Today was incredible. Every Monday at EAC we alternate going to 2 different babies homes: Sanyu (Sahn-uh) and Nsambya (In-sahm-byuh). It took us almost an hour to get there because of traffic, but when we walked into the home it was time to feed the baby-babies! (For those of you who don't get my lingo, that's 1 year and under!) Everyone grabbed their baby, a bottle, a chair and started feeding! As soon as I went to this little mans crib he gave me the biggest smile! His name is Isaac. He was delivered to Sanyu April 11, 2011 and is approximately 5 months old.
(above) In my lap before naptime! I rocked him to sleep!
(below)Swinging on the swing. We practiced kicking off of my feet to help build his leg muscles!
He's precious!! But what happened today was more than just meeting a sweet, beautiful, happy, loving baby! Over the weekend I spent some time to myself: reading, praying, journaling, etc. I was reading this book that made me think about why I've been struggling with some things here. It wasn't too long ago that I had a conversation with Jeremy about my lack of interest in the babies homes. We always left early in the morning and I felt like my time was useless there. I don't know why, but my heart was just hardened over it. I told him I felt like it was completely against what I was called here to do, but I couldn't understand why I wasn't just in love with the opportunity to serve orphans. I just didn't get it.
Well, the story I was reading was about this girl's desire to know more about Christ and to know what it meant to be a Christian, not just say she's a Christian. She heard this guest speaker and after the presentation she approached the speaker asking why she's never felt a connection with Christ like what they described. Long story short, he asked her when did she just point blank ask God for what she wanted to see his response. It really got me thinking about my struggle here connecting with orphans.
I decided to ask God to give me a heart for his children, but specifically orphans. I really feel like God, because he's so loving and knows me so well, was just waiting on me to figure this out. I finally broke down my pride and admitted that I needed him to open my eyes and heart to these children. So today I go into this project with a completely new outlook and it was life changing.
As I was feeding Isaac his bottle my heart just broke for all of the beautiful, wonderfully made children in orphanages all over the world. It honestly made me cry all morning. How could I go my whole life thinking that I care for them, but not ever, until this moment, really see them the way God sees them. I mean that sounds harsh, but I've prayed so many times about all of these things I want, the things I'm doing, the things the organization is doing, the things my family and friends are doing, God's will for their lives and not mention orphans and widows. I definitely have a new perspective on this! It was incredible to know the moment I held this baby that God was teaching me through him. I am so excited that I had the opportunity to meet him and pray over him and his little life. I'm so thankful to serve a loving God, who answers my prayers and knows my heart.
Tomorrow my team will end our week in the Zerobwe (the village). I'm excited to give this another chance. I feel like I have a completely new outlook on the pain and discomfort that comes with being in Africa... I hope that doesn't sound bad. I'm excited about growing with our team. We have 2 new people here, so hopefully we'll all work in unity! I am helping Jonah lead praise and worship...stepping out of my comfort zone and using my talents to glorify God. Bring on week 4! I continue to miss all of you, but am equally, if not more, encouraged constantly by so many of you- thank you!! xoxoxo
Prayer requests:
For Isaac and the other babies at Sanyu, Nsambya, and all over the world. God has great things planned for their lives!
Pray for their future families and for their current care-takers. It's amazing how much work these "moms" do each day.
Our trip to the village: safe travels, safety on projects, and energy for our programs with the children. They deserve our best!
My friend Katy- she burned her leg on a boda a few weeks ago and it's just not healing as quickly as we hoped. She won't be able to go to the village this week and we're all pretty bummed about that, she is as well.
And my family and friends who had to make, and continue to make, sacrifices for me to be here! I praise God for you!
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