Every Child Deserves a Home...

Go to this link and listen to this song. It is beautiful and has everything to do with Door of Hope Children's Mission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQjObgmNbmE

Here are the Lyrics to the song

Every Child Deserves a Home - By Newsong

To be remembered on your birthday
Feel a father’s kiss goodnight
To have a mother wrap her arms around you
And say it’s gonna be alright

These are the things we take for granted
That every child should know and love
It’s simply heaven’s way of telling them
They are precious in this world
Precious in this world

Every child deserves a home
Every child deserves to hear the words, “You are not alone.”
Every life on earth is sacred
Every heart is heaven’s own
Every child deserves a home
Deserves a home

They are out there by the millions
Hurting children without hope
Little boys and girls who need a family
That they can call their own

Now it’s up to us to help them
We can’t just close our eyes
Jesus loves the little children
And His arms are open wide
They are open wide

Every child deserves a home
Every child deserves to hear the words, “You are not alone.”
Every life on earth is sacred
Every heart is heaven’s own
Every child deserves a home

There’s something in their faces that tells us their story
There’s something in their cry that keeps calling out, “Don’t forget about me.”
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus died for all the children of the world

Every child deserves a home
Every child deserves to hear the words, “You are not alone.”
Every life on earth is sacred

Change…

So this week I had to do something difficult that I haven't had to do since I've been here. I have been working in small babies since I am a long term volunteer. I've loved it so much. I've loved the aunties and the babies. 

Especially one little boy. Since I can not say his name I will call him baby B. He has captured my heart with a lasso and tugs at it quite often. I love his smile, expressions, our exercise time, even his cry. Everything about this sweet little 5 month old baby boy, I love. In small babies, when a baby is 4 months old they are moved up to big babies. Well, this week was the week. Baby B got moved up to big babies. I was so upset. I was the one who fed him, made sure his nappie (diaper) was always clean, I made sure he alway smelled good, I brush his hair and do exercises with him. I sing to him and dance to ridiculous songs while he blankly stares at me. I gathered his belonging (which isn't much, just a stuffed animal, his medical paper work and his chart) and I took the long walk down the hallway to the land of bigger babies, louder noises, and a different atmosphere. I walked in the living room and just sat down with him. I gave him a "talking to" and gave him to an auntie and walked away. I know he is still in the same house and I will visit him very often in big babies but small babies will not be the same without him. This sweet little guy has just touched my heart and I will miss him in small babies. 

God was showing me though this that change can be good. With baby B moving up he will be able to learn to sit, hold a rattle (which he already does because I taught him), play with the other babies, hold his own bottle, walk and eventually talk. There is more good in the change than there is bad. Jesus, calls us to be flexible. He calls us to be open to change. 

Step away from the baby, Mister…

So today I was asked to go with two other aunties to the clinic. We had to take six babies. Yes, you did the math right. Three aunties and six babies means we had two babies a piece in the strollers. No we don't have two seated strollers either. We strap those babies in so tight that if someone took them they wouldn't know how to get them out of there. I had trouble myself. 

So the aunties laugh at me a lot around here. I'm sure they all think in the back of their heads "she's one crazy American." I left both of the aunties and told them they were walking too slow for me. They just yelled the directions to the clinic behind me. We passed by a primary school and its always so sweet to see all the boys and girls playing outside. It's also hilarious because as I was walking by today I saw a fight and a boy and girl kissing under the bleachers. (the things that I see…geez.) Plus as we were walking I saw the prettiest bird I've ever seen. Seriously, I know it's weird I'm talking about a bird but the thing was an iridescent color blue. Beautiful. 

So when we arrived at the clinic I sat with auntie Gladys as auntie Sarah went inside and waited in the cue. (remember my past blog about the waiting in the cue. It's like musical chairs without the music and without the fun.) So Sarah sat in line and we waited outside. There were movers there moving all the filling cabinets and desks and everything out. No idea why and no idea why they had to do it during the busiest part of the day. 

