GRACE Grand Opening

Greetings to my friends and family in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

What a blessed and happy weekend it has been!  GRACE Home for Children held the official grand opening ceremony on September 28, 2013.  

It was an all-day affair and approximately 200 people were in attendance.  The Commissioner was in Juba so he sent his representative, the Executive Director of Yei River County.  Also present was the Otogo Payam Director and many other government officials.  Justus gave a tour to everyone then MANY speeches were made.  The children were excited that someone from the Commissioner's office was coming so they had practiced some songs for him.  They sang about unity and cooperation; the song ended "with God as our Father, we are united".  Of course, they did a fantastic job! (And that is a totally unbiased opinion.)

After speeches and singing, we served big meal of beef, goat, posho, rice, potatoes, cabbage, and lots of soda.  It was quite a feast.  Even though we had not planned on that many people attending, we did not run out of food.  God did the loaves and fishes miracle so everyone left filled.  However, we did run out of plates.  As people finished eating we were grabbing the plates and washing.  You will see a picture of Alex (our driver), Aloro (one of our guards), and Thomas (a student) washing dishes with the ladies.  I had to get a picture of that because men here do NOT wash dishes!  We have absolutely the best staff ever.  They just do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.  Neema even had to help serve.     

When the day ended we were all exhausted but happy to have had so many people come to celebrate with us.  God never ceases to amaze me with His blessings.  God is so good!

As I close, I ask that you help us pray for a teacher to come do lessons until the end of the year.  Your prayers thus far have brought an excellent director, guards, and mamas.  I trust you to join us as we continue to serve God by serving His children.

Blessings,

Libby and the GRACE family

The First Week

What an exciting week this has been.  The children at GRACE Home have adjusted very well and all seem happy.  On Tuesday, we took three of them to the clinic.  Two had malaria and one had a respiratory infection.  They are now on the mend.

On Wednesday, Dr. Sharon Fogleman went to GRACE and did a medical exam on each child.  Aside from a few fungal skin inflections, all were in good shape.  While we were there I caught a picture of the mama of the boys after bath time.  It was so cute.  She had sent them all to the shower and when they came back she made sure each had lotion rubbed on them.  They have very dry skin and to have lotion is pretty much a luxury.  I couldn't resist a picture.  

Also on Wednesday we got two more girls.  They had already been interviewed and accepted but their grandmother didn't know where to bring them.  So they came to Captain's House and rode over with us Wednesday morning.

Today we received a team from Chattanooga.  Of course, the first thing they wanted to do was see GRACE Home and I gladly obliged.  The children heard visitors were coming so they practiced some songs.   They greeted us at the gate and led us in singing.  It was so adorable.  Tomorrow while the rest of the team goes to Ligitolo UMC I plan to go with Sharon to Pukuka UMC to attend the first worship service with the children.  I think they might even sing at church.

Everyone have a blessed Sunday.  

God's GRACE, peace and joy,

Libby

Opening Day

Part II - Opening Day

After that it became a little bit of chaos.  But, it was happy chaos.  The children loved the houses and began playing immediately.  A 7 year old boy from one of my previous churches (who faces many challenges of his own), was so concerned about the orphans in South Sudan that he sent money and asked that some balls be purchased so the children would have something to play with.  I took the balls today and the children's faces lit up with delight!  They immediately began kicking the ball and tossing it in the air.  They explored the area and got along well.  However, at one point, one of the mamas came through saying she had lost one of her daughters!  No need to panic.  We found her and all was well.  Our smallest child is 2-1/2 years old.  Her mama took to her right away and she to her mama.  It was so sweet.  I really believe we have some good mamas.

I hope you will forgive me for attaching so many pictures.  I just hope it doesn't take a full day to download them!  I am glad to be able to attach pictures but I really wish I could send you the sounds of talking and laughter.  What joy!

As the day wound down and lunch was served, the guardians and pastors left.  It was then that a little sadness occurred.  A few of the children wanted to go back home.  The mamas were comforting them, and in a few days when the newness wears off, they will be fine.

So, thanks so much for the prayers and support that has gotten us this far.  Please pray now that the children will adjust well.  Also, there are a few sick ones that I will take to the clinic tomorrow for medicines.  On Wednesday, Dr. Sharon Fogleman will come to GRACE Home and do an examination of each child and treat them with Vitamin A and worm medicine.  On September 28th we will have the major celebration for the Grand Opening and will invite the government and church officials.  And, of course, have another meal.

Love to each of you,

Libby        

Opening Day

It finally arrived!  After so much praying, fretting, praying, discouragement, praying, planning, praying, sweat and tears, praying, and hard work it happened.  GRACE Home for Children opened to receive 19 children.  (Two more have been accepted, but did not come yet).  And, what a celebration it was!

The guardians and pastors accompanied the children.  Justus, the mamas, and I went to the gate to welcome them home.  Pastor John Kenyi lead in a prayer then we proceeded toward the heart of the compound with singing and joy.  We were met by Fred and the cooks who joined in the singing and their sounds of joy (South Sudan alum, you know what I'm talking about).  We went into the dining room where the children were seated, there were introductions, and prayers.  After tea, we presented prayer shawls to the mamas and children.  These prayer shawls had been made by Bethel UMC and McClure Chapel UMC in the Big Stone Gap District while under the leadership of Pastor Robert and Denna Howard.  The children were so happy to get them.  

After that we introduced the mamas to their children, took them to their homes, and Fred did a blessing of each house. The pastors all prayed together for each house.  Jeannie Higgins and Dr. Mike Hartsell had brought us the UMC cross and flame symbol for each house and the mamas were presented with that and reminded that Jesus is always there with them.

(Due to the size of this file, this post is being sent in two parts.  This is Part I).