Pricing Haiti's Orphans

My good friend Harriet Mirembe in Uganda (or the USA - you never know where people are these days in this virtual world!) commented on my last post and linked it to children in Haiti who have become vulnerable to those seeking cheap orphans. I find it incredible that a Christian organisation could even consider taking a 'day trip' to Haiti to fill a bus with good looking orphans which they can then give away to nice infertile parents in the USA - but, if the reports are correct, that's just what they did do.

What is even more alarming though are the stories beginning to emerge of those who have gone to Haiti to acquire children as part of a commercial enterprise which will nett them good profits as these children are sold on to love hungry parents in the rich world, parents who know nothing of the culture, language or background of the kids they adopt - or should I say 'buy'.

As well as getting angry about this trade in suffering kids I also have to ask myself a question. If I condemn the actions of charities that 'rescue' children and traders who 'market' children, what will I do instead? Am I prepared to be part of a better solution - a solution which will provide Haiti's children (not just the orphans) with a viable future in the community, culture and nation of their birth.

That solution is going to be much tougher than a day trip to Haiti.