WOW... hello to you Month 7! Month 7 was supposed to be spent in Lesotho, but as you know [or if you don’t, you can read about it in my last blog], I stayed a little longer in South Africa. But rest assured because MY PASSPORT ARRIVED and I’ll be heading to Lesotho to join my team in Malealea tomorrow!
It was no surprise to the Lord that Julie and I would have to stay in South Africa. It’s no coincidence we had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from around the world in our 2 short weeks here!
We stayed in Pinetown, just outside of Durban, and volunteered at Hope House, a home for abandon babies. It’s run by two incredible women, Lynne and Sonia, who opened Hope House over 10 years ago. They care for babies that have either been dropped off somewhere or have been willingly handed over by families hoping to give their children a better life. All the children either get adopted, or in some cases, return to live with their families. Since 2007, over 60 children have come through Hope House. Lynne and Sonia have dedicated their lives, sold their possessions, and put their absolute hearts and souls into caring and loving everyone who enters this home. Their story is so great, and I’ve loved hearing bits and pieces. There are several volunteers that come throughout the week to help entertain, feed, and bathe the children. Right now, there are 5 children at Hope House; the youngest is 3 months and the oldest just turned 2 years. We actually got to celebrate 2 birthdays while we were here! It was a great party with great cake!
We were not the only foreign guests staying with Lynne and Sonia. Dinah, a lady from Germany, has also been staying at Hope House the last few weeks and will be here for 5 months. She has a nursing and occupational therapy background. I had so much fun talking with Dinah. She is learning English and doesn’t think she speaks very good. She would always look at me, grab me by the shoulders, and say, “Slowly, I cannot understand.” Nevertheless, she is coming along quite well! We got to taking about her travels and she has done The Camino in Spain two times, going alone each time! She is so funny and has become a great friend.
A few days, Lynne asked me to work on a couple projects in the office. One day in particular, I was looking high and low for some important documents that had been misplaced. As I searched, I got to look through the many, many files of children that have already been adopted. It nearly brought me to tears. I read numerous stories from couples and families that had pursued adoption. The reasons for wanting to adopt vary, but each one conveyed the love and longing they held in their hearts for a child. I’ve never really considered adoption, domestic or foreign, but I’ve always admired those who do. I think the Lord is changing my heart though. Adoption is such a beautiful picture of the Father’s love for us, of how He brought us into His family. There is nothing He won’t do to get to us, even if it costs Him.
I’m so thankful and grateful for the extra time we’ve been able to spend here in South Africa. I hope to someday be back soon! [Coming back at the end of the month doesn’t count!]
If you’re interested in checking out more about Hope House, here is the link to their Facebook page!
