Title:  Jantsen's Gift

Author:  Pam Cope with Aimee Molloy

Grand Central Publishing

Hatchette Book Group

This story is one of tragedy to bittersweet triumph.  After losing her 15 year old  son to an undiagnosed heart ailment unexpectedly, this dear lady went into severe depression.  Not really caring if she lived or died, she really lost her zest for life.  Even though she had a husband and daughter to care for, she could not just resume with life as normal.  Healing from this type of grief, it is a process.  It doesn't happen overnight, in a week, month, or even a year.  Sometimes, it takes many years.

She accepted a friend's invitation to visit an orphanage in Vietnam.  Slowly, her heart begin to heal.  She, her husband and daughter found a little boy that they began the adoption process with.  This trip opened her eyes to the real world where there was much suffering and despair.  She was able to help many, many children in 3rd world countries not only in human trafficking, slavery, and horrible conditions, but helps children in getting medical care they wouldn't otherwise have access to due to extreme poverty or different countries not having advanced medical equipment.   I so admire Mrs. Pam for stepping out of her comfort zone and reaching out to the less fortunate.

The only thing I didn't care for was the language she used periodically and her talks about sneaking away to grab a cold beer.  I don't swear and I don't drink.  So these things were somewhat offensive to me.  I'm just glad she's helping those kids though!  I'd love to go and do what she's done and is doing! 

http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446199698.htm