And a lot has been going on- more in my head than the children's home.
Honestly, the more I get to know these kids, the more my heart breaks. When I hear about their stories- I just can't imagine the brokenness inside of them.
-One child was adopted, and after a couple days, the "parents" had to return her because she "cried too much."
-A father called a taxi, put his son into the car, and sent him away saying that he doesn't ever want to see him again. The father didn't even leave the boy with his papers, so he can't even enroll into a school right now.
-Children are only aggressive because abuse is what they regularly see. This means that they were either abused, or saw violence within the home.
-Alcoholic mother- disabled child. You could only assume that she just didn't want to be held responsible for her own son.
-When people divorce in America, parents fight for their child. In Korea, the child becomes property and if it doesn't get settled, the child doesn't go with either parent.
You see these children and think, "Deep wounds that will never heal. Hopeless."
There are many cases like this.
but I see so much beauty and love inside of them. Their hearts have been tainted by neglect, abuse, broken promises, and never-ending discouragement. The children are known for their issues, not their name. Their sufferings, but not their name. These children have distorted identities- when they are actually called to be precious, beloved children of God.
Everyday, my hope in the Lord is challenged.
"Lord, if You are for the widows and orphans, why aren't You bringing them back to their parents? "
"Lord, if You love these children, why did you give them parents that misrepresent the love of a heavenly Father?"
"Lord, will these kids ever feel or encounter You?"
And everyday, my hope is restored.
I've realized that a lot of these children are far better off here at MyeongJin, than wherever they came from. There may be times when the children want to go see their parents, but they're taken care of here.
Life with parents doen't always equate with a better life. It's not always something you need. and I can clearly see that God provided for these kids an amazing life. It is probably impossible to see it now, but these kids being here is a blessing. I see them laugh, fight, play, and live like a child who has "normal" parents.
Although these children may have a skewed view of true Fatherly love, I have faith that with the sown seeds, these children will have a far better understanding of God's love than anyone else.
After all, we were all orphans at one point of our lives.
God is so faithful- so gracious- it's more than sufficient. and He never fails to show me that. He hears and answers our prayers, and He sees these children as His sons and daughters.
If I love these children this much, I can't even imagine the love the Father has for them. It's so beautiful, so captivating, and it gives me peace and strength the face them- to rejoice for them, and to simply just love them more and more.
I can tell you that amazing things have been happening during my stay here. I've grown closer to my english class girls, I'm slowly getting to know the older girls (and boys), and everyday my love for these kids is expanding. Even dorm moms are opening up to me and sharing their experiences here in this home. God is so faithful, and He's been answering every prayer request that Jimmy, Charlie, and I have been praying for.
This is Sungyeon- and I have to admit.. she's one of my faves. :') She has this husky voice that sounds so cute......she has huge, really cute eyes that doesn't let me say no to her ever.. and even though she's insecure about her capability to learn English, she tries hard.
This picture is a very bad panorama of Jimmy's birthday surprise party! hahahaha He is blessed, loved, and honored!
First sleepover with my English class girls- watched movies all night and played games here and there. Now they always want to sleepover :)
shoutout to John Park!!! He visited New Philly AND he had the PRIVILEGE to visit the home :) I was a little worried that the kids wouldn't warm up to him, but they did! It showed that they trusted me, my judgement, and that they knew my friend would be a good person. Thanks for stopping by John! :) When he left... everyone asked if he was my boyfriend -_- Insitig8ors up in this home...
Eunchong and HyungJung = <3
they love each other- they're a couple. so cute.
Please pray for this child: his name is Cheeyoung and he gets seizures at random times. The day I took these photos was the last day he'd be at the home. He's now in the hospital- getting watched over. Doctors are saying he won't even live up to age 10. I refuse to receive that because he will live to be an old man in Jesus name. Healing in the name of Jesus!
Yoongi drew these pictures of animals from engligh class. hahahaa so cute!
the guy on the right is MinJoon. Every tuesday and thursday, Jimmy, Charlie, and I speak in english for one hour. We have the funniest conversations. HAHAHAHA He's the same age as me! this was the first time he came into Jimmy and Charlie's room the play games. He is opening up to us!
Once again, Thank You Lord
the greatest father of all.
No comments:
Post a Comment