Welcome baby Annabelle

Welcome Haven of Hope's newest little one, one day old, Annabelle!

Little Annabelle's life is precious. God literally redeemed her life from the pits and brought her into a haven of hope. Her muffled cries were heard from the depths. The depths of a pit latrine where she was dropped, wrapped in a plastic bag. A wonderful women named Anne dug her up, kept her safe through the night, and took her to the police station in the morning. Our social worker had just dropped off a brochure for HOH Baby Center with our contact information at that police station the day before. The police station immediately called us to come for this tiny baby.

She is absolutely precious. From being dropped into the filth of a pit latrine, she does have a bit of infection in her eye and on her umbilical cord, but is in otherwise perfect health! (This is why her eyes are swollen.)

Naming babies is gift. Names are special and meaningful, especially in this culture. Some of our babies have come with names already given to them, others have not. There are so many factors that I take into account when we name our babies. And we always make a final decision as a family.

When initially brainstorming names, I had a much bigger list of "no's" than "maybe's." Anne was one of the few on the list....named after the woman who saved her life. Then, we asked the aunties if they had any suggestions, the only suggestion came emphatically from Maggie: "Annabelle!" And Annabelle means "lovable." And so it is. Annabelle.

Meet Annabelle, the lovable one.

May God's grace continue to shower you throughout your life, little girl. May you always remember that He is there to lift you to higher places and show favor on you. You are a precious, priceless jewel and you will be set far above the pits of life. You are blessed. And you are loved! Welcome to our family! We will shower you with the love of Jesus until He takes you into your "forever family."