Today, the Son shined in a beautiful way... as the sun shines on a beautiful day.
.Every Saturday morning, we take time with the children to speak from our hearts and to ask God to help us. A group counseling type of approach, but raw, real; transforming the heart. We asked the children to describe a situation in the past that was difficult for them...
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From small to big, they began sharing the pains within their hearts. From watching thief's come in and take all their things, breaking their mother's legs on the way out to being used as a worker, collecting sticks and water immediately after their parents died; receiving no food for up to one week... this is the gist of it. Various experiences with the local witch doctors and the type of curses they would chant along with means of poison was often spoken of. Being beat, mistreated, used and hungry. Afraid and hopeless. Today, they had a voice.
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My heart was broken within me as I was raging all together at the same time. Thinking where are their rights, their dignity has been trampled upon, who could do or allow such things? The reality is, it's everywhere. These children have been through so much, and now. Now what? They are a voice for the voiceless, crying out for justice because they were shown mercy.
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Today, they are a voice.
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In the afternoons when the rains cease, we all walk to the stadium to watch and play soccer. (it's a big thing here on our mountain)... and the kids love it! As we were there, a teacher from a school some of our children used to attend approached me to converse. He posed questions like "Are these your orphans, the ones who don't have parents?" I looked him deep in the eyes and shared "no, these children aren't orphans... they have both Mother and Father... they have a family who loves them!" Confused, he stated again loudly "I don't think you understand me, these are all orphans"...! I repeated, "clearly, I understand what you are saying, these children have a family and parents."
In the afternoons when the rains cease, we all walk to the stadium to watch and play soccer. (it's a big thing here on our mountain)... and the kids love it! As we were there, a teacher from a school some of our children used to attend approached me to converse. He posed questions like "Are these your orphans, the ones who don't have parents?" I looked him deep in the eyes and shared "no, these children aren't orphans... they have both Mother and Father... they have a family who loves them!" Confused, he stated again loudly "I don't think you understand me, these are all orphans"...! I repeated, "clearly, I understand what you are saying, these children have a family and parents."
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Now, the response most dear to my heart was that of the children. As I first stated that they weren't orphans and had parents and a family, the biggest smiles, grins and expression of joy was found upon their faces. An expression of acceptance and belonging. I will never forget the looks I saw upon their faces... God, responding to their cries, restoring their hope for a future. For all who are supporting our mission to help restore these precious children giving them a hope for the future, thank you. Without you, it would not be possible. Will you be a voice for these children? Until next time...
Now, the response most dear to my heart was that of the children. As I first stated that they weren't orphans and had parents and a family, the biggest smiles, grins and expression of joy was found upon their faces. An expression of acceptance and belonging. I will never forget the looks I saw upon their faces... God, responding to their cries, restoring their hope for a future. For all who are supporting our mission to help restore these precious children giving them a hope for the future, thank you. Without you, it would not be possible. Will you be a voice for these children? Until next time...
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