One of our big boys went down to a different part of the orphanage today. We didn't work today, but we found out this weekend. It will be so weird to go back to work on Thursday and him not be there. He went downstairs to the Starfish program. We see some, but not often. The starfish program is the part for developmentally challenged babies (i guess that's the best way to say it). It really is great, and it is good that he is down there so that he can get more help. But, we are definitely going to miss him. Oh, you are probably wondering why it's called Starfish..here is the story:
The Star Thrower
There was a man who was walking along a sandy beach where thousands of
starfish had been washed up on the shore. He noticed a boy picking the
starfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. The man observed
the boy for a few minutes and then asked what he was doing. The boy replied
that he was returning the starfish to the sea, otherwise they would die.
The man asked how saving a few, when so many were doomed, would make any
difference whatsoever? The boy picked up a starfish and threw it back into
the ocean and said "Made a difference to that one..."
The man left the boy and went home, deep in thought of what the boy had
said. He soon returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping
the boy throw starfish in to the sea....
~Loren Eiseley
Isn't that great?!? They know they can't fix everything about every baby, but they do what they can to make a difference..I love it!
Yesterday we were working, therefore missing church. So, we watched a Louie Giglio DVD..he is such a great speaker..we watched part 1 of "The Gospel According to Krispy Kreme"..I highly recommend it..we actually bought 4 different DVDs of him speaking. I'm excited to watch them all!
Today, Susan and I went to Bruma African Flea Market with Dale and Lou (two of the Aunties, from Canada). It was so much fun!! They had both been there before, so they helped us a lot with getting deals and talking to vendors. We got some good stuff and will probably go back before we leave! It was so neat to see everything and talk to people. It's crazy to think that this is how most of these people make their living. There were a few people that I was not so fond of, the ones who constantly nagged us to buy things and were completely in our faces..but there were some who we really liked. One of them gave us a great deal on some stuff because Lou had bought from him before, he was really nice! There was another one who Dale knew and she was so kind and joyful! She has been going through a hard time financially, but the joy if the Lord showed through her. There were a few people that came into her shop just to say hi, and no one did that at the other vendors shops...she said that it happens all the time. Lou said, "It's because you don't hide your light under a bushel! You let God's love shine!" I totally agree with that..
Tonight, I saw the stars for the first time since we have been here. It was great! I mean, you could kind of see them before, but tonight they were shining brightly! Seeing the stars made it feel even more like home..I was so thankful for that..
I'm feeling more comfortable here everyday..whether it's at work or going out or remembering the next road to turn onto before the GPS tells me..it's feeling more like a place that I am staying and living instead of some new place where everything is backwards..it is a very reassuring feeling. Everyday I am more encouraged by the things around me and I know that I am right where God wants me.
I still miss home a lot, especially since this weekend was Matthew's graduation and Davis' birthday..but my family has been behind me 100% and that means more to me than they will ever know!
"What does God want from you more than anything else today? Well, He doesn't want your service and He doesn't want your service more than anything else. So, what does God want from you today, more than anything else? God wants your affection." -Louie Giglio
"Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You." -Psalm 63:3 (ESV)
Hi Annie!
ReplyDeleteWhy have the stars not been very visible before Sunday night? Is it air pollution or light pollution, or something else?
Sounds like you guys are working hard but enjoying it. It definitely is an adventure.
Love you,
PawPaw
Rom 11:34 For, who knew the mind of the Lord? or, who became His adviser?
Rom 11:35 Or, who gives to Him first, and it will be repaid Him?
Rom 11:36 seeing that out of Him and through Him and for Him is all: to Him be the glory for the eons! Amen! (CLV)