Sorry it has taken me so long to post! The internet here has been difficult. These past few weeks have been busy! My favorite part has been spending time at ‘Mama Orphans Children’s Home’ which is only about a three minute walk from the church we are partnered with. Vincent and Bahati, two (about) eight year old boys, have found a special place in my heart. I look forward to seeing them every day don’t know what I’m going to do when I have to leave! Unfortunately, I have to be married to adopt boys in Kenya. Other than food, the biggest struggles for children here are keeping clean (soap is scarce) and getting shoes. There are about 134 children at this particular orphanage and even though the living conditions are exceptional compared to the streets, it is still difficult. I have found that many of these children become part time care givers as well, always passing around the small babies and giving baths, if just with water.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to love them and see their huge smiles from a hug and a kiss and what a joy it is when they greet you screaming your name! Though many times we play soccer or sing little songs, the best part is just sitting in the shade with six of them all scrunched together on my lap. I spend those moments wishing I had more arms to cuddle them with. God has shown me that to love is the greatest gift of all. There is joy knowing that others are happy, even if it’s just for a second.
It’s tough leaving these kids behind every day and can be draining, but God has also revealed to me that His love is also one that fills me up even more so than the little ones. He’s shown me that this world is not about what is right and wrong, what can be done and what can’t be done, but to be loved by Him and love others in turn. He’s shown me that though there is strife in the world, He makes all things new. He brings light where there is darkness. He brings hope where there is suffering. And He never forsakes His children. This is a God who cannot help it but love. He is love. It is not an emotion He has, but who He is. Though He has other characteristics, the extent of His love for me has been a beautiful discovery. As much as I love these children at the orphanage, God loves them and me a million times more! How unfathomable and amazing it is to have a God like this!
