One of the incredible opportunities that I’ve had so far in Dumaguete City is to spend some time at an orphanage in town. We fell in love with these kids within seconds after walking in the door. They are incredible children with incredible stories of how they became orphans. For some, their parents are too poor to take care of them. Others have had parents leave the kids behind, pass a
way, or end up in prison. They are sad stories. However, the kids are ama
zing. They certainly aren’t looking for anyone to come in and cry with them. There is way too much wrestling to do! There are way too many songs to sing! There’s too much American leg hair to pull out! They just enjoy your love when you show up and desire so much to have you express your love through touch. They are always seeking to be held or hugged or wrestled or be given a piggy back ride. It’s so great!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
“If my God is with me, whom then shall I fear?” “Lord, you never let go of me.” “Still I will praise you.” Yep, it’s pretty much impossible to sing those words when you’re surrounded by orphans and not be moved to tears. These children have so much faith. They may have a deeper knowledge of the Lord than I’ll ever have simply because they have nowhere else to turn. He is their only hope, and he keeps coming through for them. He has provided them with food and a place to be educated. He has also provided them with new earthly parents at the orphanage and about 20 new brothers and sisters. They see that as a reason to worship as he continues to provide for them. God must be honored to have this group of children singing his praises!! I know it was an honor for me to come before the Lord alongside them.
