I am not easily broken, but every once in a while my heart slips, falls and shatters into a million pieces.
This morning I held a four year old child who was nothing more than skin and bones. Barely able to hold her head up I heard her whisper the softest cry of “M’grangou” which means, “I’m hungry”. It was at that very moment my heart slipped – I need to do SOMETHING is all I could think. I handed her over to a friend, who was sitting with her brother, and ran up the hill. A few minutes later I was back down at church with a baggie of food. Watching them eat was when my heart fell. I’ve never seen children so hungry in all my life. My heart shattered when the little boy took the last part of his protein bar and broke it in two – giving the bigger half to his younger sister who had already finished hers, but it didn’t stop there, not only did he share his protein bar with her but he also gave her the juice from his fruit cup which she gladly received.
Rewind to three weeks ago when I was first introduced to this boy, named Mackenlove, and the tiny little girl, named Michelove. Within 3 seconds of seeing these children I knew the situation was serious. Their lifeless eyes and dirty bony bodies told the sad story of hunger and neglect. We did what we could for them, providing some clothing, shoes and food but at the end of the day had to send them on their way.
Over the weeks I have visited them a few times and learned a little more of their story. Their mother passed away a year or so ago and their father is seldom seen. I doubt we will ever have all the details of how they got to where they are today, but their past is not nearly as important to me as their future.
A future which will be filled with loving care, smiles, laughter, nutritious meals three times a day, a warm bed to sleep in, a roof over their heads, and an activities coordinator named Rachel loving on them everyday. Yes, Lord willing, these children will be in our care at the Hope House in just a few days.
The Mission of Hope is a truly wonderful organization and I am blessed to be a part of it. These children’s lives will be forever changed.
Please keep Michelove and Mackenlove in your prayers as we go through the logistics of bringing them into the Hope House. Please also pray for their health, as well as a quick and easy adjustment time as they are welcomed into the Hope House family.
Peace & love,
Rachel
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