As an iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
This verse has a whole new meaning to me than ever before after my journey through this week.
I would like to explain by sharing a couple of stories that happened just today.
We spent the day today building 108 beds at the Greater Life Orphanage. I was assigned to play with the kids while some of the team built the beds, which was great! As I was attempting to teach the kids how to play kickball, I had a little boy walk up to me and press a piece of play dough very firmly to my arm. He pulled the piece of play dough from my arm and shook his head in disgust. He then placed the play dough on his arm very firmly and looked at me and shrugged his shoulder. I then realized that when he put the play dough on his skin and took it off it had pieces of black on it (it was dirt, because he was so dirty) and he thought if he pressed hard enough on my arm, he would get white on it.
As I walked around the campus today at the orphanage I had another little boy come up to me at least ten different times. He would smell my skin and then would rub his lips along my arm and kiss me. He did this various times through out the day.
I had another fellow, who was about two years old, that found me as soon as I stepped off the bus. He held my hand all day. He went every where I did, but would not smile. I tried everything! We left to have lunch and when we came back I walked into the worship area and caught his eye, I clapped my hands at him and motioned for him to come to me. He smiled so big!!!
As I started this entry with the verse, I will end by saying....
I thought I was coming to make a difference in a child's life this week...
but what has happened is... these kids have changed my life! I am the one who will go home with a whole different perspective of life and my own family I am so blessed with!
Stacey Spain
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I can't imagine how awesome it must be, I cried when I looked at the pictures. What beautiful children. Ya'll are truly doing what Christ call us all to do that is SERVE. I am very proud of you and the rest of the team to allow God to use you in such a MIGHT WAY!!!!! The kids are Great! No Worries here. I will continue to pray for you all. Love you very much and I pray that God continues to bless you all and the people that you will come in contact with. Your Sis, Stephanie :)
ReplyDeleteYour words made me cry...both tears of sadness and tears of joy. It's amazing to see God working through you, and the whole team, in a country so far away. A place we don't normally think of when we lay our heads down at night. We are praying for everyone there. Praying for continual blessings to you and those precious orphans.
ReplyDeleteStacey,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear all about your trip. The children are so precious. I am so proud of you for stepping out there and working for Jesus!
We met your goats yesterday. Avery loved them.
Your human "kids" are doing great, too!
C-ya soon!
Love,
Angie
As tears flow down my face from your stories, I know God is blessing the kids and the team in a mighty way! Keep up the great work as God's blessings overflow! You are all in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteGreg and Diane T.
Mindy and Madelene,
ReplyDeleteI've been to both of your houses and good news, they are still standing. Mindy, the kids and Mike seem to be doing just fine, except missing you! I can't wait to hear all of your stories. I am so proud of both of you. From the pictures Madelene the kids seem to cling to you and love to be in your arms. This is no suprise since your own do the same. You're all in my prayer.
Love, Karisa
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited and moved by what God is doing in Uganda through "Sweet Sleep." What an awesome ministry! Just seeing the smiles on these precious faces, hearing the stories, and knowing that your team has been given this opportunity to share the love and hope of Jesus...It's all so amazing! Blessings to you as you serve Him, my sister...Prayers are being lifted on your behalf!!!
Love,
Jennifer Bennett
Hello Stacey, Gene & I are at Cheryle's house and Austin got me
ReplyDeleteon your blog. God is at work thru
you and your team. It is such a
great thing all of you are doing.
I can relate to the statement that
you made about the children leaving
such an impression on changing your
life. Have been praying for you and
your team. Love and blessings to
you and your team. Me-Maw
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post! In Christ, you are making a difference in the lives of so many children. And, you know that I'm totally jealous and wish I could be there with you. All of these stories and pictures are awesome! And, like everyone else who posted - I'm also in tears. I'm looking forward to your return to hear these stories in person AND for us to continue God's calling together of "defending the fatherless". Love ya - Ginger