“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among All nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the people’s praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule over the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.” Psalm 67
This was my prayer for our week in Sierra Leone, and the Lord more than heard my cry.
I don’t know why I am still surprised when I leave a trip feeling more blessed by those I met than feeling like I ever-blessed others. This is the Lord being so gracious. It is a humbling opportunity to get to go on a trip and share gifts the Lord has given us, but far more humbling to be surrounded by African women and ‘Aunties’ who are abundantly rich in prayer and love for all of those in their care.
I am reading a book right now called ‘Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.’ This past week I read:
Wherever there is pain, suffering, and desperation, Jesus is. And that is where His people belong; among those who are vulnerable, who think nobody cares. What better place for the the brilliance of God to shine.
The joy of the Lord indeed shines through the walls of the “Challenge Kids” room at The Raining Season orphanage in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It was absolutely amazing to see the enthusiasm the Aunties have to learn anything and everything they could to deliver the best care for those kids. The Aunties at the Raining Season orphanage have a perspective on children with special needs which is counter-cultural in every way; and therefore incredibly encouraging to me. These Aunties desired to be more than staff responsible for providing the most basic care and keeping these children alive; they have a rare perspective on children with special needs for Sierra Leonean’s. They want to provide the best care possible, they recognize these children are gifts from God, and they believe these children all have futures. What a joy it was to work with these women. Pictures will never capture the joy that filled the “challenge kids” room when we sat with all the Aunties to discuss each of their precious children and brainstorm therapy ideas for physical, functional, cognitive, and social goals, or when Moses started walking with walker assistance, or when James put on his shoes and fed himself, or when Effie demonstrated her knowledge to us when she had the opportunity to do school work in a typical class chair rather than her wheelchair. The ideas for these children were endless, the Aunties faces never stopped radiating gratefulness for new knowledge, but our time was limited.
We had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of what a Sierra Leonean with disabilities life looks like if not living under the roof of The Raining Season orphanage. The stories of how the majority of children with disabilities are treated is bone chilling, and the reality and challenge of solving a cultural, and often evil belief about individuals with disabilities is daunting. What is encouraging; however, is we are all part of the body of Christ; with specific callings and unique gifts. Furthermore is that there are Sierra Leone brothers and sisters who adore the children we have been called to serve with Kimmy’s House and who are asking for ways to care for these children better through specific interventions, resources, and knowledge.
So what is next…? The question I have asked since our first day there. Personally, I don’t need convinced to spend more time in Sierra Leone… I just need the Lord to say; Go! But most importantly, as Kimmy’s House, how do we best partner, conduct community outreach, and spread the Love of God through special needs care and advocacy in Sierra Leone?? For starts, we now have a much greater understanding of Sierra Leone and the immense need for special needs outreach, education and therapy interventions! Secondly, we had the privilege to help meet some immediate needs for the “challenge kids” room. Thirdly, we have established a bi-monthly Skype relationship with the primary ‘challenge kids’ caretaker, Auntie Geraldine, in order to follow up on interventions we established while there and continue to follow the kiddos in her room. So from here on out… we will first pray. Pray for how the Lord desires to use Kimmy’s House in The Raining Season and in the country as a whole. Seems like a Huge task… but “the voice of the Lord is powerful” (Psalm 29) and because of this we will seek and listen for the next step.
Thank you for all who supported this trip through prayer, encouragement, resources, and finances.
In Him,
Brianna
Kimmy's House Travel Blog 