Heartbreaking News

We received devastating news from ND that a little boy named Tristan has passed away suddenly from heart failure.

Tristan was born on July 27, 2008 and abandoned in the square of his hometown; he was then taken to a local orphanage and later transferred to ND with a serious heart condition. He had heart surgery in December 2008 and the prognosis appeared to be good. His passing is such a shock to everyone as we are all mourning with the pain of his loss.

I remember Tristan vividly because of his magnificent big eyes, cute dimples, and porcelain colored skin. It was quite difficult getting him to smile but when he did, it brightened the room. He was learning to walk when we first met him. He kept falling but he stood up and tried again repeatedly; he was so determined to walk. From my observation, his best friend was Khloe (Kathy’s look alike.) The two were inseparable - Khloe loved to mother him; making believe that she’s feeding or clothing him. Tristan would play along with a smile on his face. I could tell that he was really enjoying her company. It was so adorable and heart warming.

Tristan’s life was brief but he was surrounded by people that loved and cared for him. From the aiyis (nannies) to the staff, interns and volunteers - each has vulnerably opened up their hearts to love him unconditionally. I see God’s Glory in the midst of this sadness… Tristan could have died not knowing or feeling the gentleness of a human touch or experiencing love but God had placed him in a loving home where love was illuminated by His Grace. Thank you ND for filling Tristan’s life with love and being his earthly family! We are at peace knowing that he is no longer suffering, no longer an orphan, but rather sitting on our Heavenly Father’s lap.

I praise God for giving Team JAMES the opportunity to have spent precious moments with Tristan. He was indeed special and his life drew our hearts closer to our Father’s heart. To our faithful readers, please lift up ND during this difficult time and continue to pray for their Kingdom’s work.

~ Mary