Quarantine Blessing

The effect of the pandemic on the Philippines is felt from the rich to the very poor.

We have now been quarantined in our house for 514 days. It almost sounds surreal when I read that. Most of our children have not been outside for that long but we continue to make the best of it. We play in the sun when it is shining. We play in the rain during the storms. We walk the halls and climb the stairs for exercise. We have movie nights with popcorn. We even watched the NBA playoffs together. Our covered court is used almost the entire day every day. Devotions, prayer time, school, and art classes. We just keep life going.
And the children are so brave and resilient that it works. 

God has been so faithful to our children by providing for our every need. We have not been in want and we have seen God protect and cover us with His love every day.

We are grateful for every single person that has supported us over the past year. We know that
God's blessing will be upon those who have remembered His children. 
Adoptions

Adoptions are all unique and the experience for each family is always special. Our children are so welcoming and gracious with each family that comes. It is amazing to watch them celebrate and then continue to pray
for their turn to have a family of their own.  

Two of our precious children who have been in our care for more than 6 years, finally were picked up by their adoptive parents! Oh, what a wonderful week we had with them!
It was amazing to watch their hearts bond together slowly and intentionally. 

Three sisters had almost lost hope when they were matched just before the eldest turned 18 years old. The fear of aging out with no possibility of adoption with her two younger sisters was one she had struggled with for more than a year. Despite the drawn-out paperwork due to the pandemic, they were finally picked up
by their amazing adoptive parents this month.

What a lesson in God's faithfulness and provision for our children! We were thrilled to have another beautiful family pick up their precious daughter and yet another small one adopted locally.
Only 5 years old, with a smile that lights up the room. He has been with us for 18 months. He suffered severe burns when he was just 2 and no treatment was given. His hand has contractured. We knew he badly needed reconstructive surgery so he could regain the use of his hand. His medical needs were urgent...

We are thrilled to have raised the funds for our little boy who needed life changing reconstructive hand surgery. We will know the full outcome at the end of August. For now, we are thankful for all who gave
and all who continue to pray for him!
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.