It's been well over a year since the first time I saw his picture, his video; oh that smile, that giggle. It was love at first sight, much like it has been for each of the children who have become a part of our family. Sadly, this child is not going to join our family. He will still always have my heart.
It has become my mission to share him as much as possible and to raise money for his adoption grant in hopes that the family that is meant to love him into their midst will find him.
I have recently gotten an update on Denzel,and the orphanage/institution where he is staying and it isn't good. All the children need to have their families find them. Denzel is in a room that is called "the lying down room". This is for obvious reasons. All the children are in cribs and do nothing buy lay in their cribs all day, every day. I did not get any pictures of Denzel from this most recent update but I'm told his still has the amazing smile...despite his environment. That makes me very happy. On the other hand, I'm told he looks thinner...this makes my heart cry.
The first picture I have seen of Denzel, he was literally starving. Tiny, skinny little guy who clearly needed nutrition. A volunteer agency came in to the orphanage and supplied formula for the kids so they would gain weight and be more healthy. This picture is after he had begun getting fed proper nutrition.
Yes, this picture is after he had gained some weight. He really did well with the formula ...
He was growing nicely...
He began looking like the young man he is...
Then he, and the other kids in cribs were transferred. I haven't been there, but I have had conversations with people who have been there. The situation isn't great. The kids in the cribs are in a room that is all but silent. There is little interaction with others and no toys or music. It is no kind of life for anyone to live. One of the boys is now lying on an inflatable mattress instead of a crib mattress and it does not allow him to move. Kids with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological issues need a firmer surface to be able to move themselves around.
The pictures I have seen are not good at all. The light is leaving the eyes of the children and they do not look healthy. They MUST be saved!
Denzel is on the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree this year. If you donate $35 or more, you can get an ornament with his picture. What a wonderful gift for someone! Helping a child get a family. All donations are tax deductible. Also check with your employer to see if they will match your donations.
I ask that you share this. You never know who will see it. It could be his forever family or someone who knows his forever family. It is an urgent situation for Denzel and all the kids there as well as those who were in his original orphanage. There are large grants for some of the kids. Please see them!
