We shared Elaine's story earlier in the year, but here's the full trajectory of her redemption thus far:

< January 2011

Baby Elaine was discovered abandoned among the stalls of a local market. A Good Samaritan tracked down Elaine’s grandmother, who confirmed that Elaine’s mother was mentally ill. Although she cared for Elaine, the grandmother was very poor and already caring for several other orphaned grandchildren.

Elaine was taken to a local children’s home and then transferred to the New Life Home given her health condition. She is very underweight for her age (estimated at 7 months on admission). Her unusually long legs were tightly crossed, most likely from being kept for long periods in a cramped space.

But her little face is alert and questioning. New Life Home has agreed to care for Elaine for one
year – an unusual arrangement – to allow Elaine to heal and grow, and then the NLH staff will evaluate Elaine’s family situation. If they are not able or willing to care for her, she will be available for adoption.

March 2011 >

Elaine is struggling to recover from a respiratory infection.

She is still quite tiny and is struggling to gain weight, placing her somewhat behind in her developmental milestones.

She loves to babble, however, and has a delightful smile!

Please pray that Elaine will gain weight and thrive like many of her friends at the New Life Home!

April 2011

Weight: 5.25kg (11.5lb)

Elaine is finally beginning to add weight thanks to her high energy porridge.

She has four teeth and smiles and giggles regularly.

Her legs are getting stronger as she uses her baby walker.

< May 2011

Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb)

Elaine is continuing to gain weight, praise God!

Her intelligence outweighs her petite frame. She responds well to attention and has a wide and ready smile.

She is also ready to celebrate her first birthday!

June 2011

Elaine has suffered a few setbacks after she caught a head cold and has struggled to eat consistently. 

She is back down to 5.3kg (11.7lb).

Just as she was about to turn the corner, she contracted a bad case of the chicken pox. The poor girl has been irritable, but we’re starting to see peeks of her smile.

Here’s praying that her appetite returns quickly, too!

August 2011 >

Although she is still small for her age, now that she hit 5.9kg (13lb) Elaine has joined the crawler unit.

She seems to enjoy learning to stand and is moving around in her baby walker.

Her smile is utterly delightful given her perfectly straight, white teeth.

She is sociable and happy.

< October 2011

Elaine continues to grow slowly. She is so dainty and petite!

When the ladies from Mission of Mercy's Women's Circle of Caring trip visited, Elaine was quite the favorite. She loved to be cuddled!

She’s still a bit behind in her developmental milestones, but she makes up for it in personality!