As I observed and began to get to know the children, God clearly revealed to me that they were just like any other kids. They would get my attention, go flip on the mat and then look back at me for approval as I clapped and cheered. How many times had my own children done something similar on the living room floor when they were little? By then end of the second day, all of my self-absorbed thoughts I had the night before were washed away. As I began to build bridges with these kids by jumping rope,
playing pick-up sticks, tossing the ball and giving more hugs than I ever thought possible, things began to come into focus and my heart changed in such a way that it will never be the same again. Looking into their eyes and hearing of some of their heartbreaking stories made any sacrifices I had to make seem insignificant at that point.
One child in particular attached herself to me (and Margaret). Her name was Deana.
There was a sadness about her that seemed different from the rest. She had very little to do with the other children and was extremely clingy with the adults. On Tuesday, I found out why. Deana and two other boys ran away that day. What we didn’t know was that our first day at the orphanage was Deana’s first day, too. It wasn’t until the afternoon of the following day that she was found and brought back to the orphanage. With the help of a translator I was able to talk with her that evening. Deana told me that her dad was dying and that her mother drank so they could not take care of her anymore. She expressed how sad she was and how much she missed her father. At one point she just said, “Home, please.” As I talked with her I was able to tell her that she was not alone, that God loved her very much and that I believe He sent me there to the orphanage to be with her that week.
As I have been sharing my experiences with friends and family, the one question I always get asked is, would you go again? And my response is always the same, absolutely!
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