I felt totally helpless and hopeless as I held her almost lifeless body. Little baby Agnus, whom I had been cuddling to sleep each night, was lethargic and barely breathing; we were almost certain she was going to die. It started with a simple cough on Sunday evening, a week ago, and by Monday, she was in the hospital with an IV and oxygen. A hospital with eight beds in her room and four people in each bed. A week later she is still in the hospital but doing much better.
Agnus is only one of the three children from Open Arms Village that we took to the hospital this week. All three were initially misdiagnosed at the hospital. Sometimes, when you’re right in the midst of all, it is hard to remember to be thankful for this organization – Open Arms. When I slow down and think about it – if it weren’t for Open Arms probably all three of these children would be dead today. I am so humbled and so privileged to get to be part of this great ministry. I long for the day when we have our own clinic here at Open Arms Village – someday!
A few evenings ago, our founders, Daddy David and Mommy Rachel, announced to the children that they would soon be returning to The United Sates for several weeks. Moved with emotion, one little girl who formerly had been sent out nightly to beg for food and had been repeatedly raped, said, "I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU Mommy Rachel and Daddy David for taking me in. What you see here today is not the same girl that came to you. I came hungry, hurting, no schooling, not happy, and very sick. I stand before you today happy, fed, loved and going to school. Thank you for taking me in. Thank you for starting Open Arms, for taking all of us in. Please tell your friends in America about us so Open Arms can expand and you can help more children in the slums and in the streets to be loved and fed and schooled and to know Jesus. Thank you." Another said, "PLEASE TELL MORE PEOPLE TO COME VISIT US. TELL OUR SPONSORS THEY ARE WELCOME HERE TO PL AY WITH US. AND TELL OTHERS TO BECOME OUR SPONSORS AND BE VISITORS FIRST, THEN THEY BECOME FAMILY." This brought tears to the eyes of another little girl who wondered “What’s wrong with me – my sponsors never come to visit me?” I hope she was comforted as I explained that not all sponsors can come to Africa, but they still love you very much. These children are never asking for toys or gifts, they simply long to be loved and to be touched.
Sometimes I get overwhelmed at all the needs here. I know that what we are doing is a great thing, but sometimes I wonder if we're just putting a band-aid on gaping wounds. Then I hear a child say that Jesus has made such a difference in his life that he is now ready to forgive the father who burned and abused him, then I know – what we are giving these children is so much more than band-aids – we are giving them life and hope, transforming Africa…One Life at a Time.
I am truly in my element here. I feel totally alive, like never before. I feel useful. And I have a deep joy. I am making a difference in these children's lives by being here physically with them. By rocking a child to sleep or listening to a child's sorrow over feeling rejected. By giving Gad a hug and telling him he is a good shepherd, like Jesus, when I see him tending the sheep and goats.
Sometimes I am physically and emotionally exhausted at the end of the day. Everything takes ten times longer to do in Kenya. You have to boil water before using it. If the water is off in your home, you have to travel to another home to get the water. Washing and drying clothes is sometimes a 2-3 day job if the water is off. (That makes for a long couple of days when a child has a dirty cloth diaper). Giving medicine to a very sick infant is a nightmare. Vehicles often break down or get stuck. The electricity and the internet seem to come and go at will. It is just not always easy here … but I know I am right where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I have a peace and a joy that can only come from God as I hug, rock, listen, and cry with some of the least of these, my brethren.
We have tremendous financial needs here. Two new family homes will be opening here this summer – providing much needed shelter and love for an additional thirty two children. But that means thirty two more mouths to feed. The two new homes will need to be furnished, and houseparents will need to be hired. Our baby home needs cribs and a back patio and fence where the babies can play safely. Our school needs new classrooms, desks, chairs, chalkboards, books, shelves, and cupboards. Someday, we need a real school building. Thank you for any support you can give. We all deeply appreciate your prayers and support – keep it up.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Laura Garrett
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