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Il paese dei bambini che sorridono
La vita di Pam cambia inesorabilmente in un giorno di giugno, quando Jantsen, suo figlio quindicenne, muore all’improvviso. La placida esistenza della famiglia viene sconvolta. Oppressa dal dolore, Pam precipita in un baratro che pare inghiottirla. Sprofondare o reagire. Così lei, che non ha mai varcato i confini del Missouri, accetta di andare in Vietnam con alcuni amici. Quello che vede la travolge. Dietro le immagini da cartolina del turismo, si cela un mondo in cui migliaia di bambini vivono per strada, abbandonati a se stessi. Costretti a mendicare. A fare lavori pesantissimi. O peggio ancora, esposti al pericolo di essere rapiti e venduti sul mercato del sesso. E negli orfanotrofi la situazione è solo di poco migliore: non ci sono fondi, e sul viso dei bambini si legge il vuoto di chi non ha affetto né prospettive. In fondo al cuore, Pam sente riaccendersi una fiamma. Eccolo il dono di Jantsen. Occuparsi di quelle bambine e di quei bambini, in Vietnam, in Cambogia, in Africa. Strapparli alle malattie e all’inedia, a una schiavitù che li costringe a lavorare anche quindici ore al giorno, come Mark. Per riportare sui loro visi la luce del sorriso. Non è facile, ma ora niente la può fermare.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2009
16 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 11, 2009
Jantsen's Gift truly is a story of grief, rescue and grace.
I was moved to tears (which makes it hard to keep reading) when Pam describes going through the motions when her son dies unexpectedly at 15 years old. I continued to feel her pain as she describes falling into the depths of depression. Throughout the book, she shares brief letters written to Jantsen (her son) after his death and you can see her working through the grief of losing a child.
Pam sets up a memorial fund when her son dies as she doesn't want people spending money on flowers that will only die to be thrown away. Then she is left with the decision of what to do with the money. As God often does, people are put in her path that lead her to see where children are suffering and in need. She uses the funds to rescue children in Vietnam, Cambodia and Ghana who are victims of rejection, poverty, slavery, prostition....
And grace? The author writes "To not judge people based on our differences, but to see the things we share - well, that to me is real grace."
Jantsen's Gift is a moving story of how one woman can make a difference in the lives of suffering individuals.
I was moved to tears (which makes it hard to keep reading) when Pam describes going through the motions when her son dies unexpectedly at 15 years old. I continued to feel her pain as she describes falling into the depths of depression. Throughout the book, she shares brief letters written to Jantsen (her son) after his death and you can see her working through the grief of losing a child.
Pam sets up a memorial fund when her son dies as she doesn't want people spending money on flowers that will only die to be thrown away. Then she is left with the decision of what to do with the money. As God often does, people are put in her path that lead her to see where children are suffering and in need. She uses the funds to rescue children in Vietnam, Cambodia and Ghana who are victims of rejection, poverty, slavery, prostition....
And grace? The author writes "To not judge people based on our differences, but to see the things we share - well, that to me is real grace."
Jantsen's Gift is a moving story of how one woman can make a difference in the lives of suffering individuals.
April 30, 2009
I am in the middle of reading Jantsens Gift, but I can already tell it will be one of my all-time favorites! it is moving me beyond words to make changes in my life....to bring more 'meaning' after raising my girls and wondering what to do in the next 'chapter' of my life. A friend of my daughter's from Pepperdine University is part of Touch a Life Foundation and at 23 years old she has already gone to Africa twice to help Pam Cope (the author) rescue children from slave labor! My family and I are hoping to plan a trip next year with this group..this book has inspired me that much! I highly recommend everyone read Pam's incredible journey and be inspired also!
September 12, 2017
This book touches on so many subjects: grief, travel, world socio-economic conditions, etc. A great story about a woman who by many accounts would be considered average: she never graduated from college and married her high-school sweetheart while working cutting hair. But the grief from the sudden death of her son pushed her to really make a difference in this world saving kids from Africa and Asia.
