This was an e-mail I sent out to supporters and family when I returned from India in May. We were at the Emmanuel Orphanage in New Delhi. You may have read the blogs from the World Racers while they were there. These kids touched every one of our lives.
I’ve just returned from India. I’m now in the process of sleeping off the jet lag and getting used to western toilets and air conditioning again. India is by far the hottest weather I’ve ever been in. I was sweaty, dirty, dehydrated, and had trouble sleeping. But I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat.
I have never been so humbled by 80 children in my life. The work I did in 10 short days was probably the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. Allow me to give you a small picture of these children and how they live.
We arrive at the orphanage and all 80 kids are out playing in a field of dust. The boys play cricket, the girls are playing board games. They are all smiling and so happy to see us. Immediately we crowd into the prayer hall, boys on one side girls on the other all seated on the floor with our shoes off. I am just observing the faces around me…dirty, bug bitten, but smiling from ear to ear. It is so hot, but no one complains. They sit with their little arms folded, facing forward. I notice one young boy is sitting behind another and punching him in the back. I’m about to stop him, but little Dalkhanmung steps in. He is five years old, the same age as the two kids fighting. He gently grabs the punching boy’s hand and shakes his head no. The boy stops. I immediately picture the face of Jesus in the face of Dalkhanmung. I could see Jesus doing the exact same thing.
Then, the singing begins. The children close their eyes and sing at the top of their lungs. Some are raising their hands and swaying back and forth. They are truly worshiping Jesus. Throughout the week, I am able to meet every single kid and interview them on camera. Many of them have parents, but are simply unwanted. Some of them are left because their parents have leprosy. Some, of course, have no parents. All of them are happy to be at the orphanage. They say their home and family is here. My heart breaks as almost each one sings a song for us on camera. Every song is about Jesus.
On our final day, we crowd into the prayer hall once again just as we did the first day we arrived. This time, however, they made the Americans sit in chairs facing them. I’m sitting there, wondering how I’m going to be able to say good-bye. There is a huge lump in my throat already. I look out at all the faces. Arti is visibly upset that I am leaving. She has spent the last two days clinging onto me and saying, “Don’t go home.” I keep telling her that I will come back. Jugini is still smiling. I never saw her without a smile the entire time I was there. Dalkhanmung has tear stains on his cheeks. Suddenly, it hits me. Not only did I see Jesus in Dalkhanmung that first day, but I have seen Jesus in the face of every single child there. They are Jesus with skin on.
It is my turn to say good-bye. I stand up, trying so hard not to cry. I say, “This past week I have been so blessed to get to know each and every one of you because I got to interview each and every one of you. You all have a special place in my heart.” My next sentence is supposed to be, “I can see Jesus in each one of your faces.” I get to, “I can see Jesus…” before I start to cry. I manage to get out the words “Thank you,” but I can’t manage anymore. It was one of the hardest good-byes I have ever had to say. We drive away, and a few hours later are on the plane home.
Needless to say, God broke my heart for those kids and the ministry there. I wish they could live like kings. I wish I could spoil them. However, all I can do is ask for you to continue to pray for these children at Emmanuel Orphanage. Pray for their leaders who are in hiding. They are wanted men by the Indian government. I will leave you with this verse.
Allow the little ones to come to me, and do not forbid or restrain or hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven composed. Matt.19:14
