God Bless Amerika: Christa

“Our body is like a tent we live in here on earth. When it is destroyed, we know that God has another body for us in heaven. The new one will not be made by human hands as a house is made. This body will last forever. It is God who has made us ready for this change. He has given us His Spirit to show us what He has for us.” - 2 Cor 5:1,5

          
 I can’t help but think of this passage as I look at Amerika running around the Feeding Program. Her frail bones look like they could shatter at any small trip and those sad eyes have so much pain behind them. Amerkia lives in the tent city and is most likely only fed 3 times a week at this program. She has numerous brothers and sister and her mother is mentally unstable. The mother will often tell you she herself is 9 years old, when in fact she is probably around 30+. Needless to say, these kids are devastatingly uncared for.

The first time I met Amerika in November, I was put in charge of her to make sure she ate all her food. Because she is (probably) autistic, the kids in the neighborhood treat her like dirt, pushing her down, slapping her arms as she walks by and even taking her food from her. Any kind of disorder or deformities are strongly looked down upon in this culture and treated very differently. Watching the kids treat her like this broke my heart and the mama bear inside of me scooped her up to get her into safe arms.

About a year ago, she was so skinny they thought she was going to die, often fainting in your arms from dehydration. Her hair was bright orange, showing signs of major malnutrition. As she sat on my lap to eat, I experienced something that changed me forever. I have never seen a child inhale food like that. She was so hungry, I was scared she was going to choke. She would tip the bowl over to stack as much beans and rice on her spoon and shove it all in her mouth as fast as she could, scooping up the next bite before she could even swallow her first.



 Something in your heart changes when you see a child that hungry get a meal and clean water. I did my best to get her to eat a gummy vitamin, but she spit it out about 5 times. I think the combination of the sugar and the gummy texture hurt her teeth, which are probably starting to rot due to lack of care.  I pray for her whenever I have her in my arms.

In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, I’m reminded that, “we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” As we look not to the things that are seen, such as Amerika’s suffering and all the shortcomings and trials of her young fragile life, but to the things that are unseen, one day the full restoration of all things, including Amerika, at the resurrection to come, and the sure fulfillment of God’s purposes for history. Eternal refers not to timelessness but to that which lasts forever.

Having her here at the program after one year she looks like a different child… although she is not to perfect health, she actually runs around with a smile and her hair is a beautiful brown, fashionably braided. Its been such a joy to see Amerika in better spirits. I have played a chasing game with her to give her kisses and she just melts with laughter when she finally gets caught and attacked with my kisses. I call her trè bèl, which means very pretty in Creole, and she laughs and smiles and I just am so encouraged to see her on a healthy path. 
Her brothers also come to the feeding program. Dupren is 11 and he helps watch over the younger kids as the program is in process. His smile will melt your heart and he is always so shy, but is glad to give you hugs when you pursue him for them. He is hanging out with the older street boys so we are praying he doesn’t get caught up in the destructive path a lot of those boys get caught up in. His best friends are at least 4 years older than him, but are making an effort to learn about Jesus and they come to church with the pastor’s wife, Josie. Dupren and his best friends, Jeff (16) and Eddlie (15) are making jewelry with Josie a few days a week to help make a little extra money for their families.

Her other brother, Jameson (4) is often found running around the program non-stop! He has so much energy, it’s overwhelming. He most likely has ADHD and then his diet (or lack there of), causes him to be a dezoid (which is ‘troublemaker’ in Creole). We often see him chomping on sugar cane, and that may be the only thing he ate that day, so its no wonder he is bouncing off the walls. We are frequently just monitoring him to keep his clothes on… He thinks its funny to pull all his clothes off and run around. But once you catch him, and you have him tight in your loving arms, he finally feels loved and falls asleep. Finally.

This family is so dear to all of our hearts. The Manassero family has tried taking them in for 7 years now, but the mother will not give them over. She has been known to sell her body when she has no money, so we are praying against her giving her children over to this devastating alternative to earning money. Needless to say, none of them know their father. Please pray that they would know the love of their perfect Father in heaven.

“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” 

-Psalm 27:10

Dinosaur Eyes: Ray

 

            A few weeks ago, at the feeding program, as I scanned over the mass of dark, beautiful, expressive faces waiting in line to be seated for food, I came in a locked stare with the eyes above. Standing taller than all of the other heads was a lighter skinned boy, arms at his side, with a look that could break your heart, but a face that had these piercing eyes. He looked sad or hurt. Having never seen him at any feeding program before on either of my last two trips or up to this point on this one, I was interested. I couldn't break the stare. I smiled and he let out a small, but barely there smirk. As the feeding program went on, I continued to smile and he just continued to look back at me. Normally, if I want to talk to or love on kid I just go and pick them up. This wasn't going to be that easy as he was a boy and an older one, at least 12. Not knowing if he spoke any English and being a bit timid on my Creole speaking skills, I said nothing.  I did however inquire about him to Susette (mom of the family who started Child Hope) and Chillup (who runs the feeding program) to see if they knew anything about him. They did not, but spoke with him and gave him extra food and water. I continued to watch him while washing dishes, waiting to see a real smile. Then it happened! It was like I had struck a pot of gold! From that smile, it was like his arms just wrapped themselves around my heart and I wouldn't be able to shake them even if I tried. He made sure to come say bye to me that day before leaving and I must admit my heart melted a little.

           Now Jimsteve is one of the older helpers at the feeding program and I get to see that smile a lot more often... along with a hug or nudge when he is feeling generous. ;) I made him a friendship bracelet made from yarn (just about the only thing we are allowed to give the kids) and we have had broken conversations here and there. I am not sure of his full background, but I know that he lives in the tent city down the street and has two pairs of shoes and does not go to school. I pray for his heart, his safety and health, and his future and I ask that you join me in prayer for Jimsteve. Pray that he does not fall in to the street boy mentality, but grows to have a personal relationship with the Lord.