Orphans

A lot has happened since the last time we posted. Melanie went to the AGC Baby Center in Nakuru. It was hard to take her there. I knew it would be, but nothing prepared me for entering into that world, even for a few moments. Dropping her off was quick and a little shocking. I thought maybe I would linger and help her transition a little more. But it was what God ordained. He was teaching me things even in that. It is not “good” for her to be an orphan, but I believe somehow God will work it together for her good. And she is in a good place, with loving Christian “mothers” to care for her around the clock.

About a week after I went to the Baby Center, our family headed for a few days away. God orchestrated it at just the right time. The reason we could go was because another pediatrician was here short-term, so Tom was freed up to take a few days off. We knew about this trip way in advance of ever knowing about Melanie or that we would keep her for a while, but we had decided to go to Nakuru. So we went to Lake Nakuru National Park at first, a beautiful corner of God’s world. Breathtaking views, animals roaming about, a pool (some of the kids’ favorite part;) and rest. It was a blessed time of being together, just “being” and not going and doing. We didn’t even realize we needed that. We didn’t really come to Tenwek for vacation! But it was much needed, and much appreciated. God is so kind.

After Lake Nakuru, we went back to the Baby Center (a previously planned trip) and stayed a couple days. It was a much more complete experience for me this time, not that I had to have that, but it was again just the kindness of God. I was so thankful to learn much more about what they do there, and why they do certain things, and to sit and talk with many more of the caregivers. It was a sweet time for our kids too. They had some overwhelming feelings at first, but they all warmed up quickly and played with the kids. It was so awesome to hear the kids laugh and see them smile and run and play. It is heartbreaking to think of 72 kids/babies who are without a family. And this is just one orphanage. One of many in this country, and on this continent. 72 precious hearts. 72 individual souls that God knit together in their mothers’ wombs, but for various reasons they now wait to be loved and cherished and held by a forever family. It could be days, months, years before they recieve that gift on this earth. Please join us in praying it is early in their lives that they know Jesus and understand they have been adopted by our heavenly Father and he will never ever abandon them or leave them alone.

I had been reading Psalm 145 a lot recently, and I read that the LORD is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, He is good to all and his mercy is over all that he has made. He is faithful, kind, He upholds all who are falling, satisfies the desire of every living thing, He is near to all who call on Him. He preserves all who love him. It is hard to reconcile these truths when I am battling the sights, sounds and smells of an orphanage. Why all this pain, Lord? Why these abandoned children? Why these broken souls?

Our good God does not change like shifting shadows; He is constant. He is good, even when circumstances are not. He is good, even when babies do not have families. He is merciful. He hears their cries. I struggle with this at times, but I believe it with all my heart. He is redeeming all things, and one day there will be no orphans. Until that day, we must trust Him and walk with Him, and enter in to these broken things that we don’t always want to face.

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. ~Psalm 145:21