Touching and inspiring.
Touching and inspiring.
March 30, 2010
This is what Three Cups of Tea should have been. Instead of a self-absorbed romp through foreign lands, this is a well crafted story of hope that centers on the people being helped, not the one doing the helping. Although we really get to know Pam Cope through-out this book, it is in a gentle and genuine way.
December 29, 2017
I loved this book! I love how Pam used a tragedy to impact the lives of so many people. I've actually been to Ghana and have met some of the people in the book. It definitely brought back memories of seeing children fishing on Lake Volta. I'm so thankful there are ministries that rescue and rehabilitate these children.
May 12, 2018
Pam is a beautiful person and writer. She opens the door to what dealing with death and grief really looks like and what unfolds when you allow God to make something new from the ashes. Her work to end child slavery is awesome and I can’t wait to get involved.
August 24, 2022
This book will not only move your heart deeply, but change who you are. Pam Cope not only gives us authenticity, she invites us into her brokenness, revealing a story of HOPE. I recommend this book without reservation!
April 21, 2025
Was on my tbr list for years. A beautiful telling of how one woman turned her grief after losing her son unexpectedly into hope and healing, giving many children around the world a chance at new lives and education, free from the horrors of child slavery and other unfortunate situations.
September 3, 2017
This is one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful books I've ever read. I sobbed my eyes out all through it, it's so inspiring and beautiful!
October 23, 2017
A touching and inspiring story that I finished in a weekend.
March 1, 2018
Per i 3/4 di questo libro ho pianto, è un bene, perché mi ha toccato. Mi aiuterà a pensare anche alla mia vita e come darle sempre più significato.
July 9, 2018
This book is absolutely INCREDIBlE and inspiring. It's a study in the difference one person can make. I highly recommend it.
January 25, 2019
beautiful story about a mothers tragic loss and how she turned her pain into a life of helping the severely underprivileged and abused...
June 3, 2019
Interesting. We all know about these kids but startling to read it.
August 20, 2020
Out of intense grief, a woman pours herself into a worthy call. She rescues kids from human trafficking and sets up safe havens for them in which to learn and grow. This book is a transforming tale of how her cause for the rejected and misused sweeps away her former expectations for what makes a good life. She finds she doesn't miss the things and wishes she could only do more for the people.
February 25, 2024
One of my all time favorites. I cried like a baby. This story is incredible and walks you through one Mom’s way of coping with inconsolable grief.
June 24, 2024
Fabulous book. It's eye opening, meaningful and makes me want to take action. Thank you Pam Cope for taking the time to share your life and experiences with the world.
August 8, 2010
Jantzen's Gift by Pam Cope
Pam Cope and Aimee Molloy are the authors of "Jantsen's Gift." This wonderful book is about a family dealing with the death of a son and brother. Jantsen is fifteen years old when he dies unexpectedly. His mother walks us through her most painful moments. Then, we feel the strength of a healing heart as she walks out of grief and into a place of peace. Throughout the book, we never lose touch with Jantsen. I often looked at the title letting it remind me that Jantsen led his mother out of a narrow passage into a wider place. Also, at the beginning of each chapter her journal entries written in the form of a letter to Jantsen from his mother, Pam. These notes are also a reminder that Jantsen's light still shines in his mother's heart and around the world to people he never had the chance to meet.
Pam's new beginning starts with a trip to Vietnam with friends. It took thirty hours and four airplane changes to reach Vietnam. As I traveled along with Pam and the others going with her, I realized how little I know about Vietnam. I didn't know about the trafficking of children for prostitution. In many ways, Vietnam is still at war. This time with themselves while struggling with poverty and the ugly reminders of war wrecked country.
