Today was a great day with many emotions. We went to the beach about an hours drive with all of the kids, young and old. With the boy's fresh new haircuts, thanks to Cynthia, we were ready for some fun. The morning started out rainy and cold. We all prayed for warmer weather and sunny skies. By the time we made it to the beach the weather had warmed up and no clouds in sight!! The kids had a wonderful time running through the sand and waves, playing with blow-up toys, and just hanging out in the sun.
Today was also filled with much emotion. Evita and her brother left the orphanage today for Houston with a new family. This time was exciting but also sad. Evita was excited for a new begining but her friends were all sad to see her leave.
Since we have been at Tervete, we have seen 3 kids get adopted and 3 more in line with families on the way. It is exciting to see the joy in these kids eyes as we talk about a new family. Many of the girls were very sad. Rita, the sister of Guita with was adopted Monday, was very sad. She missed her sister and cried all day. The other girls cried with her as they missed Guita and Evita.
I knew how they felt in a sense. It was like Rita and Evita leaving one family for another. I had been on the end of adoptions as Rita is on today. When Jessica, my older sister, gave her baby for adoption I had many of the same feelings I am sure Rita is having now. It is sad to see them cry but is soo exciting to know that Rita and Evita have a new beggining at life with a loving family.
God has a plan for each one of these kids, some with a family and in other ways. Jerimiah 29:11 came to mind as I saw these friends and sisters be seperated. I can see God working in the lives of many of the kids here. Tonight we prayer walked the campus that the orphanage is on. We prayed that God would show himself to the kids nad will be faithful and protect these kids. Me and 2 other ladies went into Rita's room and prayed and cried with her. She is so desperate for love. I pray that God will be with her through this hard time and that she will lean on Him for his love. Although none of these kids have a mother or father, They all can have Jesus as their father and see each other again, even when seperated.
Another seperation was with Juanice and Edmonds. Edmonds lives in Riga most of the time working and studying. He is still considered an orphan under the Tervete orphanage and comes back every few weeks. He was back for a few days. Juanice and him had so much fun together. They laughed and both had a smile the whole time. Edmonds had to go back to Riga today. The minute he left, Juanice went back to being 'alone' and did not have the joy and smile he had when Edmonds was around. I pray that Juanice will find his Joy in God and not just friends.
Today was a day of seperations, new begginings, and love. Please continue praying for our team, the kids here and the Jelgava oprphanage we will be at next week. Especially pray for the older kids that only have a few months, or years left to be in the orphanage.