The morning started off chilly as it often does in this high altitude. Corban and I donned fleecies and left home around 7:30am to get to the mission base and share a time of prayer with the team before heading out. Trust me, leaving home that early is no small feat with a toddler in tow.
We arrived at the orphanage just before 10am. The 5 of us (Alfonso, Chrissy, Trini, Corban, and I) were ushered to the director's office where we were cordially recieved. From there we went on to the classrooms where we were to teach 2 classes on humility. We were greeted by children with scuffed shoes and poor hygiene. Some of these children reside in the orphanage itself, others are local village children who attend the school for free. It was great fun to stand in front of a classroom of children and exhort them to be more like Christ. I am not so often in front of the class anymore as I dedicate myself to more of the behind the scenes duties. It was an adrenaline rush to stand up and declare the goodness of God to eager listeners.
Since Corban is only 2 years old, and these lessons were designed for older children, I had to bribe him with food to keep him occupied during class. And when that didn't work, he went to the playground with Trini.
Spending time with these children is so important to me. Many of them are in the orphanage not because they lost their parents to death, but rather were removed from the home because of abuse. Those little faces with big smiles and bright eyes seem to be etched into my heart urging me to pray for them. When I stand before them to exhort and teach them every fiber of my being wishes to transmit the love of God and His amazing grace to these young lives. With an entire future ahead of them still, my heart yearns to see them press on to fulfill the calling they have in Christ Jesus.
As we waved good-bye and climbed back into my suv, I realized how important our weekly visit is. I looked around at my fellow workers and thanked God for such devoted team members. I glanced in the rear view mirror at my happy toddler who will never know the horrors of abuse or being taken from his home. It is because of gratitude that I continue to serve God the way I do.
