Day two. What an adventure this has been already! There have definitely been challenges already, but more importantly there have been moments where my abs hurt because I have been laughing so hard and moments where tears come to my eyes by how precious and joyous these children are, despite their situations. Im going to give you all a brief little glimpse of the precious children we get to wake up to (literally at 7 every morning) each day. Here are just a few that have already captured my heart:
Jane- She is my favorite, yes I already have a favorite on day two. She was so so shy at first and wouldn't even look at us. She looks like a little rag doll with the braids in her hair, but she has such a sweet, kind heart that is just longing for love. Tonight when the power went out, she was determined to read the same page of this one book, in the dark, the entire time. The love and grace of Jesus just shine through her smile.
Walter- What a feisty one! He runs around the house like hes the king of everything, but he also has a sassy little attitude about him. He is one of the most mature kids. Even though he is pretty quiet, he loves to laugh, play tag, and blow Kelsey's whistle necklace. Walter is a pure example of God's grace and mercy.
Rachel- the word I think of to describe Rachel is utter JOY! She always has a smile on her face. Even when she is putting unusual objects in her mouth and knows she isn't supposed to, she just beams with the biggest smile! Rachel's legs do not work, but that never stops her. She is always roaming around the yard content and easily amused with even the smallest things. Rachel has an unending smile because she has Jesus!
Zeke- He has one of the best personalities in the orphanage. He loves to talk and sing, but usually in his own little language. He LOVES going into town to get a soda and "sweeties" which are little candies. He acts like a little old man, but is precious and always joyful. Zeke is well loved and it shows!!
Zach- He could be tickled and chased around the yard all day and be the happiest child alive! His joy is expressed in his loud, old man laugh. Nothing stops him and nothing can ruin his day. Zach is very sick right now and has been having seizures all evening... He is a fighter and has the best attitude despite all that hes going through. Zach is loved and cherished by an almighty Father.
These are only 5 of the precious children Kelsey and I are quickly getting to know. I feel most comfortable and most at home when I get to spend time with them and seeing the utter joy and contentment they have in the smallest things. As I wrote about those 5, I can see the Lord working so prevalently. Its the small miracles and the small moments of laughter that we will be able to see the Lord working most. I sometimes get overwhelmed when I see the immense need there is in Jinja and how there is literally a village of people living on dirt floors right behind our blessed orphanage. The need is so great, but my God is way greater. He is working in huge and mighty ways, and I am in no place to limit that or put a perimeter around what that will look like. This journey is already way different than when I assumed (even when I was trying to have no expectations), and its going to be hard, BUT the Lord wouldn't have brought Kelsey and I here if it was going to be easy with no growth or mountains to climb. Im ready for the mountains and Im ready to climb them, for His glory.
-Caroline
-Caroline
So good to hear from you, Caroline! I miss you so much already, mostly because I'm not yet adjusted to not seeing you every day. I love hearing about all the little children you are getting to know - it's easy to picture each of them from your description, and it reminds me how many little children there are on this earth who are loved by God so much! It's easy to forget they are there when the earth is so big and my view is so limited. Thanks for reminding me in a round-about way of the vastness of God.
ReplyDeleteI love you and am praying for you.
Leigh