Today in Niger

It is midnight here in Niger - 7pm at home. Mary-Michael and Frazier are probably finishing up dinner and starting to wind down. Leila is sleeping next to me, and I just pray she will let us love her as much as we know she deserves. She only ate 2 small bowls of rice, a few bites of potatoes and a little goldfish today. Praise the Lord she tested negative for malaria. After rubbing lotion on her incredibly thin arms and legs, I want to just fill her full of good food. She weighs only 20kg, and fits in the size 6 clothing we brought. She is 10. It is hard to see her sick when she has no reserves, but I am so thankful that we are here to care for her. I wonder how many other children are sick at her orphanage with this same virus, and no one is there to give them a cold washcloth, back scratches and cuddles. The new pastor and his wife overseeing the orphanage now are a breath of fresh air, but there still aren't enough hands for those 70+ children. Those children I saw washing dishes in vats of water that looked like they had just come out of diapers. Those young boys running from the streets back into the orphanage with no one paying any attention or wondering where they were. Coming here always breaks my heart. It is like drinking a massive glass of humility and perspective that goes straight to the bones.

I have not shown Leila 75% of the things I packed for her so that I do not overwhelm her. One book at a time, one small game at a time, one outfit and pair of underwear at a time. Everything else is hidden high on shelves. When thoughtfully picking out everything to bring, I was so excited to show her, but I think we are wise to wait. She seems to enjoy the storybook Bible the most because the pictures are familiar. She can pick out the familiar stories based on the pictures. And she loves the poster M&M and Frazier painted to hang in our room while here. I found her trying to hang it with these sticky toy worms since I can't get a hold of any tape. She's incredibly ticklish and her giggles are so sweet. What an adventure for all of us. I am praying like my life depends on it and true abundant life does. This is new territory, uncharted territory, and we are living it moment by moment with the Lord's guiding hand. Thank you for all your prayers, texts, calls and emails. They are food for our souls!