We were deeply saddened this week to learn that our little friend Kenia had passed away. Three years ago our short term team, especially our son Kendall, were touched by her little life. Kenia was an orphan from Guatemala with so many physical needs. But there was something so special about her. Kendall was drawn to her immediately and year after year he would spend so much of his time there, loving on her. It's been a journey; praying for Kenia, asking God "why?" and trying to make a difference in her little life.
Last year Kenia was removed from her children's home by the government and taken to another orphanage. No one seemed to know where she was. At night Kendall would talk about how scared Kenia must be - alone, unable to see, in an unfamiliar place.
That's when God led me to these verses in Zephaniah 3:17:
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
I could just envision God quieting Kenia with His love. Rejoicing over her. Singing her to sleep.
He knew her name. He knew where she was. And He loved her. Now she's whole and being held by her Father tonight.
It's often hard to invest in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children. But it's worth it. Even when we can't solve all their problems. Our prayers and our love matter.