Dear friends and family,

 I looked into the face of a beautiful baby girl once without a home, as she snuggled into the arms of her new mom, adopted just days earlier.  I felt great compassion for this baby girl, born just a few weeks earlier with fetal alcohol syndrome; she lay helpless in the hospital.  The warmth of her adopted mother’s arms embracing her is the warm embrace I feel as I connect the love of this mother to this baby who was previously orphaned.

 In August, God called me to join Bethany Christian Services.  With offices in more than 30 states and a dozen countries, they help orphans all around the world.  Bethany’s Charlottesville office was searching for someone like me to help orphans in Central Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley.  In the few months serving there, I’m seeing many more baby girls and baby boys who need help.

 I wanted to be sure you knew what is happening so you can join me in God’s work to help orphans.  I’d love to keep you updated on the needs and the ongoing work we are doing.

 You are welcome to come with me on this journey.  To help with the work that I’m doing, I’d like to raise $2,000 to begin building partnerships with hospitals who need someone to help with the babies, and with churches to connect with families who have extraordinary love to share.  I’m starting with my personal gift of $50.  Will you join me with a gift before December 31, 2009?

 It would be great if we could meet our goal—or even surpass it!  If you could help with spreading the word about this need with your friends and family, many more orphans can be reached.  It’s also very helpful to increase awareness by linking this web page to your Facebook account.

 Love You!

Caroline