Things are coming to together at the house, finally. Now don't let that comment make you think that the beds are all there or assembled, but when you arrive at a job site late morning and finish your day at 4ish, well, not a lot gets done. Dann turned his attention to getting the same lumber that was ordered last week. Its about 4 4x4's and maybe 8 2 x 4's, I'm thinking that someone has perhaps been looking for just the right tree to cut down. Scott got right to work today making the cubby type shelves for the bathroom; a special spot for each basket of personal toiletries. Katee, Evan, Micah and Rachel headed to Kakira to pick up 3 more children, while the rest of us took the first 7 to the clinic. Each child was taken in one by one, for a physical exam, asked if they had any complaints or symptoms, teeth, ears, eyes, lungs, heart, liver and spleen were checked. They were given a slip to take across the hall to have their blood drawn. Not one tear was shed during the physical part of the exam, but the smallish ones today let everyone know they were not fond of a needle in their arms. It was both intensely real and so so humbling, to know that our kids would be tested for HIV today, the doctor asking if we want the results told only to the adults, or both the children and us. He was very relieved when we told him, we don't want them to be told at this time. The stigma attached can be life threatening.
When the 3 new ones arrived at the house for the first time, you could see the wonder on their faces...room after room was a new experience and adventure. To see beds that would sleep them and soccer balls scattered, a bathroom, a big steel box (fridge) and the other children running about carefree, their fear began to subside and they allowed their faces to be free in expression giving way to smiles.
The three, Daphne, Moreen and Judith who were picked up today, joined us just as the first of Chayah's kids were finishing. About 1/2 of them had swollen glands, meaning some infection somewhere, a few had some pretty bad tooth decay and we are scheduled to go back tomorrow for the test results and any needed medication. This will work out perfectly since we will be picking up group 2, 4 boys and 5 girls tomorrow. When everyone got back to the house, Rachel and I were shuttled around in town trying to fill in the blanks on more items needed. A sofa to sit on in the sitting room, we searched for the biggest rug we could find for something to sit on. With 19 children, I believe there will be much circle time and homework stations on the floor. We found some dresses, some paint, a very small computer desk for Janet's room and more containers to split up and store the 125lb bag of rice that is needed to feed this family.
Meanwhile, Kristen and Nicole bathed all of the kids in the first bathtub they had ever been in. When they were rinsed with the shower, they laughed and squealed and enjoyed every minute of it. Freshly scrubbed, with "greased" skin, they were dressed in clean clothing. Three more beds were prepared for their first night and all 10 of the mattresses were covered in "susu" pads...waterproofing them. The kids ran around, helped Scott build, built forts with mattresses and colored with crayons you sent. Everyone arrived back at the house about 6pm, tiny Shakira fast asleep in Kristen's arms.
We left them today with the first real glimpse of a family home. It’s beginning to look comfortable and warm. Smiles are coming more quickly and reality may be starting to set in. Janet and I shared the same sentiment tonight as we were loading into the van. "Who am I Lord that you would allow me the opportunity to be joined together for such a work as this?" We are just as grateful to be on the giving end as she is to be on the receiving end of this heavenly ordained ministry. I cannot believe the joy we've experienced, poverty and suffering are relieved to some extent at least for a few. But to those few we are giving all we can, praying that God multiplies their joy grows them into strong, mature, wise, and faithful followers of the one who has provided for them.
Tomorrow as we head back to Kakira for the last time this trip, the packed van will bring home the final installments of our “firstborns.” Praise the Lord for all He has done!
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