blessed Monday...

Sorry so short last time. Things have been pretty hectic around here. I am writing on Monday evening, but am not sure when this will be posted.
Anyways, the rest of today was really very much a blessing, but also a large adjustment. With the power being out, we are unable to cook or keep any perishable food in the house (also lost much of the perishables that we have had stored in the fridge), unable to boil water for drinking, unable to use/access the internet for work and personal communication, and we are unable to see past about 6:00 pm. It becomes dark very quickly here, so basically all evening we are using candles and a few flashlights.
Although this has tested us, and required us to really be patient in working with each other, it really has been a blessing. We have been forced much farther out of what we are accustomed to, and we are unable to get things done as planned. This is good. I for one, am not very upset about this loss. This is why I am here. I am here to serve the Lord and His children. By praying, “ Lord, give me your heart for these children,” I am confident that the Lord hears this prayer. I can only hope that the issue of electricity and our limited ability to do things as planned, is intended to increase my dependency on Jesus. Why? Well, what else do these orphans have? What else do these children have to cling to? What happens when there is no food on the table? What happens when a parent or relative passes away, or leaves? Where do these children go in the cold dark nights, that they spend in the bush? What happens to the child whose belly is not the only thing that is starving? Who takes care of these children when they are sick, when they are in pain, when they mourn the loss of a loved one or recall previous terrors. Jesus is there. Jesus meets these children. He meets them where they are; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
As I lay down this evening, I am humbled by my full stomach. I am broken to pieces as I feel the warmth of my blanket and comfort of my bed. I am shaken by the thought that tomorrow, I know that I will eat and go to bed in my home that evening. I am humbled as I think about our lack of electricity (and the effects of that), knowing that I still have it much better than many children in this country.
This is the Lord’s will for me. His answer to my prayer is the blessing of humility. His answer to my prayer is a blessing of strength. His answer to my prayer is an invitation to draw closer to Him. His answer to my prayer is enabling me to better understand (even if it is just one small thing) the lives of these children. His answer to my prayer is a broken heart, stirred to move and act out of compassion. Without Him, this is impossible.
Along with today’s chaos, the Lord provided us peace. I recall a distinct moment that Cypheen led us in a quiet time of worship in our dark room lit only by a candle. It was absolutely beautiful. The precious melodies weaving in and out of the harmony, absolutely beautiful. The gift of song and the gift of voice just left me in awe. Such a beautiful blessing.
Mary Leslie and I talked for a long time before bed tonight. I am thanking the Lord for placing her in my life.
Tomorrow we will be going out and doing our Orphan Sponsorship Updates in the village of Chawama. Pray that the Lord gives me His heart for His children tomorrow.