28
Aug
2007
Aug
2007
Kitimbo and Sandra
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
Comments
Sam - I started crying when I read your post. I can feel your emotion and vulnerability in it. Thank you so much for sharing that. I will keep those children in my prayers. They are so beautiful!
Sam, thanks for a very moving post. Wow, I cried too. And thanks to everyone for writing & for posting the pics–they really do give us a sense of what you’re all experiencing over there, and helps us to pray for you more specifically. You folks are in for a wonderful, grueling, fulfilling experience. May the Spirit sustain you & continue to protect & guide you. Love to Rachel & the rest of the team.
Hey Tusubira Team!
Please know that all of us at Quest are praying for you, and so excited at the relationships you’re building, what you’re seeing and experiencing. Can’t wait for you to share with the church. Blessings and safe journey to you all. Thank you for your ministry!
wow, my heart breaks hearing about these kids. but i also am totally with you, in the knowledge that God’s love for these kids is even more than i could ever imagine, and He will take care of them! and He’s taking care of your team too! bless you all…you are all true examples of God’s joy and love to those around you
know that i am praying daily for you!
Hyung Seok,
Thanks for the genuinely honest post, dong seng. =)
Your very proud hyung,
Christian (CC)
Hyungseok..or Sam,
It is great to see that God has blessed you by encountering Kitimbo. We hope that through kids like him, you will continue to see God’s grace. Be safe and good luck!
With love,
The Family
Rachel’s Dad and Alyssa weren’t the only ones who cried reading your post….thank you for sharing your special moment with Kitimbo. I am so glad your soul has been touched.
Hi Sam, thank you for keeping us all updated on everything. As I was reading your post, I did have a concern regarding you guys being exposed to TB. Maybe this is just the nurse in me, but are you guys taking any sort of precautions? Because TB is a very life-threatening infection that’s spread through droplets in the air (e.g. a sneeze, cough, or just talking) Anyways, I will continue to keep you all and everything you’re doing for the Lord in my prayers. God bless
Hey team!
Wow, you’re doing such amazing stuff. I can empathize with the whole “drawn to certain kids” thing since I had a boy do the same thing to me in the Dominican Republic. Louis is his name.
Keep it up. God is using you in some amazing ways. Blessings!
love you!