in crisis.
Please email us at nathan.wheeley@gentlehands.org for more details.