We arrived at the Speel Clinic (which means play clinic in Afrikans) around 1:00pm. I was not prepared for what I found there. 200 children and just our team! They fought – literally FOUGHT each other for our attention. They clung to us – begged to be held – hugged us and wouldn’t let go. So starved for attention! I wondered, when was the last time these children were hugged? Held? Kissed? Told “I love you”?
It was freezing outside – the wind was so strong it made it hard to stand. The team was bundled in layers and big winter coats; the children were in short sleeves, skirts, and shorts – many of them barefoot – shivering i
n the cold. I braced against the wind and cuddled 3 year old Ily closer, trying desperately to keep her warm. Three more children clung to my legs shivering. As I stood there with them in the street, more children surrounded me- singing to me, asking my name, and reaching for my hand. Feeling overwhelmed, I looked around…
n the cold. I braced against the wind and cuddled 3 year old Ily closer, trying desperately to keep her warm. Three more children clung to my legs shivering. As I stood there with them in the street, more children surrounded me- singing to me, asking my name, and reaching for my hand. Feeling overwhelmed, I looked around…Every team member looked the same. From five to twenty children surrounding them, shivering in the cold, begging for attention. I felt the tears begin to fall. “There are too many Lord!” I cried. “There are too many that need to be hugged, held, loved! I want to call them by name – to look them all in the eye and tell them they’re loved and valued. To teach them, to listen to them, to care for them. But how, Lord? There are too many desperate children… and only one of me…”
I fought back tears as little Ily wrapped her arms tighter around my neck and kissed my cheek.
I pulled it together for a while, until meal time came. For the kids it’s usually just half an apple and milk. For most, that’s their only meal all day. Today, because of the cold, they had a little chicken soup and bread. After everyone in the classroom (which would only hold around 50) had been served a cup, Eunice asked who wanted more…
Fifty hungry hands shot out fighting to get to the front, begging for more. It broke me. No child should ever go hungry! But for these children, hunger is a part of everyday. I stood there holding Ily, asleep in my arms, as the room full of children scrambled for food, and the tears began to fall…
“One child at a time.” That’s the voice of God I always hear when I’m with the children… one child at a time.
I was reminded tonight of the story of the starfish…”it made a difference to that one”…
Today was Ily’s day. We cuddled in the cold until she fell asleep on my chest. I prayed for her, whispered “I love you” in her ear, and gave her kisses and hugs all day. I fed her lunch when she woke up and held her tight when she wrapped her arms around my neck and snuggled close again. Today, she was loved.
One child at a time.
It made a difference to that one.
Ericka,
Hey girl! Ok, your mom told me about what you are doing and I am hooked on reading about your calling God has placed on your life. What an awesome God we serve. Remember while you are there, that we have many things here that we don’t even need. Those sweet children don’t need anything to know, feel and touch God. He loves them and you are showing them that through your love for them!
I want to know more about the program to help them when you get home. I sing in a gospel group. We did 204 dates last year and for a while were signing up sponsors to help children. We are no longer in that program (Mission of Mercy) and we may be able to help you. The name of our group is Hope’s Journey. Our website is http://www.hopesjourneyonline.com. I will be praying for you daily!
God Bless you for what you are doing through HIM!
Vonda
Well the tears are falling here too! Part of me wants to tell you to load them ALL up and bring them home with you but I know that’s not possible. Another part wants to question…WHY? WHY? WHY God do these precious little ones have to be in such hopeless situations? I just don’t understand! But I do understand that He is in control of all things and He has an ultimate plan that we can not even imagine. I’m praying constantly for you and that He gives you the strength, love, care, power, wisdom, and guidance to be His hands and feet and yes also His arms and lips to share hugs and kisses with the precious little ones for the brief time you’re there.
YES YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE…even if only 1 at a time! I love you Bunches and miss you LOTS! Mom
Hey Ericka and Mom…tears are here too in Savannah! I remember that Starfish story a lot. We have a similar problem where I work…maybe only one meal, but they have a mom around, and they still don’t feel that hug or get that kiss or hear those words at home. So we do that at school. We are loving the same babies…just in different parts of the world. But because you took the time to go, they all will hear of God, and they all will know of Him…and because of one, because of you…they will know God’s love and feel His arms one day…because of you! Be safe in God! Love you!
I wish I could be there too and love one more.
This broke my heart too As your mom said, the Lord is in control. He knows the future for each one. I’m thankful for you and your team ministering as the Lord leads and
showing them the love of God. Continue to pray for each of you and these precious children.
Thanks for making me cry. I am SO ready to come love them all with you!! More and more I’m realizing what is really important in this life and that is it. Keep it up sister. I can’t wait to love on you and everyone else when I get there! Muah!
C 🙂
This story has touched my heart. I hope these children do receive love.
I agree completely with Kim Martin. Wish I could be there to focus on one more. Love ya,
joe
Oh Ericka,
So many tears I can barely see to type. I can’t even imagine how you must have felt. I thank God for your team. Even though there are so many, you are making a difference one by one. We will be having our Ladies in Action meeting tonight and the program I will be doing is on intercessory prayer. We may not be able to go with you but we can bathe your team in prayer. I hope you will feel His presence tonight to strengthen you and your team.
Keep hugging the babies and know we are praying for you and holding you close to the Father.
Love in Christ,
Janet