This Is Why I'm Going Back

Meet Esther. She is 15 days old today.

This is the new baby I was sharing about who Laura recently brought home. Esther was born to a teenage mother. When this girl's mother found out about the baby, she got upset and refused to let her come home with the baby. Esther was abandoned so that her mother didn't have to be abandoned. 

The effects of generational sin are devastating and far-reaching... 

Jill Skinner went to meet Laura a few weeks ago. Here they are with James on Jill's lap and Emmanuel on Laura's. (The child in the middle is Laura's house helper's child). James has been in Laura's care since he was a few months old. He has completely stolen her heart! 

Emmanuel came to live with Laura early in September. He is now 5 months old and starting to sit up! He was also abandoned by his teenage mother.

What I love and admire about Laura's passion in caring for vulnerable children is her long-term goal. She will tell you that her ministry is all about "rescuing, restoring, and resettling." She knows that children belong in families and ultimately wants to see them resettled with a biological family member if at all possible. She has hope that this can be done for both Esther and Emmanuel. Wouldn't that be amazing?!

Please pray that Laura is able to work quickly and effectively with the local government "social workers" to trace these babies' families and work toward resettlement. This can be a long and discouraging process with many dead ends. But we know that nothing is impossible with Christ! He is in the business of restoration.

I also got an update about baby Michael. He was abandoned because of his terminal illness and was temporarily in the care of another missionary family in Mbarara. Michael passed away last night. While his time on this earth was painfully short, we rejoice knowing that Michael is now safe in the arms of Jesus. He has a new body that is pain- and disease-free and knows the glorious fullness of the being in the presence of his Creator and loving Father.

I found out this morning that my assignment as Community Development/Family Discipler has been confirmed by the field! I am looking forward to not just hearing about these precious babies from afar, but actually getting my hands on them and working with people like Laura to keep families together and work toward restoring relationships.