Friday was our last day at the orphanage. As I walked away, I was filled with thoughts and emotions. Sadness over leaving the kids that I quickly had fallen in love with. Excitement about what next month holds. Awe over the fact that we have already completed our first month on the race.
The thought that continually crossed my mind, though, was “I am really going to miss these kids!”
Ask me which one is my favorite, and I would tell you:
“Jimmy.”
“….and Hector.”
“….and Maylin”
“…and Jorge”
“….and Alejandra”
Okay, I’m sure you get the point. I love them all and there’s no way I could pick a favorite!
But I would like to introduce you to just a few of them.
Peter
Peter (pictured with Liz) is one of the oldest boys in the orphanage and is so sweet and playful! He loves to tickle and tease. Peter also knows a little bit of English, which made communicating with him a little easier than some of the other kids. A natural leader, my prayer for Peter is that he will grow up to be a faithful leader for the Lord.
Maylin
Maylin (center) is one of the oldest girls in the orphanage. She has such a loving heart. Maylin has a story that would break anyone’s heart and she shared it willingly with us. My prayer for Maylin is that she would be able to forgive those who have hurt her so badly, so that she can be a healer herself.
Jimmy
Jimmy (pictured with Jenni) always brightens the day with his bright smile and “I love you’s.” He made sure to learn all of our names and called them out every day, multiple times, especially “Natasha!” My prayer for Jimmy is that he will continue to spread the joy of Christ to those all around him.
Angelo
Angelo quickly attached himself to anyone who would pay attention to him. He was always happy until he didn’t get his own way, and then he definitely let you know! One of the youngest, Angelo actually returned to his mother last week. My prayer for Angelo is that he would grow up knowing Christ and be a light to those around him.
Christina
Christina’s trauma is still very fresh and I’m not even sure all of her story has been told. Despite the hardship she has faced, Christina is a joy to be around. I got to know her pretty well during our 57 games of jacks in one sitting. While jacks isn’t the most exciting thing to play 57 (or so) times, Christina’s laugh and smile made it worth it. My prayer for Christina is that she can use her gift of laughter and her smile to help other people through hard times.
Hector
Hector is one of the oldest boys and also the child who has been at Casa de Mi Padre the longest. Hector has the best English of anyone at the orphanage and did pretty well at carrying on conversations. I would ask him a question, sometimes in English and sometimes in Spanish, and he would answer in English. Then, he would proceed to ask me a question in Spanish. Let’s just say his English is way better than my Spanish! Hector is an amazing young man and my prayer for him is that he will spread Christ to the nations.
Each of these children is SO special and I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know them, love on them, and learn with them.
*Most photos compliments of Jenni Masters!
