Harriet

Life as been full of ups and downs lately, more than usual.
God is in the process of refining me. He is doing so for my own good, but oh how it hurts. You know it is dangerous to pray and ask God to break your heart for the things that break His. God will surely answer your request.

In the midst of much pain, God surprises me in a way only He can and reminds me of His great love for me. Today I received the sweetest letter in the mail. It was from my newest sponsored child in Uganda, Harriet. When I was over in Africa in April/May, I knew the next child that we would sponsor would be one of the kids I would meet on the trip. I did meet Harriet, but I didn't know that I had...until today.

She lives at Rapha, the place I really loved. I had the privilege of being able to spend a few days with the kids at Rapha prior to meeting up with the rest of the team. On one of those days, we were asked to teach the kids a Bible lesson. Due to the great disparity in ages, we taught about Jesus washing the disciples' feet. We then proceeded to wash all of the kids feet.

In the letter I received today Harriet said, "I have never forgotten the day you visited us and washed our feet. I was among the kids and I still remember the song.I thank you for loving me and praying for me. I will also continue praying to God to bless you abundantly for the heavy load you are carrying."

She met me and remembers!!! Do you know how exciting it is to know you have been face-to-face with the child you care for, pray for, write to and love on?! I wish I could remember her. Some day I will go back and re-introduce myself. I have to. She is not just a photo. She is a real, living child who has suffered much. She considers herself my daughter. I have to let her know I truly care for her.

The song she speaks of is "He Knows My Name". It is a beautiful song that talks about how Jesus knows us each by name and sees each tear that falls. What joy God has allowed me to have today, knowing for a brief moment I was able to touch this young girl's life.

To those of you who sponsor children - WRITE TO THEM!! It means everything to hear from you. It says you care. It says that they are about more than just sending a check once a month. It says you thought about him/her enough to interrupt your busy life for a moment. They are so worth it. Wouldn't you do that for your biological children if they were on another continent?