Pam with family and/or friends would travel to Haiti, Ghana and Vietnam to save the lives of children. She wanted to give children a better life, a life without hunger, without working as slaves and the chance to get an education. I will always remember her vigor, her determination and her compassion. It would turn Pam's heart inside out to see children working on fishing boats while hungry, chilled to the bone and empty of a child's spirit.
One letter begins "Dear Jantsen, I can't believe I am in the middle of nowhere, Africa."
The change in Pam's life wasn't like a genie waved a magic wand over her. She struggled many times in many ways. After all, she still had her family at home. Pam Cope tells about "Jerry Springer" moments in her family's life. Her tough personal situations really hit me emotionally. One fact I will remember is that people grieve at different times in different ways. A wife and husband won't necessarily cry their hearts out at the same time. In Pam Cope's life her husband, Randy, remained strong while she collapsed. Then his time had to come to make peace with the pain of losing Jantsen. Her life became one long roller coaster ride. At some points, the ride seemed unendurable. At other dips, she found herself wanting to get back on the ride again. Finally, she stays on the swaying, dipping ride knowing this wild ride is saving many, many children of the world. Thank you Pam Cope and all of your friends and family. You are saving the world.
Pam Cope and Aimee Molloy are the authors of "Jantsen's Gift." This wonderful book is about a family dealing with the death of a son and brother. Jantsen is fifteen years old when he dies unexpectedly. His mother walks us through her most painful moments. Then, we feel the strength of a healing heart as she walks out of grief and into a place of peace. Throughout the book, we never lose touch with Jantsen. I often looked at the title letting it remind me that Jantsen led his mother out of a narrow passage into a wider place. Also, at the beginning of each chapter her journal entries written in the form of a letter to Jantsen from his mother, Pam. These notes are also a reminder that Jantsen's light still shines in his mother's heart and around the world to people he never had the chance to meet.
Pam's new beginning starts with a trip to Vietnam with friends. It took thirty hours and four airplane changes to reach Vietnam. As I traveled along with Pam and the others going with her, I realized how little I know about Vietnam. I didn't know about the trafficking of children for prostitution. In many ways, Vietnam is still at war. This time with themselves while struggling with poverty and the ugly reminders of war wrecked country.
Pam with family and/or friends would travel to Haiti, Ghana and Vietnam to save the lives of children. She wanted to give children a better life, a life without hunger, without working as slaves and the chance to get an education. I will always remember her vigor, her determination and her compassion. It would turn Pam's heart inside out to see children working on fishing boats while hungry, chilled to the bone and empty of a child's spirit.
One letter begins "Dear Jantsen, I can't believe I am in the middle of nowhere, Africa."
The change in Pam's life wasn't like a genie waved a magic wand over her. She struggled many times in many ways. After all, she still had her family at home. Pam Cope tells about "Jerry Springer" moments in her family's life. Her tough personal situations really hit me emotionally. One fact I will remember is that people grieve at different times in different ways. A wife and husband won't necessarily cry their hearts out at the same time. In Pam Cope's life her husband, Randy, remained strong while she collapsed. Then his time had to come to make peace with the pain of losing Jantsen. Her life became one long roller coaster ride. At some points, the ride seemed unendurable. At other dips, she found herself wanting to get back on the ride again. Finally, she stays on the swaying, dipping ride knowing this wild ride is saving many, many children of the world. Thank you Pam Cope and all of your friends and family. You are saving the world.
September 7, 2009
"Jantsen's Gift" by Pam Cope
(from inside flap)
Ten years ago, Pam Cope owned a hair salon in the small town of Neosho, Missouri. Her life revolved around her son's baseball games, her daughter's dance lessons, and family trips to places like Disney World. She had never been out of the country, nor had she any desire to travel far from home.
Then, on June 16, 1999, her life changed forever when her fifteen-year-old son Jantsen died from an undiagnosed heart ailment. Drowning in sadness and needing to get as far away from her loss as possible, she accepted a friend's invitation to visit orphanages in Vietnam. From the moment she arrived, everything began to shift. By the time she returned home, she had a new mission: to use her pain to change the world, one small step at a time, one child at a time.
