Wow! What an incredible week this has been. From the
moment I stepped off the bus Monday, this experience has been tremendously
emotional and life-changing. Having just had my first child recently, I cannot
imagine having to part with her, as the mothers and fathers of these children
have. How brave of them to release their children to the Center’s care, in
order for them to be nursed back to health.
These children are amazing. Seriously. Amazing. Our
team gets so excited to see them each morning, and we miss them tremendously
when we leave. They are always on our hearts and in our conversations. The love
that they pour out to us with their sweet laughs, big hugs, and beautiful
smiles is enough to make my heart burst. We rejoice as progress is made in
their physical development.
The process can be difficult for the children,
however, as they enter the facility. I have been loving on one beautiful,
little girl who has been at the Center for one week. I pray each day that she
will smile before I leave. I pray over her that she will feel a love like she’s
never felt- from her Savior.
A bonus for me today- I had the privilege of
encouraging the sweet nannies through Scripture on their lunch break. They
shared how fulfilling this job is for them. One mentioned that seeing a child
smile is her greatest reward. Sadly, I also learned that many of them have
recently had tremendous hardships in their families. Almost unanimously, they
all have had family members with serious health problems. As I listened to the
nannies share these struggles, I was overwhelmed by how much each gives of
herself both at home and at work. They have such deep love for the children,
and also their own families, I imagine that weariness can creep into their
spirits. Although the smiles on their faces say otherwise, we always need to be
reminded that in our weakness, the Lord makes us strong. Jesus says in 2
Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
your weakness.”
Tomorrow is our last day, which is difficult to
believe. I cannot imagine the emotions that will be swirling around in each of
our spirits. I find myself praying fervently that, although I may never see
some of these children again, they will become believers in Christ. I pray that
just as the Center is investing in their physical nourishment, they are
introduced to the One who nourishes their soul.
Blessings,
Katie Nelson Garcia
Summer Grove Baptist Church
Shreveport, Louisiana
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