Today we visited Kibebe orphanage, run by the
Ethiopian government. It is difficult to know how to describe the
experience for you. Hannah has captured it so well...
It is easy to become overwhelmed with emotion when walking through orphanages. Some days tears come from places in your soul you didn't even know you had. It's easy to identify with verses like Psalm 69:3 "I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God." Last night my eyes hurt from crying so much. I didn't think if I would be able to handle another day in an orphanage no matter the circumstance. But God is good and He renewed my spirit. Today while visiting with the children it would have been easy to become overwhelmed and live in a constant state of crying out to the Lord. Standing in the midst of 80 children you can't help but think, "How can I make a difference?" Then one grabs your hand and wants to show you their new gift of a small coloring book. For that moment to that child calling you momma you are making a difference.
Many times, when we told to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we associate that with work. We feel the need to constantly be doing something. However, there are many times when we need to be still. So that is what I did. I sat on the ground and had this child on my lap, which quickly turned into 4 or 5 on my lap and all around me. Every time they showed me their scribbles in their new coloring books with their new crayons I exclaimed "Go Bez!" (Good Job). The smiles I got in return where priceless.
Some children didn't get a coloring book though. One child smiled at me as he showed me his treasure. His four, small white cardboard containers that separated the crayons in the box. I was at a turning point, I could again cry out to the Lord or I could give what I had. I had my smile and my joy. I cheered and clapped for his victory of making a bracelet! I was in that moment giving what I had-my one cup of water. "And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Matthew 10:42
After a heavy morning, it was refreshing to take a trip outside the city to a wildlife refuge. We were able to hike through a forest and see lots of cool animals. Everyone on the team enjoyed the chance to unwind, especially Will...
I liked when we saw the baboons, and they were funny. I liked when we saw the lions; they were special because they had black manes like Scar (from the Lion King). I liked when Scar roared a little and showed his big teeth. I liked when we saw the cheetahs and another lion and one lioness.
Formula for the orphanage
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