This article was imported from our previous website, which many have broken some of the content. We apologize in advance for any strange formatting or broken links you may find.
"God help me love like You love" has been my constant prayer today. Reading through 1 John was a great reminder that I am only able to love these orphans because of Christ and His sacrificial love. Today as I was walking with Veronika, one of the girls from my group, I noticed that Elona was sitting alone on a swing. Elona is one of two kids in this orphanage with the fish scale disease and because of her appearance, many of the kids don't acknowledge her existence. Right when I saw her all alone, my heart sank and I knew I had to walk over and just hang out with her and love on her. After we talked a little bit, the girls and I started walking back to where the rest of the kids were. Just by talking, walking and hugging, her beautiful blue eyes lit up and a huge smile appeared on her face.
But that's just the beginning, not to mention the trampoline that the guys set up today. Elona and I jumped together on the trampoline, and seeing how joyful she was, I couldn't help but smile. Not only smiling but bringing tears to my eyes. One of the songs that was playing talked about being free in Christ. And what a perfect moment that was. Because of Christ and His love I am free and these kids are free in Him, once they understand the hope and love He has for them. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to serve and love on these orphans. Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughs and stories, being hugged to death and climbed on is awesome! But knowing that God loves each one of them so dearly is so comforting. My prayer is that they remember that Christ loves them so much that He sent His Son for them and in Him they have hope.
Please continue praying for the hearts of these kids, our team, and for our physical health and endurance as this experience can be exhausting. Thank you all so much for your prayers.
In Him,
Lana Khala