Within one year, Pam had rescued thirty children from the streets of Vietnam. Within five years, that number had grown to more than two hundred. Then, in 2006, a New York Times article about young children being sold into slavery in Ghanna galvanized her to travel thousands of miles to intervene on their behalf. Today, Pam is the director and founder of Touch A Life, and organization dedicated to helping at-risk children all over the world, and she is working to build a center in Northern Ghanna that offers a safe shelter and a promising future for the children she has rescued from slavery.
This is a very inspiring book!!! I can certainly feel for Pam at the loss of a child. I have lost a child, our daughter Shondella Iris died February 26, 1977. She was 4 1/2 years old. This is a very moving and sometimes hard book to read. All the agony, frustration, and heartbreak is almost overwhelming. But I did keep going if for no other reason than to see if Pam actually got the children out of slavery in Ghanna. And she didn't get them all, but got lots of them. At the end of the book she gives you the info on the children that she has wrote about in the book. How they are doing and what's going on in their life's at the time the book is written. Pam also gives you the website of her foundation. You can find lots more info at the Touch A Life website. Just click on the name Touch A Life and you will go there!
(from inside flap)
Ten years ago, Pam Cope owned a hair salon in the small town of Neosho, Missouri. Her life revolved around her son's baseball games, her daughter's dance lessons, and family trips to places like Disney World. She had never been out of the country, nor had she any desire to travel far from home.
Then, on June 16, 1999, her life changed forever when her fifteen-year-old son Jantsen died from an undiagnosed heart ailment. Drowning in sadness and needing to get as far away from her loss as possible, she accepted a friend's invitation to visit orphanages in Vietnam. From the moment she arrived, everything began to shift. By the time she returned home, she had a new mission: to use her pain to change the world, one small step at a time, one child at a time.
Within one year, Pam had rescued thirty children from the streets of Vietnam. Within five years, that number had grown to more than two hundred. Then, in 2006, a New York Times article about young children being sold into slavery in Ghanna galvanized her to travel thousands of miles to intervene on their behalf. Today, Pam is the director and founder of Touch A Life, and organization dedicated to helping at-risk children all over the world, and she is working to build a center in Northern Ghanna that offers a safe shelter and a promising future for the children she has rescued from slavery.
This is a very inspiring book!!! I can certainly feel for Pam at the loss of a child. I have lost a child, our daughter Shondella Iris died February 26, 1977. She was 4 1/2 years old. This is a very moving and sometimes hard book to read. All the agony, frustration, and heartbreak is almost overwhelming. But I did keep going if for no other reason than to see if Pam actually got the children out of slavery in Ghanna. And she didn't get them all, but got lots of them. At the end of the book she gives you the info on the children that she has wrote about in the book. How they are doing and what's going on in their life's at the time the book is written. Pam also gives you the website of her foundation. You can find lots more info at the Touch A Life website. Just click on the name Touch A Life and you will go there!
April 24, 2009
Pam always felt something was missing from her life, that a beautiful house, wonderful family, and great vacations just couldn't satisfy. Unfortunately, her son Jantsen dies which brings Pam, to the very precipice of life versus death. Through this tragedy Pam realizes she is meant for bigger things. After her trip to Vietnam and seeing those children, Pam realizes her life has a purpose: to ease the suffering and help as many children as she can, whether they are in Asia or Ghana.
This book chronicles Pam's expreinces and emotional struggles from both the loss of her son and her journey to the realization of her life's purpose.
"Maybe this is what it had always meant for me to have a life of meaning." pg 111
Pam describes her depression after Jantsen's death so vividly, that I felt as though I had lost a son, and I don't even have children. A foundation was established with donations recieved after Jantsen's death and this is the beginning of Pam's lifes work. Pam's travels to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ghana are so vivid and full of life, that you feel you are right there beside her soaking it all in. She also gives background inforamtion as to why these children end up in these poor living conditions. From changes in government in Vietnam to the harsh realities of life in Ghana, Pam describes everything succintly. Human trafficking is also a part of this story, in all of these countries. It is a harsh reality that unfortunately exisists.
