Thursday morning my team and I head to an orphanage. The first week of ministry in Zimbabwe has been full of children’s programs, evangelizing and more children’s programs. The morning has already been full of reflection with the Lord because I got a whole lot of truth poured into me about resting, being able to say no to people and the tired look that my face portrays.
We walk into this government funded orphanage. The most run down one I have seen in Bulawayo. We introduce ourselves to the workers and I feel a heaviness. Hopelessness.
We start with a name game to introduce one another and the kids are timid. As if they are scared to have fun.
I notice a tiny little boy who looks like he is four years old. He sits in the chair, dazing off into space. He speaks to no one as he continues to just stare. I go up to him and say hello. Nothing. Not a single word.
“How old is he?” I ask a teenage girl that sits beside him.
“They say he is seven but he is too tiny. He just got here last week.”
I gulp and my gears turn to social work mode.
One week here and he is coping with the trauma he has experienced. He is trying to get used to the new environment. Trying to understand why all these children are here and there are just a few adults. Trying to see what he is allowed to do and what he will get punished for.
He wanders throughout the day. I instantly think he was neglected. This small child. So independent and most likely found on the streets as these children are referred from the police after they are found.
He hits children throughout the day. A learned behavior. I question if he was abused or watch his guardians abuse each other. He clings close to one of the house moms. He eats and by afternoon he is talking. He interrupts the children while they are trying to listen to the lesson but he is talking.
My heart breaks for those children and the love they need. As we left and debriefed with our host he explained that there used to be 80 plus children at the orphanage but they had to send them away because they no longer can afford it. The name of the organization means “Shadow of Hope” in Zimbabwe. In all the heaviness, I believe hope was brought there on Thursday as 7 children said yes to Jesus.
