Day in the Orphanage
You should have seen the kids! We pulled into the orphanage today, and the kids flocked from everywhere. The lesson today about creation, the craft with tin foil and markers, the song, and the game “Birdie in a Tree” went off without a hitch. Parents, you will so enjoy seeing your kids make new friends.
The women who work in the orphanage are refugees from Africa, who went to Holland, then on to DR. God has called them to serve in the orphanage as cooks and mothers. They run a tight ship.
Several young girls came to VBS today. One in particular, Carolina, is 15 but looks 12. She brought her 12 yr old sister with her and a neighbor. Carolina also brought her tiny baby. All of us women took turns holding the precious baby as she slept, took a bottle, then woke up. Carolina hung out with all of our younger girls like AM, Maggie.
An older boy from the neighborhood came to VBS. His name is Manuel, and he is 17 yrs old. He is quite a leader. He could understand Sarah’s Spanish (which is quite good) then help instruct the other children. What potential for a leader in this community. Pray for him, development in the Lord, leading and serving his neighbors.
Kate will have to tell you about one of the kids that has touched her heart, so I will not steal her thunder. This child is a leader in the orphanage. Although he stuck by Kate the whole time, he only left her side when he saw any of the other boys arguing or needing help.
Harry continues to be a blessing. He is like having our own private pastor who preaches and teaches 24-7. What a servat heart also. He sat down with me this morning and simply opened his mouth. He talked about women in the church, using our gifts and strength in the Lord to serve Jesus. How Mary, mother of Jesus, gladly and humbly took her place as His mother. How Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Jesus and was given the directive to go tell the disciples and Peter. How Peter had betrayed Jesus but was redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Women, it is quite a charge. We are to share Jesus with a fallen world. We are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” so to live in His word and under the law of God following Him, eschewing our idols. I pray that my heart will be revealed, idols exposed; that God will lead my heart in repentance towards Him.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust will destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mt 6:19
We will leave for the slum shortly. Pray to prepare our hearts, to serve the Lord, that hearts will turn to Jesus, that physical needs will be met.
I am uploading thoughts from the kids also ……..
God Bless, Joelle