Day 07 Orphanage Visits

Day 07 was a special day. It has taken me awhile to post this day because all the overwhelming emotions felt after visiting the orphanages. Coming into the trip I knew and had heard visiting the orphanages would be tough but it was above and beyond any feeling I have felt in a long long time!! We had our night share time and everyone voiced the same- its hard to explain and put into words. So many emotions overcome one - sadness because they are suffering, joy by their smiles and faith, but then guilt because you feel so helpless, anger b/c you want to scream 'WHY!? Why do they have to live with out their parents!?, and why do they have to suffer so much from hunger!? But then there is a sense of peace and comfort because they have such a strong faith and trust in God! Someone in our group asked one of the orphanage workers a question similar to (sorry can't recall the exact wording) - 'How do you provide food and who helps you feed the kids?' And the worker simply answered without hesitation- 'God provides'. Simple as that. It blew me away!!!
The kids ranged from young 2-3 year olds to 18 year olds. They each were so disciplined. They sat still and listened and followed directions when we did a Cross necklace craft with them. Emily led us all in song and dance. They were so filled with joy and each smile melted each of our hearts. It was a tough time leaving feeling we did so little but in reality we did bring them so much love and joy. We are so thankful for God bringing us here to share time with the Liberians. We are so inspired by their belief and passion for God.
After the visits to the orphanages James took us to his home village, Mount Barclay. The home he was born in was just down the road from his village's check point during the war. There was a field next to the check point where they disposed of the dead bodies. If you did not know the dialect, you did not pass and were killed on the spot. James said they would just pile the bodies on top of another in the field. It was an overwhelming feeling and very hard to grasp that this war and happenings were only a few years ago. And now the field was lush and green. And there even was a soccer goal for kids to play with now. To be able to share these stories and stand on the ground were humbling. Our generation in the US has no clue what it is like to experience war. The leaders we are with each have their stories and said they each could probably write their own books on their personal experiences. After going through such tough times they are able to laugh and crack jokes about what happened, of course they are still healing but it is ONLY God's love that allows them to heal and discuss the war. I cannot say enough how their love for Christ is AMAZING! The US team feels so blessed to have had the opportunity to come here and meet each of them!
The day ended with the US team fixing dinner for the Liberian team. We fixed burritos - there was a little improvising but hey T.I.A. (this is Africa). :). It was a great way to end the day with fellowship.

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