Today was a very sobering day.  The team went out to Hope Children’s Home again.  The children were in their classes this time, so the team prepared for afternoon activities and some went to sit in the classrooms to observe.  Sarah and I went into the class where the 10 year olds were being taught.  The topic was Children’s Rights.  I was touched as I began reading the chalk board.  The teacher was teaching these children their rights as human beings.  Our children were being taught some very important concepts, but when I was almost finished reading the board, I came to the very last two topics that were underlined: Child Abuse and Defilement.  I almost broke down crying as I realized what these children HAVE to be taught.  My daughter Sarah is 10 years old, so when I pictured  her teachers having to tell her the things you can see in the picture to the left, I just couldn’t stomach it.   

As I sat there in shock, I began to look around the class of children.  I realized that some of these children have unfortunately experienced these types of things.  I was thankful that they were now safe because of YOU and your financial help.  I was so thankful that we were able to help them, but then I realized that there are many more that need our help….even some of the girls who were sitting right in front of me.

I sat down with Pastor Prossy who is currently overseeing Hope Children’s Home and asked her to honestly tell me how many of our school children need  to have a safe place to call home.  She said there are many.  I could see the look in her eyes and those eyes said a million things to me.  She has lived in this village her whole life and she knows the terrible things that go on.  I then new that in the next few days we will be taking more of these children into Hope Children’s Home.  I will keep you posted.

The rest of the day was productive.  The team did many different things.  Two of the ladies sat down for 2 1/2 hours and painted almost a 1000 little fingers with nail polish.  The little girls were so thrilled and they looked very smart (their way of saying beautiful).

Another set of ladies worked with the older girls and they sewed up mosquito nets.  Some of the kids were sitting together to read books and others were playing games.  Of course Jerry and his team were finishing up the gutter project.  I was so touched to see all of our team truly reaching out in love, one child at a time.  The kids were soaking up every ounce of it!

Tomorrow we will go to visit The Field of Dreams.  We are planning to go into the village door to door to introduce Show Mercy and prepare to hand out the mosquito nets that you donated towards.  You still have time to buy a net if you were thinking you might.  We will hand them out next week.

Thanks for all of your prayers.  I am excited for the next few days.  We have alot planned.  More tomorrow.

Lori Salley
www.showmercy.org