Saving Levi and the Philip Hayden Foundation

Our Emma Grace lived at the Shepherd's Field Children's Village, part of the Philip Hayden Foundation. PHF was started by Tim and Pam Baker several years ago. You can read about their story at their website, www.chinaorphans.org. After seeing the orphanage where Emma lived the first 8 months of her life and knowing that she spent one month alone in the hospital for heart surgery... we knew that she was truly blessed to have been transferred to PHF at nine months old. It is certainly not your typical orphanage. The houses are decorated to look like actual homes. They have bedrooms, eating areas, and living rooms. They have a huge play area outside and absolutely beautiful grounds within a gated community. You can't help but fall in love with the place and the kids.

I first heard about the book, Saving Levi, from a volunteer at PHF. It took me awhile to get my hands on the book, but after reading it, it made me fall in love with the people of PHF even more. A quick rundown: a baby boy, about 6 weeks old, was found burned and abandoned in a field. One man (after many passed by...) took the baby to the Civil Affairs office. Tim Baker and John Bentley, who were doing orphan relief work in Langfang and starting an orphanage received a call about the baby and were asked to take him. They did, of course, because they turn no baby away. John's wife, Lisa, took charge of this baby's care and the book is about their fight to save Levi. It is an amazing journey of how God saved this little baby's life. What I found particularly touching is that every doctor they encountered told them not to waste their money, the baby was going to die. But, the Bakers and the Bentleys refused to give up and would spare no cost in saving this little guy. Those people started the PHF and it is that type of mentality that drives their care.

Speaking of PHF, they have stumbled upon financial hardship this past year. They are not able to take in any more orphans until they increase their sponsorships. They are searching for 500 more sponsors. For $35/month an orphan will be fed, clothed and provided around the clock care in a loving, Christian environment. We have toured the children's village, talked with the people, and spent the day with them. This place is amazing. They will send you a newsletter every month as well as updates about your child. I can think of no better way to spend $35 a month!