Working the Hard Ground

Saturday, February 27, 2016 The children have finished up their studies and now they are off for the weekend. It would seem that with the children not on the grounds there would be a time of rest but there is still much to do in preparation for Monday morning.

There are uniforms, socks and sweaters to be washed by hand and placed over the fence to dry. The shoes need to be cleaned and polished for Monday morning.   

Mama Rhoda will sift the maize and beans and once they are clean she’ll put them in storage until needed.  The church will be swept and put in order for the Sunday morning service.  It’s a day of work for Mama Rosie, Mama Jane and Mama Rhoda. 

From opening day we have encouraged the parents/guardians to be involved with their children’s education but they still keep their distance. There is a wall of fear and distrust that continues to stand between us but something is starting to change!  Mama Rosie and Mama Jane are coming to help with some of the cleaning and washing in order to help keep their children in school. Their help is welcomed and their actions feed my heart with encouragement. It is only two mamas out of many but the hard ground is breaking and life is sprouting forth.

 

Not having school fees is a real challenge for the mama’s and we continue to encourage them to try to help in some way; bring the teachers something to eat, bring some eggs or a chicken, or bless them with some firewood. The majority of the guardians/parents continue to watch from a far and they carry words of defeat, slander and fear to anyone who will listen.  We are working on hard ground.  It is an area where schooling is not looked on as necessary as the generations before them did just fine without it.  It is a spiritual battle and as the pastor would say; “Hell is not happy!” with what is happening in the village of Taito.

Seeds Children’s Home cares for over 200 orphans rescued from a life of neglect, abuse, rape and abandonment. These children who once lived in Kipsongo slum are now loved, protected, warm and well fed.  They are healthy and go to school.  Life has changed for them and their tomorrows hold the promise of a brighter future.

The Seeds bus rocks back and forth as it travels the long country dirt road to the home. The huge pot holes toss it back and forth like a boat on the stormy seas. The bus is full of children and all the seats are taken. They travel African style and sit one on top of the other. They are full of energy and can’t wait for the bus to stop and the door to open!

It doesn’t take long for some of the girls to grab hold on to my hands as they push in close for a little hug or two. They are very reluctant to let go as they know that there are others just waiting for the opportunity to take their place. The children have grown so much since I was here and so has the orphanage!  

I walked this land with the pastor and his wife years ago as he talked about his vision and today his spoken word is a reality around me.  The land is no longer an empty field, void of buildings and little people, but dorms, kitchens, dining hall, fish ponds, a chicken farm, gardens and a woodworking shop all of which are bursting through the ground like flowers after the spring rain. 

In a land of great hardship, pain and suffering we thank God for the unfolding of his plan before our eyes. Many hands have been used, many prayers have been said and many lives are being change. Let God be glorified!


Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.