I Saw Hope: A One Orphan Missions Story
Take a moment to read, and soak in, this precious story from Ashley Bruce:
It was about a week before myself and two other ladies whom God had chosen would leave our families and comforts. We were preparing a return to Ethiopia almost exactly after my very first trip there! Everything about this trip was different from the last trip. At times I wondered if it would happen and what God was up to as He continually confirmed and affirmed me to go. We chose to obey knowing His ways are always higher.
That day my ten-year-old son and I were talking about the upcoming trip and how much we would miss one another while I was gone. I asked him if he knew why I went? His sweet simple reply was to share the good news.
We were soon on the plane and back in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During our time there we visited four AWAA partner orphanages. It was a joy seeing some familiar faces and meeting many new ones. As a result of the giving hearts of many family members and wonderful friends we were able to provide and meet many everyday needs that come along with caring for hundreds of children.This included a new washer and dryer, diapers, medicines ,staple food items as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. We watched God take a generous amount and multiply it SO greatly that we couldn’t even spend it all. I am in awe of His power. Of course there was no shortage of fun things… game and bubbles gave way to squeals and screams I’d never heard or will ever forget! I think I squealed like never before with them that day! I just couldn’t help it. Balls, play doh, crayons, coloring books and stickers made for a different and fun day from the norm for precious children Jesus loves so much.
After being home a few short days God began to break apart all the experiences from my journey. When you are in the midst of so many counter opposite moments and elements to what your normal day would be, it takes God peeling off layers to grasp what they really were.There was much sadness and suffering. Especially so in one of the orphanages. Results of sicknesses that have been untreated and special needs without ample attention produces sights many people may never witness in their lifetime. It is the kind of thing that can just kick your tail and leave without answers. As I think about all this I have to remember the good too. The glimpses of hope to be gathered in and held onto. I saw hope in additional nannies who were not there last year and greatly needed. Many of them had a smile where none was found before. I saw hope in a little boy who I met on the previous years visit where he was kept in a room for special needs confined to his bed with eyes that begged for love and the touch of another. However this time I was delighted to find him outside with other children in a stroller wheelchair enjoying bubbles and even speaking some words! The hugs and blown kisses he freely and happily gave was a confirmation of hope to me.
One baby girl, in particular, has not left my thoughts. Her facial expression never changed much in the two days we were in that orphanage. I knew she was not well. It was obvious from her visibly hard stomach she had something going on. No doubt it was painful to her. She barely shed a tear. I realized that perhaps she knew it would do her no good to cry out… believing nothing would change she wore the look of hopelessness. I picked her up and held her close to me. I told her I saw her and Jesus saw her. I let her know the hairs on her head were known by Him and she had not been forgotten. I held her that day and walking around the room sung an old hymn in her ear that I sing to my boys.
There is a name I love to hear
I love to sing its worth
It sounds like music in mine ear
The sweetest name on earth
Oh, how I love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus
Because He first loved me
It tells me of a Savior's love
Who died to set me free
It tells me of His precious blood
The sinner's perfect plea
Oh, how I love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus
Because He first loved me
The good news is Jesus. He is my hope. After I have been home a few days and the enemy whispers it was all in vain and nothing will be better I cling to hope. I have to. My hope is in the truth of His promises. I have witnessed His love for all children! I choose to hold tightly to His visible hand in a foreign land where the need will never end and suffering overwhelms. I see hope in the simple but powerful words of an old hymn sung into the fragile ear of a baby girl forgotten by the world but not by my Father. That is very good news! Hope to breathe in!
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Psalm 71:14
Friends, America World family… YOU can be part of this hope. YOU can be the hands and feet of Jesus to his beloved children. Learn more about 2018 trips here today.