All in all I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It made me think about my place in the world, and the little things I could do to make it better for someone else. The writing was wonderful and it didn't feel like a memoir or biography to me. It reads like a well told story.
Jantsen's Gifts are many: the foundation started in his name, the realization by Pam of what her life's purpose should be, and the story itself. With this story, the plight of children everywhere will be discussed and maybe a little something can be done about it. We are not alone.
My Rating: 4.5/5
If you would like to learn more about the Touch of Life Foundation, please visit their website
http://www.touchalifekids.org/
This book chronicles Pam's expreinces and emotional struggles from both the loss of her son and her journey to the realization of her life's purpose.
"Maybe this is what it had always meant for me to have a life of meaning." pg 111
Pam describes her depression after Jantsen's death so vividly, that I felt as though I had lost a son, and I don't even have children. A foundation was established with donations recieved after Jantsen's death and this is the beginning of Pam's lifes work. Pam's travels to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ghana are so vivid and full of life, that you feel you are right there beside her soaking it all in. She also gives background inforamtion as to why these children end up in these poor living conditions. From changes in government in Vietnam to the harsh realities of life in Ghana, Pam describes everything succintly. Human trafficking is also a part of this story, in all of these countries. It is a harsh reality that unfortunately exisists.
All in all I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It made me think about my place in the world, and the little things I could do to make it better for someone else. The writing was wonderful and it didn't feel like a memoir or biography to me. It reads like a well told story.
Jantsen's Gifts are many: the foundation started in his name, the realization by Pam of what her life's purpose should be, and the story itself. With this story, the plight of children everywhere will be discussed and maybe a little something can be done about it. We are not alone.
My Rating: 4.5/5
If you would like to learn more about the Touch of Life Foundation, please visit their website
http://www.touchalifekids.org/
April 20, 2009
A deeply moving, true story. Pam Cope seemed to have the perfect life, or rather, she was obsessed with creating the perfect life. That life revolved around her husband and two children and all their activities. But, with her 15 year old son Jantsen's sudden death in 1999, her life changed forever. Pam is very open about how her grief drove her into depression and how she struggled to find meaning in her life. Her candor is refreshing as she recounts that after all the years of attending church looking like the perfect Christian family, she really didn't know God at all. But, as she finally turns toward him, her life begins to change again.
Pam and her husband Randy, started a foundation with money that had been donated in Jantsen's name after his death. Wanting a purpose and a legacy for him, they accept an invitation to travel to Vietnam to inspect an orphanage, with the intent of supporting its work. This trip changes their lives. Pam's perspective changes as she realizes how many at-risk children there are in this world. She and her husband adopted two children and have made it their mission in life to help as many others as they can.
Pam speaks of her experiences establishing homes in Vietnam and Ghana, where children who have been sold into slavery or prostitution can be rescued, sheltered and educated. The level of commitment and service that the Cope family has put into this project is amazing. They are an inspiration to people everywhere, that one or two people can truly make a difference in this world.
Thanks to Anna Balasi at Hatchette Book Group for the opportunity to review this book.
Pam and her husband Randy, started a foundation with money that had been donated in Jantsen's name after his death. Wanting a purpose and a legacy for him, they accept an invitation to travel to Vietnam to inspect an orphanage, with the intent of supporting its work. This trip changes their lives. Pam's perspective changes as she realizes how many at-risk children there are in this world. She and her husband adopted two children and have made it their mission in life to help as many others as they can.
Pam speaks of her experiences establishing homes in Vietnam and Ghana, where children who have been sold into slavery or prostitution can be rescued, sheltered and educated. The level of commitment and service that the Cope family has put into this project is amazing. They are an inspiration to people everywhere, that one or two people can truly make a difference in this world.
