Emma, Daniel and I arrived at the Special Needs Orphanage with our host, Logan. We waited patiently for the owner. When she arrived, she was appreciative that we were there to help. She said there was a “roach” problem, and she wanted us to spray the kitchen with diatomaceous earth. Emma and I grabbed gloves, and we got to work. Emma is not much of a “bug” person; I’m not a cockroach person, but this was the job that was presented to us. We sprayed the kitchen, but saw no evidence of roaches.
We were directed to one of the many bedrooms; this one was specifically for boys. Emma and I started spraying. While breathing in between white clouds of chemicals, we began pulling clothes out of the dressers and sprayed each drawer. We moved onto the bunkbed. Emma lifted the mattress, and we were both disgusted by the site. Many cockroaches came from the cracks between the boards and the frame, dashing across the baseboard. I sprayed the ones I saw, then grabbed them and held them tightly in my hand until I could take them outside. Emma diligently held the mattress up. I saturated the boards with the chemical, then took my handful of bugs outside to properly dispose of them.
The thought that these kids are sleeping in beds that were infested with cockroaches was heart-wrenching. Especially these kids—kids that can’t defend themselves. My heart ached for them, and my desire grew immensely to exterminate every last one. No, it’s not a fun job, but this is what it takes to provide a safe haven for these kids.
When I arrived home that afternoon, we shared about our adventurous day with a group of people that planned to go to the orphanage that afternoon. “Ewe, I don’t do cockroaches! I’m not going,” my teammate said. It was a painful comment, especially after what I witnessed that day. My heart ached with compassion for the children. I wrestled with that comment for the rest of the evening.
The next morning, I decided to let that comment go; I was willing to do what it takes to solve this problem, and I’m thankful that Emma felt the same way. We arrived at the school, and Emma jumped right in to cockroach killing! She moved around with confidence in her step, despite her fear of bugs. It didn’t take long before we had the whole facility sprayed! And guess what?! We will repeat this process again this week, and again next week—because the Lord loves these kids, and this is how they are to be loved right now!
This orphanage is amazing! It is run by a woman with a beautiful heart! Please keep her, the orphanage and the kids in your prayers. This month, they received 1/10 of their needed funds! Believe with me that the Lord will provide MORE THAN ENOUGH!!
