The first night at Rosa De Amor our team sat in a room with children who we did not know and we sang Mumford and Sons, “Awake my soul” over these little ones to an acoustic guitar. As I approach the last week of living here those unfamiliar faces became dear loved ones to me.
I have learned so much through these kids. I learned what true joy looks like. I learned more about Gods faithfulness and love by him establishing these orphans into a family here. I have witnessed their work ethic and it inspires me to be just as diligent in the tasks I have before me. What is most impressive to me is how each kid finds enjoyment in the work that is assigned to them. Our team had the kids work with us in the garden this week and what could have been a boring and tiresome job was actually fun and entertaining.
My month here has been full!
I have done my best to love these kids with everything that I have and have gotten so close to them. Close relationally and also close in proximity, so close in fact that I received lice; all I have to say is that it was WORTH the discomfort to show affection to them. The love I have to give however does not even compare to the love God has for these kids. He calls them his. Psalm 27:10 “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” This was clearly revealed to me last Sunday when the kid’s parents visited the orphanage in the late afternoon.
Our team had our own church service and prayed for protection over these kids and that Gods presence would be thick in this place. At lunch I noticed a difference in the kids as they awaited their parents arrival. One of the girls Lesbia expressed her great excitement to me as we ate lunch together. She could not sit still in her chair as she said, “estoy feliz!” She was so excited to see her Mom and Dad! It hit me then, I’m not sure why it didn’t before, but nevertheless in that instance I realized that these kids still have a desire to be home even though their parents have mistreated them. Lesbia is a very happy girl she is so loving to everyone. I never see her without a smile on her face. On that afternoon at the table I have never seen her so excited. This broke my heart! The kids noticed I was a little sad and they asked if I was triste (sad) I said, “No estoy bien.” Our ministry contact Rosa came up to me and spoke in Spanish asking how I am, then she pointed to everyone and said, “we love you.” Rosa is an incredible woman and has made a home for these 30 beautiful kids that is safe, full of Gods love, and is surrounded by the support that they need. I feel a part of this family and when I heard Rosa say, “We love you.” I could not shake it, tears fell and I found myself in Rosa’s arms. I put myself in the shoes of these kids who are in need of love and a home.
The two hours we had with the kids and their parents was a time I will never forget. I was able to introduce myself to the parents individually and tell them how wonderful their kid is. When I looked in the direction of Lesbia’s visit with her parents I noticed that they were not talking. When I sat next to Lesbia I could hear her heart beat fast and she grab my hand as I talked with her mom and dad. When I expressed how much I love their daughter and how beautiful and intelligent she is I saw tears in her moms eyes. As I sat next to Lesbia I realized that even though I cannot speak Spanish all that well my presence made a difference in that situation by simply saying truth, that their daughter is valuable.
Our time is coming to an end here at Rosa De Amor and when I reflect to the first night at this orphanage I really do feel that my soul is awakened and my teams as well. Awakened more to the things above! This is my prayer at least, to see God at work through my team and I.
Our team is preparing to switch ministry sites in Honduras. We will be staying in tents for that entire month with our squad as a whole. Please pray for a smooth transition, for safe travels to Honduras and that God would prepare the way for us.
Thank you!
with love,
Leanna
