Dear ,
"Count
it all joy, my brethren, when ye
fall into manifold temptations; Knowing
that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And
let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
lacking in nothing". James 1:2-4
We have finally begun working with the adult orphan girls in
our home and are currently hosting our second group of girls for a week. We must believe that God is doing something
greater than we know and we are honored to be a part of His plan.
At this point, we are not talking to the girls about an
extended stay or a program, we are just building relationships and exposing the
girls to some new things in order for their minds to be opened to new
possibilities. It is hard for most of us to imagine how small their worlds are.
They know so little about anything outside of the city where they grew up. They
have seen such little beauty that it is hard for them to even appreciate it.
They have had such little attention and affection that they do not know how to
respond appropriately. But God has a plan for these girls!
To us it seems like such a small step to come on a week-long
trip. But for these girls it is a huge thing! It takes a great deal of
planning, talking, reassuring, and encouraging
just to get the girls here. What to us would be a little "vacation"
is for these girls a major life event. It is an introduction to beauty, hope,
and kindness.
When we think of the magnitude of each girl's
problems, it seems so frivolous to bring them to "camp" for a week. But
we must remind ourselves that each seed that is planted is capable of
bringing forth fruit that will last for an eternity. Each seed holds the
DNA of God. Our prayer is that He will take our efforts and produce
what only He can~a changed life.
The Romanian people, in general, have chosen to ignore the adult orphans which make up a large segment of their own population. It is a unique opportunity for us to be able to begin involving those that are willing to extend a helping hand to reach those that have been so ignored. Please pray with us that God will continue to soften hearts and that, by our small example, people will see the need to reach out to their own. Please pray for us, also, that God will give us grace for the journey and a passion for Him that drives us to continue to share the Good News.
Going for Him,
Stephanie and Leslie
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