Exodus House Friends

Last Sunday we returned to Exodus House Orphanage to visit the kids.  We attended their church service and ate lunch with them afterwards.  Two girls, I would guess around 11 or 12 years old, led worship.  Several children came to the front to give a testimony or sing a song to God.  It's amazing how children who have so little can have such joy.  While my mind wrestled with why these children must live without parents and a home to call their own, they were worshiping their Father.  They understand that He has not abandoned them, even if people do.

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling."  Psalm 68:5


"He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing."  Deuteronomy 10:18

Danae and friends

Christina and friends

Hannah and friends

My favorite friend Jonathan

This little guy just broke my heart.  He let me hold him for almost the entire time we were there (several hours), but I couldn't get him to crack a smile.  A couple of other girls thought to bring stickers, and all of the kids just went crazy for them.  Towards the end, one of the children gave me a sticker, and I placed it on little Jonathan's hand.  Although he still didn't smile, he treasured that sticker.  A few minutes later, one of the older children tried to take it as he walked by.  I stopped the child, asked for the sticker, and stuck it back on Jonathan's hand.  He leaned up and kissed my cheek.  Sweet baby!

That was our last opportunity to visit the orphanage before the sail.  Goodbye, sweet friends!  I will miss you!