A few months ago, you were running around the streets in your village, homeless because no one would claim you. Now you are being fostered by a couple who love you and care for you. Tonight you ran up to me at dinner, gave me a huge hug, moved my hair away from my cheek, kissed it, and laughed as you ran to my friend to do the same. You filled that room with joy and left me with a tear in my eye. God broke my heart tonight.
The more I have played with the Lesotho children, the more broken hearted I have become. How could the world be so corrupt?
There are two girls who are sisters and also aunt and niece. The same man impregnated the mother and the daughter. Another girl is 7 years old and by this age she is considered “unadoptable” according to Lesotho’s government because the country believes people only want to adopt babies. A third girl was abounded, with the umbilical cord still attached, at 6 days old. Another child’s mother was raped so she left the baby on the door step of the post office. I was asked, “What would you do with a child like this? A child with such severe special needs that they cannot do anything.” Without hesitation, I responded, “I would love them.”
Yet the kids giggle, laugh, smile, cuddle and just want to be loved. My heart breaks for the injustice in this world. I have learned of many stories, some that were too much to write down. I pray that through this broken world, I will continue to see bits of the kingdom through hope.
Hope like the man we met who started as a shepherd boy, but had BIG dreams. He kept his faith and has worked his way through many jobs to be at a place where he can support his family. He has worked in mining, crafts, self employment of transporting people’s goods in a wheelbarrow, watch guarding and transportation. When he promised his wife something, he made it happen through diligence and faith that God would provide even when he was only receiving 400 Rand a month ($29). He now can support his family, owns a car and a two bedroom house, is traveling to America next year and exudes joy before he even speaks. He is inspiring me to fully rely on God no matter the circumstance.
This past week, I have been at Beautiful Gate orphanage. There are currently 66 kids there from infant to 7 years old. I was assigned to help at a house and would assist with chores, feeding, and bath time. I also spent time at “play group” and in the “soft room” where the toddlers and babies were reaching milestones and were able to be a kid. This orphanage is a place full of love from the staff, but what the kids are waiting for is a family that will adopt them and call them theirs.
I cannot believe the first month of the race is just about over. I have begun to say goodbye to friends and ministries I have been involved in here. It is sad to leave and move on, but new hellos are ahead which is also exciting My squad leaves for Durban, South Africa on Tuesday for a few days of debrief. We will then be going to Swaziland for “all squad month”. My entire squad of 55 people will be staying together and then will break off to do ministry as teams at various care points.
Thanks for following my journey!
-Kimmy
