Our contact took us to the invalid orphanage one our last days at camp. Just a few of us from the team went. I have been to a similar place in India, but there was something different about this place and the children. The facilities were clean and inviting. We were greeted by many of the older children. They were so eager to sit next to us and look at our watches. After a few minutes with them we were taken to the other children who were bedridden. There were so many little beds all lined up. Some of the children were sitting up, but most couldn’t do that on their own.
Our
team stepped in and loved them. These children had
such frail bodies. I went over to one of the little boys, he didn’t have
a name or age posted on his bed, but he had his hands raised waiting
for someone to come to him. I helped him sit up and
then lay him down and the giggles would pour out. Over and over
we played this game. One of the times I lifted him, he grabbed on so
tightly to be held or he wanted to run away…he was strong.
team stepped in and loved them. These children had
such frail bodies. I went over to one of the little boys, he didn’t have
a name or age posted on his bed, but he had his hands raised waiting
for someone to come to him. I helped him sit up and
then lay him down and the giggles would pour out. Over and over
we played this game. One of the times I lifted him, he grabbed on so
tightly to be held or he wanted to run away…he was strong.
Thoughts began to run through my head. Do they get held and how often do they laugh? There are so many children..is there enough staff for that? The nurse told us we had to go, all this activity puts stress on them. We went into two more rooms. In the final room, I went up to a little boy in the corner; his name was Anton. He was eleven years old, but looked like he was four. His chest was enlarged and his legs were stuck in one position. He had such a beautiful face. He would take his hands and lift his head up to look around at all the people in the room. I crouched down to him and when my face was next to his, he laughed.
Every time he laughed, it made me cry. I still get all teary eyed thinking about this one boy. There was something about him that hit me. He won’t be able to run and play like an eleven year old. He won’t get to do many things that we take for granted. What was different about this boy that brought about these thoughts and emotions? I am not sure, but I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
I got back to camp and my emotions were on the surface. I was trying to explain it to others who weren’t able to come, but every time I would mention Anton, I couldn’t continue. I walked away. One of my friends came after me and he said, “God Blesses Children.”
There my hope lies…in God alone. He sees his children, loves them, and will BLESS them. They
will have new bodies in heaven.
