Each day when I come into the orphanage young Jobez gets so excited to see me that he is literally bouncing up and down. He is eight years old, has cerebral palsy and can not walk on his own. However, he knows that he and I will go for a leisurely walk throughout the orphanage because one of the first things I do is scoop him up into my arms and carry him around. He gets so much joy out of our walks but not nearly as much as I do.
I took him on a swing set recently and noticed a tear falling from his eye when we were done…”Jobez tears”. I want to believe that it was his first time on a swing and he enjoyed himself so much. Jobez has also gotten into the habit of making it difficult for me to put him in the highchair they use to make sure he doesn’t fall and hurt himself. It tickles me that he is that clever enough to do that. A few days ago, after I returned Jobez to his chair one of the children came up to me and asked if I was sad. He said I looked like I was going to cry. I WAS on the verge of tears but it was not because I was sad. I was relishing the joy of spending time with Jobez…those were “Jobez tears”.
Check out the laundry mat at the orphanage below. The “machines” are constantly in use as each child of age is responsible for washing their clothes.
On a recent visit to the Grandma House two of the mothers there had a boisterous conversation in Kreyol after I arrived. It seems that Ms. Fleurizia, pictured on my left and Ms. Servil both want to take me as their husband. I have learned if I kiss one on both cheeks, I had better treat the other one the same way. The good thing is I don’t have to offer a dowry of goats, sheep, cows, or chickens…they will accept me as I am with nothing. It doesn’t get much better than this. I feel abundantly blessed to be loved and accepted by these two women for who I am. Please don’t tell Judy…it’s our secret!
On Sunday February 16th I was asked to give the morning message at church service AND sing a song. With just one day’s notice I managed to bring a word entitled “It’s All Good” based on Romans 8:28. That really was hard work and I needed a 2-hour nap just to recuperate. I keep reminding God to NOT dial my number to don the pulpit. I pray He is listening. By the way, folks said it was a good message.
And finally, check out these photos. I just can’t get enough of these babies. Yes, there are several sets of twins.