• 1: Home
• 2: The Abandoned
  • 2.1: Videos
  • 2.2: About Eastern Europe
    • 2.2.1: In-the-Know ~ Romania
    • 2.2.2: Fun Facts
• 3: Our Story
  • 3.1: History
    • 3.1.1: What's In A Name
    • 3.1.2: How We Got Started
    • 3.1.3: Where We Are Now
  • 3.2: Bios
  • 3.3: Funding Principals
    • 3.3.1: Your Bill of Rights
    • 3.3.2: Budget
    • 3.3.3: Grants
    • 3.3.4: Grant Application
    • 3.3.5: Privacy Policy
• 4: Your Role
  • 4.1: Your Role
  • 4.2: Fund a Project
  • 4.3: Financial Support
  • 4.4: Sponsor an Awareness Event
  • 4.5: Awareness Events
    • 4.5.1: Event Archives
  • 4.6: Tour of the Orphanages
  • 4.7: Refer a Friend
  • 4.8: Prayer champion
• 5: FAQ
• 6: Contact
  • 6.1: Contact Us
  • 6.2: Friends of Amy's Hope
• 7: Newsletter
  • 7.1: Issue 1 May 2008

What's In A Name

I am positive when naming a child, parents’ go through great turmoil in choosing the perfect name for their child. This is unless you have a grand tradition of passing down a family name. However the name is chosen, it plays a significant role in the perception of that child.

When choosing the name for this charity, I felt the same way. I have never been a parent and have never experienced the angst of that decision. I have merely named pets in the past. Needless to say, there is no comparison. This charity was going to be a living breathing group of people that would have to take the identity that I chose to other people and share the story of our child (the charity) with others.

Therefore, I took the brainstorming very seriously. I went so far as to engage friends to help. I was drawing a complete blank --I wanted it to be serious, but not depressing, I wanted it to reflect the hope that the private orphanages give to the children and adults in their countries -- I was feeling the pressure. So, I was a little taken back at my friend’s response. Her suggestion; "Amy's Children" and typed in a big "LOL!" at the end of her email reply. She was truly only being funny and would never have dreamed that I would take and run with it.

Nonetheless, it did make sense. We had received plenty of other recommendations. However, none had resonated like this one did. Amy is my very best friend, and many years ago she adopted me as a friend out of love (we were nine years old). Years after that I adopted her as a sister (I do not have any) and over the years our families have adopted each other. Amy is amongst the annual travelers to Bocsa, Romania that help out in the youth camp and Tabita House orphanage.

Some years prior to beginning her volunteer work in Romania, Amy found out she had Cancer. It is a Cancer that is directly related to a disease she was born with: NF (Neurofibromatosis). She was told that she could not have any more children in fear of the cancer coming back (hormone induced Cancer). Consequently, she had to stop at three (she wanted at least 6!!!).

For that reason, I wanted to name this charity after her, my best friend. She allowed me to adopt her as a sister (a very missing part of my life). Thus, I wanted to give her all of the orphans in Eastern Europe (MANY MORE THAN 6!!!). Though she may not be able to be a direct part of the charity, her heart is here and her prayers are too.

As a side bar--I will have to admit that I absolutely loved revealing the name to her. Our conversation took place over the phone and her immediate gasp of air and the tears in her voice as she thanked me let me know how truly honored she was. It felt so right and I know this is what God wanted of me. I love you Amy...God is so good and he has given us a wonderful gift of friendship and now the gift of charity.