orphanage.

i hiked an hour to an orphanage today. i was able to play with 30 children between the ages of 1 and 2. children were beating one another with sticks and pushing each other over onto the ground. it became quite obvious that even at a young age it's every man for himself in this place. these children are so defensive as a result of learning how to get what they need in a building where food is slim and housing compacted.

i removed dirt chunks from their mouths. taught them ring-around-the-rosie. held them when tears streamed down their face. and had to turn around to shed tears of my own when i saw them being beaten with a shoe for having done something wrong.

my swahili is not fluent enough to have made any conversation with them. but perhaps the smiles, hugs, and kisses were a greater glimpse of love to them, even without words.

Lord let these children know Your love in their lifetime.