Friday, December 25, 2009

Yesterday was our last day and was being cut short; we were to leave the center right after we fed the kids lunch and put them down for their nap. We were a bit frantic as we interacted knowing that these were the last minutes to cherish together.

Each person went straight to that little guy or girl whose heart had made a connection to their own. The precious time was interrupted briefly when a group of local church goers brought presents for a Christmas celebration with each child. The gifts contained various practical products (diapers, powder, formula…) and a toy. It was such a special moment to see the children’s joy knowing that they received something. One of the little boys (Edwin), simply reached down and hugged his newly opened truck.

Edwin has a special place in our hearts; he has an unknown condition that is causing his to continue to lose weight even though he’s been at the center since March. He’s 11 yrs old and is probably the size (height and weight) of a normal 6 yr old. We’re praying for him.
Ophelia is a recent addition to the malnutrition center; arrived a few weeks ago. She’s had some trouble adjusting and sometimes refuses to eat or interact with the other kids. Occasionally a few members managed to get a little smile out of her, but we didn’t totally get her to open up. As we were leaving, lunch was over, she barely touched her meal, and she sat still and silent in the lunch room. This picture of her reminded us that our work was not done and it tugged on our hearts knowing that as we walked out of the door.


As Ron Gunter (Florida Baptist Children’s Homes – our leader) said, “this is a test of faith.” We’ve done what we could and now we place these children in God’s hands and the many hosts of Christians ready, willing, and able to continue where we’ve left off. This trip has been tough and some of us feel like we’ve barely made a difference. We’ve answered the call and are privileged for having been here, but our work is not done. Now, with open eyes we wait to see what God has for us next.


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