Today wasn’t an easy day. There were only a few hours of ministry time but they were interesting hours. Last Thursday the team went to an orphanage for severely disabled children. The conditions were not up to standard and many of the children were dirty and poorly dressed. I have not had much experience with mentally disabled children in the States, much less children that do not speak a word of English. Most of the team felt uncomfortable and stretched as we tried our best to reach out and love the kids.
Going back today I knew what awaited me. The last time we had played with tennis balls, a parachute and put on a puppet show. Pastor Yavor sang some songs with his guitar and there were lots of smiles all around. This morning we prayed as a team to have more focus to be able to love the children today. We asked God to give us peace and hope to pour out over the darkness of the place. While we were driving back today for our visit, one of our roommates, Biser, told us an encouraging story. One of his friends is married to a man that works at the orphanage. He told her that a group of Americans had come last week and that when they came there was so much joy. Something was different after that, something he couldn’t explain. The woman told Biser this without knowing he was connected to us and I thank God for the encouraging nudge.
Today we sang with the kids, danced with them and played with bubbles and the parachute. I also picked up a new friend today. Her name is Bobbie. She’s the size of a three year old, but she is twenty-three. I held her for a long time, swaying to the sound of the guitar and trying to get her to smile. Apparently spinning like a maniac in a circle while holding her close was super fun. She continued to giggle and yank on my neck until I obliged to spin her again and again. I’ll admit that I was a little dizzy at times, but she just kept laughing. Bobbie’s clothes were dirty and her teeth were badly decaying but the Lord was good enough to let me see through his eyes the beauty of his creation in her. There was a connection between us and I’m thankful that I chose to go back and try again.
After playing with some of the kids we were allowed to go into the home to see some of the more severely disabled children. It was difficult to see but I walked in and chose a child to love on in each place. Each of us went to a different bed and began to hold hands, tickle arms, pinch cheeks and life came in. I tried to keep a smile and pray softly over each child: praying for hope, for peace to come. I prayed for the workers who don’t know Christ, that light would come into the whole place.
Today was a test. I know that I still have much to learn as I ask the Lord to empty me and fill me with His Love. Yet, He is faithful and what we ask He will give.
