So many times, I’ve found myself scrolling through Instagram or Facebook admiring a picture I’ve come across of a place someone has visited. My thoughts are, “Wow, that’s so pretty! I really wish I could visit a place as beautiful as that.” And here I am in Lesotho, one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been too. I wish I had a picture to show you but none of them do it justice. The days have been cooler than most. The skies are filled with the most beautiful clouds. It’s so green and lush. Most days the sun is shining bright. In the evenings you can see the sun beaming down on the mountains lighting it up. We usually see a few thunder storms after dark, but when it’s not thunder storming your able to see every star in the sky. I absolutely love it here but not just because of the scenery.
On the 1st of January my team parted ways from the rest of our squad who we were able to spend New Year’s with and made our way to Tholoana Ea Lerato (The Seeds of Love) Orphanage. We are now almost finished with week two and it has been nothing but pure joy being able to love on these children. There are approximately 33 children here altogether ranging from the age of 2 to 17. Not only do we get to love these children but they love us back with an immense amount of love. I have become close with a couple of the girls here and have received serval “best friend” notes from them. The children here are so sweet. They are always looking out for one another. I have learned so much by watching them interact with one another. They know how to make the most of what they have and I never see them complain. They do what is asked of them with a smile on their face and they take care of each other so well.
Every day, Sunday through Thursday we wake up around 5 am and are over at the children’s house by 6 am helping the children get ready for the day. We bathe the little ones and dress them. Then, we help prepare breakfast before giving a hand with the daily chores. Later on, in the morning, we do worship and Bible study with all of the children. We start out with worship. We usually do three hand motion songs and two worship songs. The kids don’t get to listen to music much so this is a really fun time that they really love. After worship, we break up into two groups. Jeorgi, Brynna, and Amanda do Bible study with the older kids and Sydney, Hannah, and myself do it with the younger kids. It has been so much fun. The kids have so many questions about the Bible, so we are able to talk to them and teach them the things that they want to know about. I love their eagerness to know more about God and what His Word says.
In the afternoons, we hang out and play games with the children until dinner time. On Thursday’s we do a movie night. So far, we have watched Tarzan and The Greatest Showman. Sunday’s look a little different. At 9 am we have church service with the children. A pastor will come and lead the children in worship and a word from the Lord. My team has been able to share scriptures and testify about what the Lord has been doing in our lives. This coming week we will be sharing on the power of prayer in our own lives. I am really looking forward to hearing from my teammate and being able to share.
On the 15th the children will be going back to school. Once school starts we’ll be walking them to school and helping them with their homework.
Something else we are planning is a Beauty For Ashes retreat. This is a retreat for woman of all ages to come and discover who they are in Christ. We will dig deep into what the Word of the Lord says about different woman in the Bible, we will create a safe space where they can be vulnerable with one another, that will hopefully open up opportunities for healing, restoration and freedom to take place. We will teach them about the power of prayer, worship, and seeking the truth in Scripture to build hope, discern God’s direction, and foster a spirit of thanksgiving. We will play games, eat yummy food, do activities, read scripture, worship, share from our hearts, and most of all let these women know how much they are loved and valued by God. I am really looking forward to this.
The Lord has been teaching me so much through this journey He has me on. I am learning to enjoy the little things, to savor each moment, and to love with my whole being. It has been such an amazing journey so far. Some days I forget that this is even my life and that I’m actually in Africa. For all of you who have been a part of this journey with me, thank you so much. I am overwhelmed when I talk to my parents and hear about all the people back home who are praying for me. It would not be able to do it without you.
Much love and thanks to all!
~ Calin Medeiros
