The children here are no different from the children found in the United States, all around the world, in fact. They all have cute faces with runny noses, eyes that light up like the sunshine when they get tickled or given attention, they want to be involved in whatever everyone else is doing, and get into mischief if left on their own.
But, unlike many cultures, including our own, these children are in the Nazareth Home for God's Children because they were condemned to die. Because John has three fingers on one hand, because David was born without a left arm, because Rebecca couldn't talk and because Gabriel's mother died when he was born, they all were condemned to die. It sounds unbelievably horrible and insane, doesn't it? The English language does not contain words harsh enough to describe it. I wish I could upload pictures, and I will soon, but...oh my...one look into the eyes of these children, and I fell for them, hook line and sinker!
But, in truth, these children are very different from any others. I have been here for 5 days and not once have I heard a child complain about the food he/she was given. Not once have I heard a child talk back, or not do as he/she was told. They know all to well, even the little ones, I think, that they could be somewhere far worse. Even with the garbage around us, the flies...oh the flies, the lack of running water and the ever present dirt and red clay, they know that here they are loved. And, oh are they loved! I don't mean to sound all sunshine and roses, these are children, and in the process of growing up, they try to push boundaries and get away with things. And the children who have a mental disability cannot understand when we try to correct their behavior. But the Sisters lift a hand, and someone comes to do what needs done, the older children are always helping with the younger ones and there is a real sense of family here.
The most beautiful aspect of this home is the belief in God, and in the time given to worship Him. We begin the day with morning prayer and mass, there is eucharistic adoration each day, we say the rosary, the divine mercy chaplet and sing songs glorifying God each day, and the Sisters end each day with evening prayer. These children know more prayers than I do! And they are taught to love and respect eachother. Our first night here, someone gave Gabriel(age 3) something, and he said, "thank you...God bless you!" That is the way of things here. God is first. It is so beautiful for these children, who have been rejected by the world, to know God loves each of them.
Despite the devistating poverty one finds here in Northern Ghana, for the neighboring villages are just as poor and desolate, Sister Stan has built a spiritual oasis here. These children know they are loved, by the people who care for them and by God. They need running water, they need clean clothes that fit, they need medical attention and a clean home. But these are all worldly things. You know, I have been doing a lot of spiritual reading in the past few months. About detachment from the world and centering myself on God, about what it means to be poor, unworldly and offering myself to God. I thought I had an idea of what it all meant. I was wrong. I am learning. I am grateful.
May God bless you, and all those you love. Until tomorrow...Sarah