Now that we are back in the states, I’d love to share a bit about a special place called Okoa Refuge.
“Okoa” is a Swahili word that means “to save; to rescue; to redeem; or to take away from the fire.”
Okoa Refuge is a nonprofit organization with a vision to bring hope and healing to the people of Africa and the world.
Here is their mission statement:
“As an organization we strive to have the utmost integrity and servitude in all we do in order to grow orphans of all ages spiritually, physically and mentally to be responsible, motivated, educated and compassionate men and women who will be leaders and grow their communities and country. We aim to provide the opportunity for children to have a future and to give them a better life than they had previously.”
Our son lived at Okoa Refuge for nearly 18 months.
There, he received incredible love from Okoa’s amazing staff.
There, he had a family.
There, he learned about God’s love, and for that we are forever grateful!
His “orphanage parents” (Liv and Tyler) have become dear friends of ours. They, along with the staff, did a terrific job of preparing Liam for his new family. This made our transition SO MUCH easier.
Below, is a photo of our first moment together. Liam is holding Liv’s hand as he meets us for the first time. I cry every time I think about this sweet moment–the handoff from one mother to another. So beautiful!
Here are some more photos of our first day together, playing at Okoa….
We loved worshipping with the Okoa family…
…and getting to know Liam’s buddies.
We are so thankful that we had an opportunity to see and experience all that’s happening at Okoa Refuge. We are especially grateful for the way this organization has influenced and changed the life of our son. Many thanks to Liv and Tyler (pictured below) for following God’s calling even when it’s been ridiculously challenging. We love you guys!
Also, we want to thank another Okoa staff-member that has a heart of gold. Her name is Kelsey (she took many of the photos in this post). We are so inspired by the way she loves others and trusts God. She was a great influence in Liam’s life, and we love her!
Okoa is an INCREDIBLE organization.
This home for orphans is only a part of what they are doing (and hope to do) in Uganda. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of children and people there, please support them.
We cannot wait to go back and see what God has done!
Oh! And there is an another organization close to my heart that helps support Okoa– The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation. You can read the full story here, but I spent several years as a nanny for McKenzie’s family before she passed away unexpectedly in 2010. It was such a joy to stand with our son in front of the Girls’ Home that was built in her memory (“Amaka ga McKenzie”–McKenzie’s Home), knowing that she was rejoicing along with us in heaven.
We sure do miss you, McKenzie!
PAINTERlove 