Reaching the next generation for Christ is a passion the Lord has put on my heart. I cannot imagine growing up and living life without Christ and knowing the troubles and pressures kids face today, their need for Jesus is desperate.
That’s why when I heard my team was going to be living and serving at Tholoana ea Lerato (Seed of Love), an orphanage that exists to be an advocate and protect the rights of vulnerable and orphaned children, I was thrilled!
Currently, there are 28 beautiful children living here between the ages of 2-18 with most under the age of 10 years old.
Our team’s ministry this month is simply to love these kids and make them feel valued and important whether that’s through sports and games, music and singing, bible studies or assisting in daily care and chores.
The children make ministry extremely easy and enjoyable. Spending time with them fills me up. I keep saying they are all my favorites! It’s been fun to intentionally give my time, attention and affection to each one of the kids, especially those who are off by themselves or in need of a little extra TLC.
While I would love to share with you about every kid who lives here, the following children are ones I have bonded with the most thus far and would like to highlight.
Bereng was the first friend I made here at the Seed of Love Orphanage in Lesotho. He is very sweet, gentle, and a great helper. He out of all the kids probably speaks the best English, so not only can I communicate with him the most, but he also has been my go-to for help. On the first full day together, we connected through our love for soccer. He then later pulled me along outside to show me around, hangout and play. He taught me a game that is very similar to Jacks using stones. Bereng made it look super easy, but it wasn’t. He was so patient and kind in teaching me. He literally trained me. First I had to do one, then two then three etc all the way up to 10. When we finally started playing, he forced me to go multiple times in a row to give me more chances. He purposefully would “look away” and tell me he didn’t see me, so I had to go again. Also, on the first day, he took off one of my rings I received last month in Panama, and I told him he could keep it. He’s worn it everyday since! I’ve also had the privilege of spending extra quality time with him teaching him some new card games. He is my little buddy.
Mileso is also another older boy who I adore and have connected with through soccer. Out of all the boys, he is probably the most athletic overall. I took a slow-mo video of him flipping over a tire. The kids watched that video at least 25 times. We’ve also “hit the gym” together. Aka, we do pushups and he holds my legs down for sit-ups. Like Bereng, he is also sweet, gentle and has beaten me in Go Fish twice!
Puleng caught my eye right away. She has a beautiful contagious smile and a laugh that melts your heart. I noticed her healing scabs that cover her arms wondering what her story was before coming to Seed of Love. I soon was informed of her tragic story and becoming an orphan. Since arriving last October, she is recovering and regaining health. It amazes me that this little girl can be filled with so much joy, light and laughter. Nothing brings it out more than when she dances. The girl has moves.
Tlotisang is 3 years old making him one of the four youngest kids living here. He is absolutely adorable. Melissa and I might have a fight over who gets to adopt him. Just Kidding. He is at an age where he needs loving affection and he is soaking it up from us. Since I have been in charge of bathing and getting the four youngest dressed each morning, he has been attached and comfortable around me. Several days now I have sat next to him while we hold hands or he rests his head on my lap. I also let him hold my hand as he guides me around the house or the yard. His favorite and only response to me is “Yes!” and the way he says it melts my heart. Another endearing word he constantly uses is “Ausi” which I just found out means “sister” in Sosotho. How cute is that? He sometimes gets pushed around or bothered by the older kids, which upsets him, but as soon as you go and pick him up and hold him, he is a happy little boy. He also has some killer dance moves and loves kicking the soccer ball.
Khanya is also 3 years old and one of the kids I bathe daily. Every morning when I wake her up, I get to swoop her up in my arms and hold her for a bit. She craves this tender love and care, and is content to sit in your lap or be held for hours. Khanya has a heartbreaking story of how she was brought here as a baby, but like Pereng, she is full of laughter. One of the first days of ministry we played a hide and seek type game. Just quickly turning my head, looking at her and occasionally pointing my finger at her, she would roll back laughing. From this picture, you can see she has a noticeable lazy eye, but the awesome news is we heard she is going to have surgery soon!
Leseli is almost 3 years old and like Tlotisang, he has found me to be a friend after this first week of ministry. While he rarely gets the chance, he loves kicking the soccer ball. His face lights up, and I can tell he is going to be a great player someday. He also loves to be held and to hold my hands waffle style. A sweet memory with Leseli was him sitting on my lap and eventually falling sound asleep one day before lunch.
I’m thankful God has place me and my team here. It has been such a joy getting to know these kids and hanging out with them.
