Blessed Orphans

(These twin brothers are sleeping comfortably and soundly in their cribs at the orphanage)

When we were in Vietnam, we visited an orphanage that the missionaries we worked with help support. The street was narrow and lined with homes and small shops. When we arrived and got out of the car, I couldn't help but notice that it smelled like urine in front of the orphanage. I was relieved to find out that the inside didn't. In fact, it was homey and well equipped to care for all the children who lived there. 

      One of the teenage boys ran out to help us unload the food from the vehicle. Every month the missionaries donate pounds of rice, noodles, and other food to provide meals for the over 100 children housed there. Many of the children were in class (inside the orphanage there are classrooms for them). The younger ones (and a few teenagers) were running around playing. The babies and toddlers were getting fed, bathed, or put down for a nap. They had a good system there and I was grateful that it was a good environment for the kids. I honestly expected a sadder sight but these children were better off than many others who live in orphanages. 

      Despite how great it was there, there were some heartbreaking realities. One of the people in our group had been told not to hold one of the children too long or she'd get used to it. The worker wasn't being cold-hearted; the reality was that there wasn't enough workers to give each child all the emotional care they needed because they were spread thin with the other care-taking duties (feeding, changing, grooming, bathing, getting them ready for a nap, etc.). Another person in the group pointed out how flat the back of the babies' heads were because they laid in their cribs for so long (though, they do get held when the caretakers have a chance). 

      We heard a couple of painful stories while there that gave me a greater love for these children and the parents who left them. We were told that there was an instance where someone brought their child to the orphanage because one of the other family members became ill and needed great attention and care. The rationale was that the child would receive the care he/she needed at the orphanage and it would free the parent up to care for the other family member. Unfortunately, when the parent finally returned for the child, they found that he/she got adopted. I can only imagine the heartbreak that parent must have felt. I felt pained for the family. We also learned that one of the deaf girls who grew up at the orphanage got pregnant at a young age and moved back into the orphanage so she could work and care for her child at the same time. So many questions filled my mind. I wondered if being left at the orphanage gave her a desire to find love. I wondered if being left to care for this baby on her own left her questioning if she was loveable.  

      God only knows all the pain and sadness that may be dwelling in these kids' hearts but He is so good because He didn't just leave them with that. They have such joy. They love each other, play together, laugh at each others' jokes, take care of and look out for one another, and share what they learn. This is a family and a home. It may not be perfect, but God has blessed them. Psalm 27:10 (GNB) says, "My father and mother may abandon me, but the Lord will take care of me.” Looking at it all now, I can see His hand all over their lives. These children are safe. They weren't left for dead or neglected to the point of death, they didn't get sold into sex trafficking, they weren't fending for themselves and living on the street; they are in a home where their needs are met. They are around people who truly love and care for them. They are getting educated. 

      God is taking care of them and His is the best care anyone can have. He brought them all to an orphanage where they will learn about Him. He will go with them wherever they go and speak into their hearts. I am confident they have everything they need in Him. This isn't an uneducated or thoughtless statement. To those who live in financial comfort, it may seem so, but if you read stories of people who have put their faith in God despite their negative circumstances, you will learn to understand how much He fills our hearts. Their futures may not turn out ideal, but this world isn't all there is. There is a Kingdom and loving Father awaiting these children one day. This means that many of them have a great inheritance. I went in feeling sorry for them, but God has shown me just how blessed they are. Please join me in praying that these little ones continue to grow in their relationship with Him, get the love and support they need, and grow up to use the gifts/talents He's given them to reach others.

(These boys were fascinated with how big my husband's arms are. They made a game of hanging off them.)

(This little beauty stole our hearts with her smile and laughter)