It’s Thursday August 31, 2017 and I still can’t get over the fact that I live in India.
It’s been a little less than a month since I left home and every morning I wake up in awe. To be honest, I still wake up in the middle of the night so confused that I’m not at my house. Like what?
My reality is that I live in one room with six other girls while sharing one bathroom. Do I always love that? No. Am I greatful? Every moment. I’m living in a country where poverty seems like a norm, and yet I have a bed, shower and warm meals at the table.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with SCH, an organization that provide temporary homes for children with special needs. Due to the belief system in this country, many of these kids have been abandoned or their parents just don’t have the means to provide for them. Our team has been able to partner with each home and simply be a helping hand; whether it looked like painting the dinning room area or helping take kids to the zoo for a fun day out. Every day has been an adventure when stepping into the unknown with our whole hearts and full energy. Trust me, you especially need energy with these kids.
The Lord has challenged me and allowed me to see them through his eyes by being able to sit next to them and know they are His perfect creation. Playing with each child and watching their smile turn into laughter has a been my recharge. A simple hand clapping game or playing hop scotch on the rooftop turned a hot afternoon into a playground.
Throughout the three weeks, I’ve also had the most beautiful opportunity to take portraits of each child. I have to say that some made me work more than others, but it was so worth it. To be able to capture each personality and convey their joy through an image, has been a reminder of God’s faithfulness in their lives. The way He so intentionally pursued after them with relentless love and fought for them when everybody else walked out.
I want to remind you that Jesus does that for you. He pursues you and fights for you, even when you feel alone. I can’t imagine how many times these kids have felt alone and now they have a home. You have a home and a family you’ve been bought into, the family of Christ. Jesus gave his life not only for these kids living in India, but he gave his life thinking of you. He yearns to see you smile.
Today, I want to invite you, whether you’ve walked with the Lord for years or you’ve never stepped into a church, choose to be greatful. Walk in confidence that the Lord is fighting for you. The next time you smile, send a prayer to India and all the work SCH is doing.
From one vulnerable heart to another,
Diane
P.S. If you would like to continue bringing smiles to India, consider partnering with SCH financially.
