Monday was the opening day of our new orphan day centre - iThemba la Bantwana - for kids from Kgotlelelang Primary School. 40 children came. On Tuesday after school, 76 children came. Yesterday, 112 children came. The school has 105 children classified as orphans. Amazing - one school, 105 orphans.Yesterday Christo and I went out to Tsakalani, another centre. We were surrounded by children who all ran to give us hugs. The first girl to reach me wouldn't let go. When the other children had finished and went back to what they were doing, this little girl was still clinging to me. Christo and I had to go to a meeting with one of the local pastors, and after that we came back to spend more time with the children. This little girl immediately came back to me, sat next to me, and just clung to my arm for dear life. She wouldn't make eye contact until it was time for me to go, and then she looked up at me with eyes I shall never forget. I nearly cried.
I gave the children all the love I had - every last drop - and when I left I found that my heart was still full of love. I wonder how God must feel - how many sets of sad eyes look to Him every day, and if His heart ever breaks from so much love. I wish I could tuck this little girl (her name is Vali) into bed every night and sing her lullabies, hold her tight when she cries, make sure she is warm and fed.
Maybe it is only through a broken heart that love can flow, seeping out of the cracks and crevices to touch a fallen world. I hope - I really hope - Vali knows that she is loved.
4 comments:
its amazind how much love we have when push comes to shove. God just keeps pumping it into our hearts. Little Vali is blessed to have had a small share of that love to hold in her little heart when she is feeling lonely. The little we give can be multiplied by God in the hearts of those we show love. Its a pity there are not more people to do what you Christo and the others do. Love Jane
Some good news... we had 20 of our 30 orphans sponsored just last night during The Catalyst Service (formerly known as XRDS).
We hope to have our 30 sponsored by the time we get to you guys! We'll be in contact more about the money/etc. later.
Being a nurse at the hosp you meet hundreds of people.Then, God uses one person to make a conection,and let us remember why we opened our hearts to love.God is Great!!! Love Bill & Maria
I came across your blog through a google search for research material for a post that I was writing. This post warms my heart to know that there are so many people in this world not only in South Africa that care. I set up a blog oneworldonesoul.wordpress.com for those that care, where people in need and those who want to give meet. I would love it if you could write a post about this orphanage and your experience.
Keep up the amazing work, you're making a difference to us, South Africa and the world. Thanks :)
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