As the adoptive mom of a child who was cast away by her birth mother at age 2
1/2, this book gave me hope.
As the adoptive mom of a child who was cast away by her birth mother at age 2
1/2, this book gave me hope.
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Dear Mr. Mitchell, We are currently adopting a little girl who was found abandoned in
the market in Nicaragua when she was 2 1/2 years old.
She could not walk or talk and has lived in a “good” orphanage ever since.
She did not even have a name.
She is now 5 years old. What would you say to her given that you might understand
her feelings of abandonment?
When I read your story my heart broke, not only for you as a child, but for the
struggles she will face.
As her God given adoptive mom, I know she is treasured, longed for and beloved.
How can we make sure she knows that?
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Your book was very moving. My father died when I was 12. Though our family experiences are
very different, the emotions of growing up and figuring out who we are were common.
I took your book with me on a trip to the Congo and as I read the last third of there, often had
tears in my eyes.
I found Dapala, still alive through all the wars. I gave your book to him even though he won’t
be able to read the English. I sent you a video of him for your records.
As I told parts of your story in Gemena and in sermons I preached while there, many times
there was shared with me a thankfulness and pride on the part of the Congolese people that
they had had a part in sharing God’s grace with you.
Lots of times the Congo Christians feel they are only on the receiving end when relating to
Americans They often don’t understand or sense how greatly we are affected by their faith, joy
and wisdom.
Kimia mpe bolingo na Nzombe ezala na yo.
(Peace and love of God be with you)
Keith G
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I can not begin to have the words to express how much I appreciate your book,
Castaway Kid
My husband and I must live in a small mobile home in order to raise our daughters 3
children, children she abandonded for drugs and strange men. We have not seen
her in years and only hear from her when she is begging for money.
The youngest doesnt ever remember his mother and when he began to talk, called
me mama.
The middle girl is clearly mixed race and is taunted at school.
The oldest is trying, trying to find some money for college to become a teacher. She
knows we have no money.
Each child has so many emotions and some days they don’t even know how they
feel, as well as some days I dont either.
thank you for your book. God bless, Mary Lynn
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I was just checking out CBNs show, the 700 Club, for today and saw that you were
on. I wanted to let you know that I’m excited how God is using your past to help
others overcome their pains.
I loved your book and had a hard time putting it down.
May God continue to bless and protect you and your family and may His Spirit
continually fill you and overtake you so you will always have everything you need to
minister to others.
Be blessed in abundance.
Marva
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I work at a boys ranch in north Georgia. We take care of 6 boys from 8 to 15
years old.
This is one of the best book I have ever read! I was hooked from the first
chapter and in a phrase: Blown Away!
I laughed, cried and got a lot of perspective about why my kids act the way they
do sometimes.
It really helps you get a mental picture of what true hopeless looks like from a
young child’s perspective.
I recommend this book for anyone who works with kids from broken homes.
Probably my favorite part of this book is how Rob relates the word “Home” to
God.
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I really enjoyed this true story of the struggles of a very young boy given up to a
Children’s Home. He had to deal with rejection on different levels and all the grief
through his young life.
It had me in tears sometimes but I couldn’t put it down. I’m thankful the author
took you through to manhood and how he built his adult life.
Very insightfull and helped me with some issues I faced myself. Great Read
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Thank you for your book. I have been working with orphans from Ukraine for a few years
now.
What I have heard from them, witnessed, and felt your personal story is like the hundreds I
have met.
They all want a family. They want to belong.
Castaway Kid has educated me in many ways. You have also confirmed that I can’t
change their past, I can help, but only Jesus can heal their heart.
Thank you again and again. Your honesty and heart of wanting to help has made this book
the best I have ever read!
May God bless the Gigi’s of this world.
Vince
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Writing in simple, strikingly transparent prose, Mitchell lays bare the wounds created
by repeated abandonment and rejection by his family. His would be a truly heart-
rending story were it not for an adoption that came once his childhood years were
passed.
Mitchell was adopted into the family of God, accepting the Father’s promise to be
home for him; to provide him with a never-faltering source of love, stability, and
identity. Guided by His spirit through the process of deep forgiveness for those who
forsook him, Mitchell was able to move forward into a new life including a wife and
children as he learned to trust and love.
Coming from an orphanage with dismal outcomes for its long term residents,
Mitchell’s life stands out as wildly successful. A college graduate and participant in
international missions, Mitchell is now a well established financial consultant and
motivational speaker.
I rejoice for the work that God has done in the author’s life. Thankfully everyone can
experience the personal love of the creator of the universe, whether orphaned,
empty or confused. Gods’ free grace available to all comers.
The story of Mitchell’s life brings the emotional desolation (orphans around the
world) experience into sharp focus and embodies the spirit of adoption that God
longs to engender in his followers. While Mitchell may be one of the last “lifers” from
the American adoption system, we should remember the children waiting for families
in foster homes and orphanages worldwide.
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I just wanted to comment on your book. I just started reading it and it has put a lump in
my throat.
Some of my best friends were the Homies. I was a Townie, but, one of the outcasts of
them.
I came from the wrong side of the tracks and a lot of them would let me know it too. So,
when I was hanging around Princeton, I became friends with a few of the Homies. They
were good people and I never thought I was better than any of ’em.
the sad part is I lost track of a few of them. Some of them lost track of themselves and
committed suicide in later years. Others went on to be the best they could be.
No matter where I travel in this life, I have always said I am a better person for having
had the opportunity to have friends like my homie friends. They understood me and I
them. I would like to think all our lives were made better by having known each other.
Thank you for your book. It brought back many memories for me a the Home that is no
longer there and the friendships that came out of it.
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I just finished the book, I couldn't stop reading it! I read the whole book in 1 day! I
grew up in Princeton Illinois, 2 blocks from the Childrens Home, on Elm Place.
I have many friends to this day that came from the childrens home. Our doors at my
house were always open to anyone.
I always had a soft spot for kids from the Childrens Home. Some would come over to
my house to shoot some hoops in the backyard, or to watch a football game on
monday night.
I sat and watched basketball games on the campus in the small gym, where other
homes would come for a scrimmage.
These people were good people, sometimes misunderstood.
This book is one of the most insirational books I have ever read. I seriously think that
it would make a great movie.
5 STARS OUT OF 5
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Mbote Na Yo, Ozali Malamu? In Lingala that means, “Hello to you, How are you?”
I was in Zaire/Congo the same time you were. In fact, I was in Gemena when you were. I
remember having lemonade at Lee and Alene Anderson’s home when I first arrived in
Gemena in July, 1973.
Thank you for sharing your story; it was heart wrenching. Wow! It was amazing to see how
God brought you through all the years of pain.
Your book was so captivating, I read it in two days. You put a cliffhanger at the end of every
chapter that made me want to keep on reading!
Thanks again for sharing your story. Otikala Malamu (Stay well). Barb
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