Thanks to Anna Balasi at Hatchette Book Group for the opportunity to review this book.
April 21, 2009
What an amazing memoir!
When Pam Cope loses her 15 year-old son, Jansten, due to an unknown heart condition, she falls into a very severe depression. Upon invitation from a friend, Pam and her husband Randy, travel to Vietnam to visit an orphanage that this friend has built, and to find a way of coping with her loss/grief. There they fall in love with a Vietnamese child and decide to adopt him. Eventually they adopt another Vietnamese girl - but not before they fall in love with these children and realize that they can use the money that was donated in Jantsen’s name after his death for such a worthy cause.
This memoir chronicles Pam and Randy’s journey to providing children with food, shelter, education and medical care in Vietnam and Cambodia. And eventually to their work in Ghana where children are sold into slavery or prostitution by their families at a very young age. It details the struggles they go through to obtain these children from their "masters" and their work in building the The Village of Hope Orphanage.
I cried (a lot)... I laughed... I was truly moved and inspired. This is the type of book that makes you rethink your life. It is heart-wrenching to read some snippets of the letters that Pam writes to Jantsen and this book is a touching tribute to him.
To find out more about their foundation - Touch a Life, or to make a donation (I already did), please visit their website at http://www.touchalifekids.org/. You can also visit their blog at: http://touchalifekids.blogspot.com/.
When Pam Cope loses her 15 year-old son, Jansten, due to an unknown heart condition, she falls into a very severe depression. Upon invitation from a friend, Pam and her husband Randy, travel to Vietnam to visit an orphanage that this friend has built, and to find a way of coping with her loss/grief. There they fall in love with a Vietnamese child and decide to adopt him. Eventually they adopt another Vietnamese girl - but not before they fall in love with these children and realize that they can use the money that was donated in Jantsen’s name after his death for such a worthy cause.
This memoir chronicles Pam and Randy’s journey to providing children with food, shelter, education and medical care in Vietnam and Cambodia. And eventually to their work in Ghana where children are sold into slavery or prostitution by their families at a very young age. It details the struggles they go through to obtain these children from their "masters" and their work in building the The Village of Hope Orphanage.
I cried (a lot)... I laughed... I was truly moved and inspired. This is the type of book that makes you rethink your life. It is heart-wrenching to read some snippets of the letters that Pam writes to Jantsen and this book is a touching tribute to him.
To find out more about their foundation - Touch a Life, or to make a donation (I already did), please visit their website at http://www.touchalifekids.org/. You can also visit their blog at: http://touchalifekids.blogspot.com/.
May 31, 2009
OK, first let me apologize for what I'm about to say. I am NOT a non-fiction memoir reading type of person. I want something to take me away from reality, not bring it closer to home. Now, let me apologize for being that way because Mrs. Cope and Ms. Molloy have opened up my eyes and placed me outside of my box, outside of what I would consider my comfort zone.
I figured that this book would be just an exploration of a woman's grief over loosing her son (Pam, you are a great woman) and how she overcame and boom, happy ending. This book was all of that, and then some more. I learned more by reading this book than I did in most of my history classes. Because the history that Mrs. Cope takes us to is current day. I know, that sounds a little off, but each moment in our life is a part of history in the making.
Pam was able to show me that the things that you wouldn't even imagine are happening in the world. It's part of past history, and also a part of current history that no one wants to hear. It's hard enough to hear of the heartbreak of the past, but then to be made aware that the past is currently being lived, but under the radar. But is it really under the radar or do we put it there to make our lives a little easier to live? I recommend that everyone read this book. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, out of your little box, and experience what the world really is, through the eyes of a child, a lost and lonely child.
Review posted at: http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.c...
I figured that this book would be just an exploration of a woman's grief over loosing her son (Pam, you are a great woman) and how she overcame and boom, happy ending. This book was all of that, and then some more. I learned more by reading this book than I did in most of my history classes. Because the history that Mrs. Cope takes us to is current day. I know, that sounds a little off, but each moment in our life is a part of history in the making.
