Mozambique : On contentment….
Mozambique 2006 - Ashley & Brooke July 6th, 2006 by adminIt’s funny how God can use any situation, any activity to teach us about Him… about what’s important in life. Today Brooke, Rachel, and I ventured out with our new friend Suzanne from Ireland to a government-run orphanage in the center of town to help out for the afternoon. We held babies, fed toddlers, played games, gave hugs and just did alot of loving and talking in an unintelligible language to grown-ups but quite understandable to babies. They were dirty, most of them smelling like shi-shi or co-co (I’ll let you guess what that means). They were sick- I thought many of the babies looked like newborns but found out that many of them were 8 months old to a few years. Lots of the toddlers even had trouble sitting up on their own. But they were all still beautiful and looked up at us with big eyes asking us to love on them.
It was very interesting observing the children for awhile. I saw those that were fussy; at the drop of a hat they were upset and started wailing. Some would calm down right away when we went to them and others just kept on crying. But all of them needed and responded to our love and attention. I held one baby for about half an hour and I was amazed at how content he was. He would smile up at me and look around and then just lay back down. Somehow God used that little baby to teach me about being content. He showed me today that He cradles us all in His arms and never lets us go. That despite ever-changing circumstances He is constant and he invited me today, to be content with that.
July 7th, 2006 at 7:27 am
Brooke, as I read your e-mail I am reminded that while you are in Africa becasue God sent you there I think that I too while in Vancouver I should have the same mind set, Be content and let God use me (use everyone) to do His work. I think about those babies and children, the love, the sense of touch that they need so much, and how good at the end of the day that your heart is filled with knowing that you have made a difference, even though you feel at times that one person cant do enought. Be content that God is using you and that you are doing and participating in making a difference! You are not just talking about it or wishing you could do somthing, you acted, prayed and know are living out the will of God, you are in Africa! I will continue to pray for you daily, loves and hugs, Kristi
July 7th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Brooke & Ashley,
I miss you girls so much!!! But I am so encouraged, and touched, reading what God is doing in you and through you. You guys made me cry reading your posts (surprise, surprise)! Know that you guys are loved and missed and that you have many people that are praying for you and a mighty God watching over you! Hope to hear from you both soon! I love you guys!
In Him,
Heather
July 8th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
Hey Ash,
Thanks for the update. Today you were in my prayers when I was riding my bike. I am so blessed to hear about the work your doing and am so thankful for each of those kids your reaching physically and spiritually. Who knows what God has in store for any of us, but he has planned for each of those kids to come into contact with His love through you! Amazing.
Love you
Ashley
July 14th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Ash, I have wondered for some time what God has in mind for you. What magical, life-changing, faith increasing, adventure he has in store. I can tell he needs you for something real special. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. Good luck on your journey. I wish you the best. You will, and have touched a lot of people.
your friend
-J
July 22nd, 2006 at 10:21 am
Hi Ashley - I am so happy to read updates from you on the website. It sounds like you are getting so many lessons. Thank you for learning them and sharing them with the rest of us. In this way, you are now the teacher, and we are your students in humanity. I have met many, many people going to Africa this summer through my job in the travel store at AAA. Some, also, are going on missions. Others are going for pleasure. All the same, it is a country which is getting many emmissaries of love right now. Thank you for your strength and love and for the lesson of being in the present moment, the only place you can give your all. I think of you often, send angels of love to you, knowing that you are an angel of love too. I’m so proud of you Ashley, - you are a true inspiration. Have a wonderful safe adventure. Can’t wait to see you when you get home. Love, Aunt Sherry