This month I am at El Shaddai, an orphanage that is home and
family to over 60 children. Some are
HIV+, some are not, but all are beautiful jewels in the Kingdom of heaven. The home itself is situated on top of a
mountain, and each day we rise to an extensive view of God’s creation.
We are taking on many projects to bless the ministry, and
here are just a few pictures of our first week of work here.
One of our main projects this week was to help create a
rainwater trench at the primary school bordering El Shaddai. We hauled dirt, mixed cement, moved rocks,
and did anything else that our project supervisor, Jon, asked of us. It was hot, dirty, and incredibly satisfying
work.
Another ongoing project is remodeling the pig pen. I have seen and smelled much more of these
animals in the past week than I had ever hoped to in a lifetime…and after
witnessing their every move for three days I am considering giving up pork
products. My main role in this project
was to demolish walls, haul cement bricks, and occasionally help move the pigs
to their new pens.
Time outside of these projects has been spent with the
children. There are two dorms at El
Shaddai, one for the older boys and the other for the older girls. Then there is the ‘baby house’. The baby house holds about 20 of the youngest
children here, and is the ideal place for anyone in need of a hug. I have spent numerous hours with the
babies…hugging them, holding them, helping with bath time, and reading
stories. It is simply impossible not to
give your heart to these little ones as they run to you with arms wide
open.
The older girls love to go on walks outside the property,
and even though they won’t ask for it, they are happy recipients of hugs and
kisses too. It’s amazing the difference
you can make by just giving affection.
The way a child’s face lights up when you hug them, kiss them, or hold
them is enough to make you smile even after four solid hours in a pig
pen….that’s powerful.
The truth of the matter is
that in a country as desperate and devastated as Swaziland is currently, God is
shining brightly through ‘the least of these’.
He is smiling over the orphans of this world and lavishing his love and
blessings on those in which the world places little value. This month it is both humbling and an honor
to get to be Christ’s arms wrapping around his beloved and kissing the faces of
the ones in whom the Father delights.
