I’ve been trying to write this blog for days.
Typing then erasing. Typing. Erasing.
All my thoughts. All the things.
I shouldn’t have to write them.
I think I’m having a hard time because this blog shouldn’t even really exist.
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These last few weeks, my team and I have had the honor of serving at a children’s home here in North Quito. There are permanent “Tias” (aunties) working here, taking care of the normal and special needs of the children, day and night. It has been incredible to work alongside them and fall in love with all of the little drool-covered, runny-nosed, happy and sometimes pouty faces staring up at me.
Before I dive in, here are things I want to write that will hopefully help you see this month through my eyes or more importantly, theirs just a little better.
Some of the children were removed from homes for their safety. Some were brought to the center by the families who could no longer care for them due to special needs, poverty or substance abuse. The hardest stories are those of abandonment–left unclaimed at the hospital.
With that being said, this is my favorite month of the race and honestly one of my favorites of my life so far. I am not going to lie, its hard to want to get out of bed at 6:45 for a 7am feeding but the moment you walk through that door and see those big brown eyes staring up at you under a pile of bed head and a wide, toothless smile to accompany them- It is worth it. Every time.
There was one smile in particular that stole my heart. Baby R.
She is 11 months old and content in just about all situations. She loves bright colored balls and things that make music. She has special needs but isn’t needy and very special. She is very independent and is great at sharing. She loves flying and getting raspberries on her tummy. She LOVES peek-a-boo. She is adorable in pink, which is mainly all she wears. PTL.
She was born very early and was brought directly to the home–unclaimed.
And within only about an hour with her, I was a goner. She had me.
That little peanut smiled at me and yep. that was it.
It was hard to look at this perfect little girl and know that she was abandoned, that she was just left. Who would do that? What kind of mother walks away from her child? I have had to re-surrender these thoughts over and over again.
Eachof my teammates formed connection with one of these kids-or multiple-in some way or another. It’s hard not to when you get to be one of the people to restore love, joy and affection in a child’s life. You become protective and heartstrings are attached. And they are just plain cute.
As believers we are entrusted:
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ” James 1:27
To care after orphans is one of the greatest feelings and experiences a person will have. You learn to really appreciate love, both given and received.
I know I can only imagine what some of these children have gone through, felt and experienced first hand that I will never truly understand myself. But, thank you, Lord, for giving us the ability to love without need of understanding and without condition through the Holy Spirit.
When I read in the gospel of John “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you“, I am filled with joy knowing that I am part of the fulfillment of that promise to these children. I know Jesus was talking of the Holy Spirit to the disciples, but as a bearer of His Spirit and Him sending me here to these children; I see, feel, and know God’s goodness. He is a good, good Father.
About a half an hour ago we had the heart wrenching task of saying goodbye to the kids. Honestly, it really sucked. There were hugs, kisses, tears. All the above. My heart hurts, but for good reason.
I still wish this blog didn’t exist. I wish these beautiful children had a real home and family who loved and cherished them that they didn’t have to say goodbye to. I wish this orphanage didn’t have to be a thing and these children would never have to experience abandonment, poverty, or all of the things a child should never experience. It makes letting go just a little bit harder.
But I know God is good and He is holding every single one of these children in his perfect hands. He loved and took care of them before I was in their life and he will do it long after I am gone.
As we enter our final hours here, I cling to promise found in Psalm 100:5,
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”
Pictured Below- Baby R and I. I told you she looks cute in pink!
Want to make a difference? Want to learn more?
You can do something to help them.
If this blog inspired you, or stirred something in you please check out the link below.
Sponsor a child.
Sponsor a Tia (caregiver).
Donate.
Or simply read through the children’s bios and pray over each.
http://www.forhischildren-ecuador.org/get-involved/intro-cards/