So finally I take two babies inside and Sarah takes two babies as well. We go in and I'm holding baby boy. This random man walks in the room and asks the doctor and nurse if they go to church and if they know Jesus. No one says anything and just looks at him like he is crazy. (I'm pretty sure he is by what I'm about to tell you next.) He sees the baby I am holding and starts talking to him. I kind of pull baby boy closer to me and back up. Then the man asks baby boy (like he can talk he is six weeks old) if he wants to see his bird. I'm like oh, goodness what in the world is about to happen. The man reaches up his shirt sleeve a pulls out A STINKIN BIRD! SERIOUSLY! This isn't like a cute bird from the pet store either. It's a brown ugly bird that looks like he had been up that mans sleeve for too long. I just pulled baby boy in closer thinking how am I going to explain baby boy leaving the clinic and come back with some kind of disease from a nasty bird. I still cannot believe that actually happened. 

I had to sit there and hold four babies one by one as they each got 3 shots to the thigh. WHY ME!!?? That's what I was asking. Every time I would say it's ok, it's not going to be that bad, it's only 3 shots, it won't be long. The nurse said "Yes, baby that's right it will be fine." I told that nurse "I'm not talking to the baby, I'm talking to myself! You think it's easy for me to sit and watch you poke a needle in this baby's thigh three times. That needle is so long I'm scared you're going to poke me with it as well." So after I had to endure 12 shots I was worn out. I'm pretty sure I was tensing up the whole time. 

We walked back to the baby house and the aunties asked if I was trying to go to the gym because I was walking so fast. Hey, might as well get your exercise while out and about pushing two babies in a stroller. So today was pretty hilarious to say the least. You never know what's going to happen when you go to the clinic. 

Adoption…

A couple of weeks ago one of my favorite little girls got adopted. I was off, so I was able to go and see her before she left. They dressed her in a beautiful polka dot dress with white shoes and a headband. She looked as if she was going to church in her Easter dress. She was gorgeous. I couldn't help but think how lucky these parents are that will be welcoming her into their family. This little one has been on of my favorites since I first arrived. I've seen her progress in so many ways. She is so clever. She loves books, enjoys people, smiles, makes faces at you, tries to repeat what you say (it sounds like it but no words just baby talk) and rarely cries. She took her first steps here a few days before she left. It's such a blessing to me to be apart of her life for just a short amount of time. Her parents will be so blessed to have her. I am so excited for this little one and the life she is about to encounter. 

I know these Door of Hope babies are making such an impact in the communities they live in. They are changing the world for Christ and they cannot speak. Where they go I know the Lord will use them to bring people to Himself. I know without a doubt these children are used by God to further His kingdom. I am so blessed to be apart of their lives. Even though it's only for a short amount of time. 

What is God Teaching Me?

Sometimes when I am going through a hard time, all I can do is ask Him, "Lord, what are You trying to teach me?" 

I want to thank everyone for your encouragement, support and prayers. Before I came to South Africa, I was lead to believe I was going to receive extra funds, unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control that isn't possible. However my desire to stay hasn't changed. So now I am humbly asking you to pray for me and my stay here. I know the Lord has me here and I know that He is peace in the midst of confusion. I am only trusting in Him through this because I know He is sovereign and in control of all of it. At this time all I see is what's right in front of my face. God sees the BIG picture. He knows what's coming. 

If you would like to give, my fundraising website is https://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/amanda-is-going-to-africa/74125 and all you have to click on is Give Now. It will take you to PayPal and you pay that way. You do not need a PayPal account to pay. 

Thanks again for your prayers and support. It's the reason I was able to come here.

Convictions...

Convictions…

I'm not the best scripture quoter, I don't know all the stories in the Bible, I would probably fail if an atheist tried to debate me. Why is this? Why do I not memorize scripture? Why do I not know more about the Bible? Why would I not win a debate with an atheist. Why do I not have my priorities right?

