Joy

Today was one of those days that you know you will never forgot.  Before the day even started, I somehow knew I would never be the same when the day was through.  And I was right.

I knew it was going to be an emotional day, when I was feeling weepy a few miles from arriving at the orphanage.  In the last few miles of our drive to Into Abba’s Arms, we saw child after child making the long journey to morning church.  Every child we passed stopped along the road to welcome us with a warm smile and an enthusiastic wave.  It was beautiful.

When we arrived at Into Abba’s Arms, I was surprised to find that there were no children around.  (I think most of them were checking us out from inside the orphanage.  The village children were still walking to get there).  Next to children, there is nothing that magnetizes me more than cooking in a kitchen.  So moments after jumping off the van, I found myself peeling carrots in an open shack with all the older women.  I have never been more blessed to peel a vegetable.  There was not much conversation shared between me and the other ladies, and yet I experienced such a sweet fellowship with them.  With each carrot I peeled, I felt more and more at home.

Before I knew it, the music in the chapel was booming- the call to everyone that it was time for worship to start…and boy did it start!  The room was filled with children of all ages anxious to start singing and dancing.  After a short welcome and prayer, the music and dancing commenced.  At the start of the music, all of the children came running to the front of the chapel.  I have never heard such a joyful noise!  And I have certainly never seen such joyful dancing!  At first sight, I started to cry.  I was so completely  overwhelmed by the beauty of these sweet precious children.  The Holy Spirit was so thick in that room, I knew immediately that I was on Holy ground.

We sang, danced, prayed, and read God’s word. For close to 3 hours!  Our group also had the pleasure of leading everyone in song.  (Have to say though, I felt a little silly considering the passionate praise of the little ones).  In addition, we performed the play we practiced last night.  It all went great and we all had a blast doing it.  My favorite part of the whole time of worship came at the very end though.  When sweet Nancy turned to me and said, “can I teach you how to dance?” (I think my smile from ear to ear gave her the answer she was looking for).  Lead by her sweet hand, she took me to the front of the chapel and gave me the best dance lesson of my life!

By the time Nancy and I finished dancing, we were the only ones left in the chapel!  I’m sure this goes without saying, but I was t.i.r.e.d!  Thankfully, a delicious lunch awaited us outside.  I have to say, the carrots were the best part of the meal.  😉  No sooner had we finished eating, that we started being tickled and chased by the little ones.  This began a good 3 hours of tag, piggy back rides, airplanes, and soccer!  It was pure bliss!  I’m not sure who loved it more- the kiddos or us!

As everyone started to play a game of soccer and the crafts began, I felt that pull again to the kitchen.  Once again, I was welcomed in by all of the women.  Without a word, I was handed a sponge and joined in the cleaning extravaganza!  And just like before, I shared a sweet fellowship with these women that can not be explained.  These women are a beautiful testimony.  After meeting them, I will forever pray to be half the women that they are.

Just as before, the music began to call us all back to the chapel.  We all gathered together for another time of sweet worship.  One of our team members shared the gospel and did an amazing job articulating the Good News.  And just as before, all of the children (young and old) sat respectfully- listening to each word intently.  Its funny, we came there today to teach them and found out that they had more to teach us.

Before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye.  Just as I was brought to tears at first sight of these little ones, I was brought to tears again as we loaded the vans.  Leaving that orphanage with empty arms was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  As you may imagine, this blog entry does not come close to explaining the JOY of today.  I was given a gift today, one that I will always carry with me.

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;

let us make a joyful noise to the

rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

Psalm 95:1-2