“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy…” Psalm 82:3-4
SANYU BABIES HOME is a place I will always remember. The beautiful children aged 0-4 are precious beyond words. Praise be to God that the children’s physical needs were met in many ways. There are scheduled feedings, diaper changes and a daily bath. These children are safe and even have medical staff available. Without an orphanage, these children would literally face unimaginable abuse or even death. The orphanages of Uganda are a huge blessing, a place to find refuge.
My heart went out for each child’s deeper needs, beyond the physical. Who will hold this child again? When will that be? Will they receive their full feeding, or will they get lost in the mix of so very many children? Who can this child bond with? When this child has a nightmare, who will comfort them?
Leaving the orphanage was very difficult. The youngest infant would whimper when you put them down. The toddlers would try to look appealing to get you to pick them back up. The preschoolers would literally physically attach themselves to you. But the one who haunts me most was when I would have to return six month old Esther to her bed. The look of longing and confusion in her eyes stays with me.
Several orphanage managers approached Matt and I to ask us if we would please adopt a child. However, the Ugandan laws make international adoption nearly impossible. While rare, Christian Ugandan families are now beginning to adopt, which is grateful news. Join me in praying for God’s provision of a family for Esther, and the many orphans in Uganda. “God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:6
