On Wednesday afternoons my team and I travel to the local orphanage in El Tunco called Remar. Remar is an organization that helps build and operate orphanages worldwide. They have over 40 associations around the world and it is no surprise they are so successful. This orphanage is unlike any other orphanage I have been to in the US. They consider themselves to be self-sustainable, which is absolutely incredible to me. That being said, they raise chickens and pigs, which are used for food within the orphanage as well as selling some for profit. The orphanage also has their own bakery, where they serve coffee and baked goods for additional financial support. Lastly, they have a school within the orphanage that is not only for the children in the orphanage but also for children in the surrounding area.
Similar to the US, the El Salvadorian government is able to decide whether children need to be placed in the orphanage based on living conditions and/or family situation. Another unique option about Remar is that there are a few mothers that are also living in the orphanage because they were not able to provide otherwise. For example, there is a mute and deaf woman that was welcomed into Remar because she has a young infant baby that she would be unable to properly provide and care for alone. This allows the children to be in a healthy environment and get an education that will serve them well in the future.
As we entered the orphanage for the first time, we were cheerfully greeted by kids of all ages. They were all smiles and insisted on hugs, already, my heart had melted. Our host, Andrea, gave us a tour around the facility and told us more about the orphanage. Then one of my teammates shared a message and we played a game with all the kids. This is when I spotted a quiet, yet, sassy teenage girl. I instantly flashed back to 16-year-old me and there was a connection, with the exception that I was not quiet.
Although I just met her, she acted just as I thought she would, with a spicy attitude. She mocked me, laughed at me and knew exactly how to wreck me. How you ask, she paid me a compliment, of course. But not the type of compliment you may be thinking. She complimented my watch…yes a worn, weathered watch that was dear to me but not extremely desirable to someone else. It’s what she did next that posed my reaction.
She flipped up her nose at me and accused me of being rich. I said, “oh! Is that so?” and I couldn’t whip that band off fast enough. She lit up like a Christmas tree. She could not believe it. It was then I saw a change, not only a change in her but also a change in me. At first, I was extremely disappointed in the way I reacted because I was offended and I didn’t want her to think that about me. However, Jesus knows me a lot better than I know myself. Giving away my watch was deeper than the physical act.
Nothing in this life is truly mine, including that worn watch. It is simply an accessory that allows me to be more in control of my life.
I do not need more control of my life. I do not want more control of my life. And let me be perfectly honest, I do not need the 50 pounds of items in my pack that seem to be so vital for survival.
All I need is Jesus. All I desire is more of Jesus. Jesus alone.
As I sit back and reflect on the things that took place over the past few weeks, I realize how amazing and faithful the Lord is to me.I am so thankful I reacted so quickly and gave that watch away. After visiting the orphanage for the second time, I can say that this gal and me have a connection that no language barrier could get in the way of.
I simply ask that you pray for me, that everything I do shines the light and love of Christ. I pray that I can let go of anything that may be allowing me to have more control over my own life. I ask you to spray for my new friend; she will be turning 18 in September and she can choose to leave the orphanage. She told me that she wants to become a missionary to share the love of Jesus throughout the world. I pray that God simply protects her.
xxx
