August 30, 2006

• Here are our four most recent additions to Geon Orphanage...

  

  Three sisters and one brother, ages 1.5, 4, 5(boy), and 6.  Their story is that social services found them at their father's apartment being raised by their 11 year old aunt (their father's younger sister).  The 11 year old didn't like these kids, so she apparently abused them.  Social services have yet to find their parents or their aunt's parents.  Upon the 11 year old aunt's request, she was put in another orphanage while these four were sent here. 

  After they got here, they acted as new kids (particularly new girls) often act.  Quiet, confused, and crying often.  But whenever new kids come, a beautiful thing happens.  I get to watch the other kids here immediately accept the new ones.  The kids here are always happy to see new faces.  They welcome them with open arms, give them tours of the orphanage, and always invite them to play.  Its beautiful! 

  The oldest girl (6 year old Tae Ja) had a rough first few days.  She always had a gloomy look on her face and would walk around in silence.  After meals she would collect the uneaten food at her table to bring to her younger siblings.  The dorm mothers here would stop her and reassure her that her sisters and brother are being taken care of.  After just a week Tae Ja is already smiling all the time.  She now knows she is in a safe place.  A place of love. 

  The youngest child, Tae Min, is still very timid.  She often will stand by the door and just stare outside.  She usually stays by herself, away from the other toddlers.  She will watch me playing with the kids outside, but she gets afraid if I come close to her.  I know she will come around.  Love has that power. 

  God continues to teach me.  Lately I've grown more and more discouraged with one of the boys here.  He is a 5th grader and a known troublemaker.  He tends to bully the younger kids and disobey often.  He has cussed at me before in anger when I had to discipline him.  God keeps reminding me I just need to pray and to show unwavering love.  Still, I can get discouraged at times, and I was feeling this way tonight for no apparent reason.  Then he and another boy just visited a few minutes ago.  He came in and put a new baseball in my hand and said in Korean "present."  It surprised me, and blessed me.  It was a glimpse of hope... I know God is reminding me not to be discouraged.  I can't be angry with the boy, he is still young and can't be held completely accountable.  And a verse came on my heart...

  Ephesians 6:10 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

  Gotta keep praying.  Gotta keep loving.  God's love conquers all. 

  United Live - Fire Fall Down

  • 7:56 am
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