"It's the Love that WE Share!"

 

It has taken me a couple of days to put these pictures together. Not only because of time, being in one spot, but also because I had such a hard time saying goodbye! Last week I participated in a camp for kids with Albinism and kids who are visually impaired. These kids are lumped together because of their difficulty with the sense of sight. The scale was tremendous on how well or unwell kids could see. Their was a high percentage who were completely blind. This was a bit of a surprise to my friend who was leading the camp. We traveled by every way including having the help of a donkey to get to this school tucked up in the Northern part of the country. There is a government school that has been set aside to care for kid with disabilities. Many of these kids have been brought here and left never again to be with family. A few have family but live here because their homes are not safe for them. I was impressed with this government school more than any other I have seen. However, it is still not a place for a kid to grow up. And some of these kids were so so young. But, this group of 90 kids were the most remarkable group of kids that I have EVER met. The way they helped one another, literally fall but jump right back up, the perseverance, and the biggest smiles in the world are only a few of the words to describe them. I shared in some of the Bible teaching but also jumped into a group that struggled because almost all 13 kids in the group were completely blind. I became their "camp mom" or sorts. I helped them get from one activity to another and helped them participate as best as they could. I learned quickly that I could sing and the kids would find my voice and hang on while we found where we needed to be next. I poured the love on these kids and their response was remarkable. Their desire to be held and comforted grew as I can imagine it's many their first time to receive the TLC. We played games, did crafts, made samores, sang, learned about Jesus, and laughed a lot!!

I had a little girl by the name of Perusi in my group. She is six years old about the age of my Niece and Nephew. She is completely blind. When she was three years old they discovered she had cancer within her eyes. They removed her eyes and now she maneuvers through the world in darkness. And yet my friends there is nothing but light all around this child. She is spunky and has the best smile I have ever seen. She is just one of the many stories behind these faces. These kids have no resources or even a paved path to walk down to help them. Africa is a difficult place at times and you add these disabilities on top of it. Like I said there are no words just about inspirational these kids are and I know deeply loved by God. I decided that their pictures could tell the story of our time together for I just don't think I have the words to do it justice!

Prayer Points~

• May these kids know how LOVED they are and remember our hugs and words affirming how much they are treasured by their Creator
• Strength and rest for me in the coming days I am exhausted!
• Safety that after over two weeks I get to go home tomorrow!