In the Arms of Angels

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

My woes about missing birth certificates seem so insignificant this morning. The staff of Acres of Hope have won over my heart, and I am grieving with them this morning as they grieve the losses of two precious children. Earlier this week I asked you to pray for Diamond and the Barber family who had hoped to adopt him. Last night, he passed away. This news came after hearing that the founder of Acres of Hope, Patty Anglin, had lost her daughter, Ari. Ari had been in hospice care, but her loss was not expected so soon, and Patty has been in Liberia working at the orphanage. Patty has to bury little Diamond and then return home to bury her own daughter. Please pray for the Anglin family and the Barber family for comfort and peace.

I know the grief of loss too well. I also know the reality of the comfort of Jesus in loss like this. It is something that can not be explained, only experienced. He truly is the Prince of Peace and the Bible says He is acquainted with grief. He knows our grief better than any other can. The way that He carried me, and continues to carry me, will be something that I will cherish forever. I am also so thankful for the reality of heaven. My hope is real, not a myth, and I like to think of Diamond and Ari playing with my David, Micah, James, and Sarah. I'm sorry to have to share said news, but I'm so thankful that it isn't sad for Diamond and Ari, just for those left to the ugliness of grief. The kids now have joy unimaginable and new perfect bodies.

This is a link to an article written in 2001 about the Anglin family and their special adopted children. http://www.foundati onforlargefamili es.com/anglin. html There is a little on Ari as well. This family amazes me and also comforts me that we have made a very wise decision to work with Acres of Hope. I know you will find these stories fascinating!

This is the email that Donna just sent out in memory of Diamond:

"Thank-you for prayers:

My husband and I spent almost 2 hours last nite talking about Diamond and all the dreams we had for him. We decided to call him Brice Diamond Barber. Fell asleep about 2 am- got a call at 3am in the morning.Our beloved Diamond's heart gave out and he passed away. Patty is burying him today before she leaves to come home to bury her daughter.

In dedication of our Beautiful Diamond-

We All want to make our place in this world
We All want our voices to be heard
Everyone wants a chance to be someone
We all have dreams we need to dream
But sweeter than any star you can reach
Is when you reach and find you've found someone
You'll hold this world's most priceless thing
The greatest gift this life can bring
If you can look back and know
You were Loved.

You were loved by someone
Touched by someone
Held by someone
Meant something to someone
Loved somebody
Touched somebody's heart along the way
You can look back and say... You were loved!

You can have Diamonds in your hand
Have all the riches in the land
Without love do you really have anything?
When someone cares that you're alive
When someone finds their world in your eyes
Then you'll know you've found all you need
You'll hold this world's most priceless prize
The sweetest treasure in this world
If you can look back and say... You were loved!

You were loved by someone
Touched by someone
Held by someone
Meant something to someone
Loved somebody
Touched somebody's heart along the way
You can look back and say...You were Loved!"