Pam was able to show me that the things that you wouldn't even imagine are happening in the world. It's part of past history, and also a part of current history that no one wants to hear. It's hard enough to hear of the heartbreak of the past, but then to be made aware that the past is currently being lived, but under the radar. But is it really under the radar or do we put it there to make our lives a little easier to live? I recommend that everyone read this book. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, out of your little box, and experience what the world really is, through the eyes of a child, a lost and lonely child.
Review posted at: http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.c...
February 16, 2012
The cover states this is a true story of grief, rescue and grace. The grief began on June 16, 1999 when Pam Cope’s fifteen-year-old son, Jantsen, died. The rescue is her account of her work to save at-risk children, and the grace is how she has emerged, not fully whole, but in a much better place and as a better person.
This is very honest account, Pam Cope details the horrible grief she felt, the debilitating depression she suffered after the death of her son, but some of the reasons she started doing the work she did was she saw how many people her son had helped in his short life.
In retelling her efforts to help children around the world, innocent victims of war and human trafficking, she is unstinting in her praise for those who helped her. People who also wanted to help and more importantly, were familiar with the situations and knew the best way to help these children. She is also candid about some mistakes she made along the way, how she learned from them and included some travel tips. Such as, if you are in Ghana and see a man with a string around his waist, he is going to try to urinate on you. (I just couldn’t resist telling that)
In short, this is an extraordinary well written account of one woman’s efforts to change things for the better. Included is a website to visit to learn more about the charity she and her husband started.
I recommend this book.
This is very honest account, Pam Cope details the horrible grief she felt, the debilitating depression she suffered after the death of her son, but some of the reasons she started doing the work she did was she saw how many people her son had helped in his short life.
In retelling her efforts to help children around the world, innocent victims of war and human trafficking, she is unstinting in her praise for those who helped her. People who also wanted to help and more importantly, were familiar with the situations and knew the best way to help these children. She is also candid about some mistakes she made along the way, how she learned from them and included some travel tips. Such as, if you are in Ghana and see a man with a string around his waist, he is going to try to urinate on you. (I just couldn’t resist telling that)
In short, this is an extraordinary well written account of one woman’s efforts to change things for the better. Included is a website to visit to learn more about the charity she and her husband started.
I recommend this book.
November 16, 2012
Pam, your sorrow is shared.
As another mother who lost a son, albeit 39 years ago, I feel your pain and weep with you. I also rejoice with you in that gift of a son, no matter how long one was privileged to be loaned his precious life.
Thank you for writing such a heartfelt, honest account. Thank you for sharing the person who was your son. Thank you for spreading hope to everyone who has struggled with grief. Thank you for walking your amazing road on behalf of so many other grieved mothers. Thank you for showing so many sad and lonely children the love of a stranger, soon to be their friend. Thank you for demonstrating love, in your words and actions.
I could not put the book down. It speaks volumes to the strength of a devoted mother, to her love, expressed in so many ways. Thank you for having the courage to open your heart; though we know the pain never truly leaves, the future is brighter. I wish I had the physical stamina and resources to make a difference, as you have done. God bless you in your work, your home and your gift of writing.
As another mother who lost a son, albeit 39 years ago, I feel your pain and weep with you. I also rejoice with you in that gift of a son, no matter how long one was privileged to be loaned his precious life.
Thank you for writing such a heartfelt, honest account. Thank you for sharing the person who was your son. Thank you for spreading hope to everyone who has struggled with grief. Thank you for walking your amazing road on behalf of so many other grieved mothers. Thank you for showing so many sad and lonely children the love of a stranger, soon to be their friend. Thank you for demonstrating love, in your words and actions.
