Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Backpacks, Ruffled Socks and Saving Hope



The first day of school is often characterized by nervous excitement.  Monday, October 8, 2012, was no different but for a few additions for our children at Alex's House.  The overriding theme to myself, as an outsider, was pride.  The good, healthy, ‘I’m a child of God who’s greatly loved’ sort of pride.  Each child wore that new backpack all morning!  


They were crisp and clean, chatty yet anxious, excited and prepared.  Alex’s House thought of everything.  Youse clipped fingernails.  Patrick wiped down the bus seats to make sure they didn’t get dirtied on their way. Bill handed out those prized backpacks.  


Jimmy made sure the older boys slacks and belts were just right.  And just as any kid knows to do, they all smiled beautifully for their ‘first day of school’ picture.  The pride that they felt in how they looked, what they had, and where they were headed was clearly written on each face.

With every child dressed (perfectly!  Love those ruffled socks!) and fed and clad with backpacks full of all they needed, the family did what I keep seeing them diligently do.  They circled together, sang their songs, said their prayers, and gave their day to Jezi. 





 It was, however, after school that really told the story.  All over that campus, kids carried their books everywhere they went.  Little boys sat in corners reading.  Little girls sat with pencils, paper, and the biggest smiles of appreciation.  They were filled with hope, already proud of what they were becoming.


On the way back to Ms. Bettie’s guesthouse after seeing the kids off, we passed a young boy carrying the family water bucket.  He was probably about 11, looked much like Wilkens or Remy.  He wasn’t dressed crisply in the most fastidious of school uniforms.  He donned no backpack.  There were no shining shoes.  And there was no smile of hope or pride.
                  
Even Willy tried to climb into that white truck as the kids loaded for school.  They all knew the value of what they were getting.  It’s the difference not between a crisp school uniform and a tattered hand-me-down or whether you carry a book or a water bucket.  It’s who carries you, and the wings of hope on which He does so.



It was successful, exciting, appreciated, and packed full of all the hope of a future filled with God’s presence and blessing.  ~ Jana Abbott (Ingleside Baptist Church)

Monday, October 1, 2012

A Glorious Move-IN Day - Friday, September 28, 2012!!

There are many rooms in my father's house . . .


Malachi Cottage
 If this were not true, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

Teresa Cottage
Fully stocked Kitchen!

If I go and do that, I will come back.


And, I will take you to be with me.





We sang, danced and gave thanks on the way up! Meci Jezi!




Then, you will also be where I am. 

Our children lined up outside the gate

Then, they entered through a tunnel of love made of His hands and feet . . .

Words are inadequate!

Beautiful in every way!



Their smiles and laughter lit up the entire place!
Home sweet Home!
Papa Bill's smile lit up the place, too!

Gratefully blessed!
Lord, thank YOU for providing!
Words seem so inadequate!  We bow down and give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast provisions!  We are moved in and the children are loving it!  A huge thank you to all the teams and supporters who made this day possible - it was definitely a team effort and will continue to be!  We are not finished yet, but Friday was an amazing day as we started a new chapter in Kalico! For more pictures and weekly updates, please visit www.facebook.com/AlexsHouseOrphanage

Grateful. Blessed. Humbled. God is Good.