A Mama for an Hour

This week we visited an orphanage in Kisumu, Kenya. The apartment where we are staying at this month is owned by a family (a wonderful family, I might add) who also runs an orphanage for newborns up to age seven children who have been abandoned. They invited us to come and meet the children, play with them, care for them and see their ministry first hand.

 

When we arrived we were greeted and given a
 tour of the facilities. We met the special needs children first–there are currently six children in the home with special needs. I met a little boy who looked to be about four years old. He was sitting in a car seat-like chair on the floor and I went over to him and smiled at him. I then heard God tell me to hold his hand, so I did and I started talking to him. He was so sweet, it brought tears to my eyes.

 

Then, they moved us into the next room, which was the toddler room. They didn’t know what to think of us. We sat down with them on the floor. Some crawled right up in our laps, others just stared at us. It wasn’t long before they came and got us to move on to the next room, the final room, the BABY room. Before long, we each had a baby in our arms. They told us to follow them outside on the veranda, for their daily outdoor time. I went outside and found a rocking chair on the porch and was perfectly content to stay there the remainder of the day. Before long, I found myself with two little ones in my arms. A little boy and a little girl. I rocked them and sang to them. I prayed for their future families. I looked into each of their big brown eyes. I was touched. I almost started to cry. I then thanked God for allowing me to be their Mama for an hour. I know the Lord will provide each one of those children a loving family. I prayed for that and will continue to pray for that. There are currently 42 children in the home. And some of their stories are just heartbreaking. Like I mentioned earlier, most of these babies were found abandoned. I think one of the things that hit me the most, was when we were leaving and I was asked to hold one of the three week old babies. Her name is Breanna and she was the tiniest thing I’ve ever held. I just couldn’t believe her mother had her three weeks ago though! So sad. She was so small and helpless. I’m so thankful God has brought her to this place–a place where she will be well looked after and loved. God is good.

 

 

 

The entire morning was a blessing to spend with those babies. I was so thankful we got to do that and I’m hoping we’ll go back at least one more time before we leave Kenya.