I could not put the book down. It speaks volumes to the strength of a devoted mother, to her love, expressed in so many ways. Thank you for having the courage to open your heart; though we know the pain never truly leaves, the future is brighter. I wish I had the physical stamina and resources to make a difference, as you have done. God bless you in your work, your home and your gift of writing.
August 7, 2009
Have you ever read a tragic story in the newspaper and felt moved to act, but didn't? If you are like most people the answer is yes to both parts of the question. Pam Cope, however, read a New York Times article about child slavery in Ghana and did act! She set about rescuing not only the subject of the article, Mark, but six other children held in slavery. Later she returned to Ghana to create a safe house for more enslaved children. And all of this was after she adopted two Vietnamese children and sponsored fifteen Vietnamese children! Is Pam Cope a celebrity, super wealthy, or a world scholar? No! Rather she is simply a mother who suddenly lost her beloved son Jansten. From the depths of her personal grief Ms. Cope began a journey to save other children one child at a time. I found Jansten's Gift very inspiring and highly recommend it. Jansten's Gift is a story that will stay with you long after you have read the last page.
October 19, 2011
At first I thought this would be the story of some clueless suburban mom discovers that their is life, and people suffering, outside of her perfect little world - which to an extent it was. But I was deeply impressed by the real and raw emotions she shared in it - her depression after her son died, her inadequacies as a mom, discovering that she was not who she wanted to be after years of trying to be perfect. Along with that, she shares her stories of traveling abroad and changing the lives of children around the globe. I was impressed with her tenacity and her belief that one child matters.
Very well written, with deep emotion and detail of events. Any one who has been through grief can relate with her feelings. And on the flipside, anyone who has been involved in international work with children can relate to the joy of changing peoples lives.
Very well written, with deep emotion and detail of events. Any one who has been through grief can relate with her feelings. And on the flipside, anyone who has been involved in international work with children can relate to the joy of changing peoples lives.
March 27, 2013
What an inspiring story -- one that really leads to some self-searching. Pam Cope was a typical suburban mother, raising two children, working at a hair salon, worrying about superficials, when her life suddenly changed. Without any warning, her fifteen year old son died of an undiagnosed heart ailment. She was devastated. For months, she struggled with severe depression and anger, barely able to parent her young daughter.
Then a friend invited her to accompany her on a visit to orphanages in Vietnam. This was the beginning of a transformation. Pam was rescued from her depression and soon dozens and dozens (hundreds?) of at-risk children were rescued by Pam. Told with humor and candor, the story is inspiring and empowering. This woman is changing the world. Perhaps we should change the world too.
Then a friend invited her to accompany her on a visit to orphanages in Vietnam. This was the beginning of a transformation. Pam was rescued from her depression and soon dozens and dozens (hundreds?) of at-risk children were rescued by Pam. Told with humor and candor, the story is inspiring and empowering. This woman is changing the world. Perhaps we should change the world too.
June 8, 2009
This book changed my life. For real. I'm going to Kenya this fall because of this book. It's the true story of a woman overcoming tragedy and transforming her grief into an amazing organization that rescues children all over the world from poverty and slavery. Hunger and suffering seem to be systemic problems that cannot be changed by one person, but this book shows us the true tale of one incredible woman who is currently making a very real difference in the world. She has flown around the world and personally saved the lives of dozens of children. If you would like to be inspired, please read this book. In fact, read it regardless of whether you're seeking inspiration or not. I can't recommend it highly enough.
June 7, 2013
This book takes you on the author's emotional, spiritual and physical journey as she heals from the passing of her son, Jantsen. I enjoyed the author's reflections of the peaks and valleys of her life and the impact of her son's life on her decisions. Personally, the book reminded me of what's it is like to LIVE, stirred up the yearning of living a purposeful life, helping others and enjoying it. Don't we all want that? Pam found it! As an proponent of orphancare and adoption, it was heartwarming to read about her family's path to adoption and, its trials and triumphs. I'm a fan of her work in Africa and Asia and hope that more children will be rescued and blessed by her family's resilience to make a difference.
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