“Beer for Babies” was HHI’s third annual fundraiser in Portland, supporting our work on behalf of disadvantaged women and orphaned/vulnerable children in developing countries. Our work is very serious, the name of our benefit was for those with a sense of humor and who appreciate the alliteration value of a catchy name. Anyway, the night was filled with great conversation, overwhelming generosity and the inspiration guest appearance of the Bach family, who recently adopted their little girl, Sikha, from an HHI orphanage in India.
George openly shared their story of mystery and discovery, of finding their new daughter. They traveled to the SW state of Kerala, India to meet and adopt Sikha. The Bach’s were braced for the unknown, given that they had heard so many horror stories of institutions – the conditions of them and how they can potentially and permanently warp young lives. They told the story of their amazement, surprise and relief to find Sikha being cared for in an HHI orphanage where they witnessed the caregivers rubbing children’s backs and singing them lullabies as they drifted off to sleep at night. They found that Sikha and all the other children were truly cared for and that she had formed strong bonds with her caregivers. Sikha had formed strong attachments and she grieved to leave the orphanage, the only home she had known and where she felt safe and nurtured. This grief process was hard on everyone (including the orphanage caregivers), but the silver lining in this is that once a child learns to form an attachment, they can transfer that connection and they have developed that capacity to serve them for the rest of their lives, in all of their relationships.It is sometimes hard for me, and I am sure for others, to really see the impact of HHI’s work, but meeting Sikha and seeing her safely snuggled in the arms of her 2 over-joyed parents, it is so obvious and now so tangible!
My deepest thanks to all that participated in creating this event, to those who believe that we can and do make a difference in the lives of others. You gathered your friends, family and colleagues and you all brought a tremendous turn-out of kindness, generosity and fun. The event was a huge success and has ensured that HHI has the resources we need to continue full-tilt in India – and soon beyond!
