Finding Joy through Loss

IMG_20200605_073453_01.jpg

In May, as American families entered their third month of sheltering at home, Romania Reborn put on its first-ever art contest for kids. Our theme was "The Joy of Family," and we received wonderful submissions from 20 kids, ages 5-12. The voting took place on our Facebook page during the final week of May, with the winner being determined by the number of "likes" on each entry.

On June 3rd, we were pleased to announce the winner: 8-year-old Hannah Dukes. Hannah's drawing spoke with unexpected poignancy not only to the joy of family, but also to its fragility. Her drawing depicted "my family with my first mommy, before she went to heaven." Hannah's mother, Sarah, passed away from breast cancer when she was just three years old. She now has a loving and supportive stepmother, who encouraged her to enter her drawing.

Like Hannah, all the children to whom we minister at Romania Reborn come from a place of deep loss. Her entry was a good reminder of the beautiful brokenness of orphan care work, and the ways God can redeem each story. Thank you for sharing your art with us, Hannah!

Visit our Facebook album to see all the beautiful, sweet, and moving entries to our contest.