Archive for the ‘Pictures’ Category
This should give you an idea of what I was talking about in my last post. It shows the sty yesterday morning (after one day of work). It’s actually finished now (concrete on all the floors, concrete troph and “waste” drain, doors and locks), and Jamie has pictures of that which we’ll try to post soon.
Click for larger version.
I can’t even begin to fathom sheer number of kids we’ve met since we’ve been here. For me personally, it is actually very daunting and draining at times. At some moments, their joy, energy and vibrancy almost makes me forget that they’re orphans. It is incredibly moving to see what a spiritually healthy environment that these kids have been provided by pastor Nelson and pastor Ivan. In mist of the overwhelming madness of kids swarming us and pulling us in every direction possible, each of us are finding our selves slowly being drawn to certain kids at STAO.
I’ve been finding myself really drawn to a kid named Kitimbo. We first met during service on Sunday. This is rather embarrassing to post, but I was bawling during the service, especially when all the kids were singing on top of their lungs, “Touch my body, touch my soul, touch my spirit, and make me whole”. Kitimbo pulled my hand down and wiped my tears off my face and gave me a smile that I simply cannot describe with words. I pray that God will show me how to love him as it seems like he won’t be letting go of my hand anytime soon. 
When we arrived at STAO this morning, pastor Ivan introduced us to a girl named Sandra. We noticed a tumor on side of her head, and also realized that she wasn’t like the other kids that’s been swarming us. Sandra is 7 years old. She has full blown AIDS. However, she just contracted TB (tuberculosis) and is not sure if her body can even handle ARV(AntiRetroViral)s. What was really heart breaking on top of that was she is actually not an orphan. She has a father, but apparently he does not care about her and completely neglects her. The team was able to pray for her, and the healthcare team will be taking her to the clinic to look at treatment options tomorrow.
It is very difficult for me to articulate the thoughts and emotions I’ve been trying to process. However we have hope because our God loves us and the children here beyond our comprehension and His heart truly breaks for the children here. We pray that He’ll continue to reveal himself more and more to our team as we try to process everything we’ve been experiencing.
Pictures:
Sam and Kitimbo at the STAO church
Melissa with Sandra
Here are some pictures that Jamie took today while we were at STAO handing out the clothes you donated to the orphans. Click for larger versions.
Danielle w/ STAO kids
Dale w/ more kids
Kids lined up to pick out donated clothes
Pastor Nelson (founder of STAO)
And here’s one from yesterday of me with Shemelia, who has been cooking us wonderful dinners, at Itanda Falls.
