The reason we’re here

Sorry I haven’t updated in a while. We’ve been a bit busy…with a newborn! Baby Melanie stepped into our lives a little over 2 weeks ago. She is a sweet little almost 1 month old now (we think) who was sadly abandoned by her parents. Her little life is a miracle, as she was found on the side of the road wrapped in blankets, probably only a couple of days old. After a short stay at the hospital to make sure she was healthy and strong, we offered to keep her here with us for a while until she is placed in a baby center (orphanage). It’s been such a blessing. The kids have really unified around her, which was definitely an answer to prayer. They have loved helping care for her and protect her. Though we know it will be a hard thing for us to see her go, we also know that this time we’ve been able to love and care for this little precious baby has been well worth it. In a weird (but not surprising) way I think the Lord is protecting my heart. I have been just overwhelmed with thankfulness with the moments we’ve been able to spend with Melanie. Snuggling a newborn, praying over her, and being able to provide for her needs for trust and security are such a blessing. But I know that she is not mine. She truly belongs to the Lord. I don’t know what her future will hold, but I feel confident that God is taking care of her and will continue to do so. Don’t get me wrong, I am tired and I do have overwhelming moments in this home with 7 children! But the Lord is truly sustaining us all. He is allowing me to see a glimpse of his heart in loving the unloved and caring for the abandoned soul. Don’t we all feel abandoned sometimes in this difficult world? That is why we have a loving Savior. He is so kind.

On that note, tomorrow is Easter. As we have been reading the Easter story as a family, and yesterday focused on Good Friday, one phrase in particular has hit me hard this year. “…and he yielded up his spirit.” Or in another translation, “…he allowed himself to die.” Jesus did not die because people killed him. No, he died because he surrendered. He surrendered to the Father’s will. He gave up his spirit and died so that we could be filled with his spirit and live! That is so amazing! And so incomprehensible really. In this world, and here at Tenwek, we are fighting so hard to save people’s lives. But Jesus willingly gave up his for each of us.

Maybe that’s what “take up your cross and follow me” truly means. Give up our lives, willingly laying down our rights and even our own desires. Surrendering them to the Lord fully, accepting what HE has to give and how He leads. And walking in the Hope and Victory that is ours when we believe that he truly did overcome death and the grave. His power is alive and at work in the lives of those who believe. I have to remind myself of that often, in my many failures and sins. But it is the truth. Praise the Lord that He shows us how to live surrendered lives. That is why we are here. That is why we are here.

Thank you for your continued prayers. Please pray for little Melanie and also for her mother and father, wherever they are.

We wish all of you a blessed Easter. He is Risen indeed!!