Last Sunday I went to Riverside Community Church. I love it there. I don't know anyone other than the people who take me. Everyone says hello but don't really talk to me. I feel very forgotten, yet I still love going there. It's has a home like feel. It feels as if I belong there despite no one really talking to me or getting to know me. I thought about it and that's how I treat the Lord. I know I am loved yet I don't take time to get to know my Lover. I know He wants to know about my day (even though He already knows) yet I only talk to Him when I want to. He desires and deserves so much more than that. Being here I have realized how much time I have. 

On my days off I literally have all day long. To do whatever here at the house. Sometimes I set my hammock up and rest. Sometimes I take naps and watch movies. Sometimes I walk to the Glen to get groceries and sometimes I do my bible study and spend time with the Lord. Back in America I feel like I never have time to do anything. I am running around doing things just to stay busy. I can't just stay at home, I have to go here or there and do whatever. Since I've been here I have had so much time to hangout with the Lord. Actually open His Word and spend time with HIm. I've gotten to know Him so much more in the 6 weeks I've been here. He becomes more real to me everyday. I see His beauty in the basket weaving birds hanging on the tree limbs outside (real life, they really weave basket looking nests). I feel Him in this wonderful weather. I see Him when I look in the faces of these sweet babies I get to love on everyday. He is everywhere. He is everywhere I go because He is in me. 

I'm so lazy sometimes just the thought of how lazy I am makes me sick. Why do I not open my Bible more? Why do I not memorize scripture? Why do I not want to know more about the One who created me. He only wants me to give Him my time. Why am I so selfish with my time? I only say these things because they are on my heart. I have to shape up and realize how blessed I am to even own a Bible. I should have it open all the time just reading and learning and growing everyday. Yet, I only do it when it's convenient to me. It's not about me. It's about the Lord. It's about giving Him everything. My time, my heart, my soul, my works, everything. It's time for me to stop making it about me. It's time for me to start making it about the Lord. About spending time with Him in His Word so that I can know scripture better. So I can know more stories in the Bible. After everything the Lord has ever done for me. Even dying on a cross. It's the least I can do is give Him what He desires and deserves. Me. All of me. All the time.     

God's Timing…

You hear about it a lot. How He waits until you basically have given up. Then BAM in your face Jesus says "Seriously, you think your timing is better?" (totally not what He says but that's how He talks to me) Well, I am actually going through that right now. Waiting on the Lord. We are all in some sort of waiting room all the time. Think about it. We are always requesting something from the Lord and then we have to wait. I always think of the song I remember hearing people sing in church. When He's Four Days Late. It talks about the story of Lazarus and how Jesus deliberately waited to come. 

John 11:32-37

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.“Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Really read this scripture. Let it saturate your mind. Mary was upset with Jesus because He didn't come when SHE thought He should have. I think Jesus wept because of the lack of faith in His friends. He cried because His friends did not have faith in Him. Faith in their Friend who they had seen/heard do so many miracles. Why on Earth did they do that? Why did they doubt that the Lord wasn't actually late, He was on time? 

I do this to Jesus all the time. I hate to admit it but I do it more than I would care to admit. Doubt His timing. I get so fixated on the problem I lose focus on the One who can fix the problem. I am Mary in this scripture. "Jesus, if You had been here I wouldn't have this problem." We focus so much on our problem and how it's not fixed when we want it that we forget how BIG our God is. He is able to do the impossible. He is able to do the immeasurable. He is able to raise people from the dead. He conquered the grave Himself. Why do we put earthly limitations on Jesus?

I am so guilty of doing this. 

He is bigger than any problem we could ever imagine. The cool part about the story is He shows up and …well just read what the Bible says

John 11:38-44

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

After all of that worrying about Jesus not showing up to heal Lazarus, then Lazarus dying, Jesus shows up and performs a miracle. 

In the waiting process that we all seem to be in most of the time, He is using that time to teach us something. He wants our faith to strengthen. He wants us to know that His timing is perfect. He wants us to know that when He is four days late, He is still on time.