I have been following Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick's blog journal this week over at the LPM Blog. She and several other bloggers are sharing their journeys to India as part of the Compassion bloggers' trip. It has been an amazing journey for that team as shared through their posts - and we have been privileged to participate by praying and reading their blog. Of course, the best way we can participate is by sponsoring a child. My husband and I have been sponsoring a little boy since February. His name is Iduar and he lives in Colombia, South America.
The following excerpt from Melissa's post just wore me out:
A six-month old infant lying alone on a bed in a shack without any supervision *for the entire day* since both his parents are out working daily labor jobs and living desperately from hand to mouth.
The reason I am so slain by that thought is of course the obvious: six-month old babies don't stay alone for any length of time, much less an entire day.
And another reason is that our 8-month grandson is spending the night with us tonight! We have enjoyed every minute of his company and he has never ONCE been out of our arms. We've visited all the farm animals (chickens, cows, sheep, donkeys) and we watched as my Dad, (Zeke's great-grandfather) worked in his beautiful vegetable garden. Six adults and one blessed little boy - his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all doting on his every action - laughter and joy abounding.
My mind kept thinking about that 6 month old in a shack some- where alone because his parents had to do what they had to do to survive. I cannot wrap my mind around that.
One little boy here in the USA all tucked in tonight, sleeping in the very baby bed his father slept in - with a full tummy, smelling so sweet and clean, and rocked to sleep by his Gran Jan...
One little six-month old in India that was alone for a whole day - in filth, hungry, crying - oh God - why?
I say thank You Father for Your love, mercy, and grace to me and my family.
Mark 10:14 (Amplified Bible)
But when Jesus saw [it], He was indignant and pained and said to them, Allow the children to come to Me--do not forbid or prevent or hinder them--for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Please consider sponsoring a child - for $32 a month you can make a difference.
Blessings,
Gran Jan
I just had to put up a few pictures of the grandboy. Here he is above with his Mommy, having a wonderful time - he LOVED the water! He has been to swimming lessons already, which is amazing to me, since he is only 9 months old, but they sure do wonders with these little ones in the pool.
Here he is, nice and cozy with his Daddy after swimming lessons...monogrammed towel and all:
