Orphans

So, we traveled from Berberati to Bangui on Wednesday.  I was sick most of the way…I felt so bad for my driving companions as I had to make them stop a few times for me to stabilize my stomach.  It is a 12 hour drive that is not smooth in the furthest stretch of your imagination.

 

I truly like Bangui.  There is a little bit more to do.  I few more restaurants (Berberati only had one) that are quite nice.  I don’t feel as much like an animal at a zoo where every one stares at you.  They are a little bit more used to white people.  The internet here in Bangui is not as stable.  They have hooked something up at the place we are staying today but then the electricity went out and the internet hasn’t come back up yet.  So, I still have to find internet somewhere else.

 

Yesterday, we went around to a few of the orphan groups.  ICDI supports about 500 orphan children in 8 groups around the city.  We partner with Vision Trust and only have about 250 sponsored (I am not sure the exact number).  Sponsored means that an individual has decided to pay $21 a month to sponsor one child.  So, we cover the rest of the costs from other donations or a roll over from the well-drilling.  They are such beautiful children and they are just like children in the states.  They laugh at silly jokes, love to jump around and sing, giggle a lot, some of them are disrespectful, some are shy…they are children.  A few were pointed out as having reddish tint hair which means that they are mal-nourished.  They now have food and medication but you never know if it is too late.  It just breaks your heart.  One group sung us a song about how no one wanted them…their parents are dead, their aunts and uncles do not want them, their friends do not want them, but now ICDI has come and they have taken care of them.  It was such a heart wrenching song.  But it is God who has provided for them…we just have allowed him to use us. 

 

I saw pictures of what some of the villages are drinking…dirty disgusting water....it is amazing.   I am in a job that does allow me to bring hope to those who are hopeless...children that would probably have died can now live.  I am honored to be able to be a part of this.  I sit in an office and just work through the finances and sometimes it is hard to feel what and why I choose this.  Then I see the people.  They are poor and yet beautiful.   I realize again that I did not choose this but God choose me.  I just hope I can continue to have that perspective.  I often wonder why God has allowed me of all people to do this...I know I don't deserve his grace.  I may not deal with these people on a daily basis but without someone like me ensuring the money is handled appropriately fewer can be touched.