Desperate

Desperate.
That is what I began to pray.

When coming to serve in Uganda, we were asked many times if we felt we would adopt again. Our response would always be, “Sure, if God leads us to do so.” Then this tag line would often follow, “We would not seek it out, and it would be something that would seek us out.” So, we have been open, watching, and yet content with the family God has given us thus far.

Months ago, we met a fellow Texan named Robin. She runs a babies home, where malnourished children come to get rehabilitated and then go back to their families or become adopted. One day, we went to visit Robin and her babies. (For those of you who don’t’ know this, I (Leah) am a baby fanatic. I LOVE babies) so…on that day I was in my element, sitting around chatting with others, all the while holding babies. Of course, I fell in love with them all (no joke)…but especially Esther. I left Robin that day asking her to hold Esther for us. Robin did so…however; Brent kept saying, “No, Babe, no.” Now, I had heard that for 18 years before God gave him the green light to adopt Tekle – I didn’t like hearing it then, and I didn’t like hearing it now.

In time, God showed me that my husband was right. (Urgh! Most of the time he is simply spot on.) You see Esther is a healthy, beautiful baby girl. Robin has ten families ready to adopt one such as her. So, after a heart to heart with Jesus, and a releasing of Esther, I was reminded that if we were to adopt it would be one (or two, or three or four) who is desperate. Yes, desperate. The word dropped into my heart as if from Him. “Seek the desperate.” And so I began to pray this prayer: “God, the need is great here. I ask You to bring the desperate into our lives.” Pause: I know what you are thinking – what a silly prayer, Leah Phillips! Isn’t most of Uganda desperate? But God knew the desperate I was asking for – it was for those who did not know where their next meal would come from, who needed a friend, smile or hug, word of encouragement and yes, even a home or family to live with. “You know Lord, those people who need You to send someone to help them, whether they are saying it or feeling it. “

The desperate came. By the way, I had forgotten to tell Brent of my prayer. Oops. But he is used to this kind of thing and very forgiving and on board. Another group that would be affected by the Lord answering this prayer was the rest of our household…finally covered that one too. Ready or not…let the desperate flow forth…

The stories I could tell are AWEsome and so God. One example is a little girl and boy at our school here at Cherish. In January, we opened up Hope Academy to the surrounding village. The criteria to attend our school is those that are, well…desperate. No matter where you attend school in Uganda, you have to pay. Many families are unable to do so because of lack of money and too many children per household. Hope Academy sought out the least of the least of these, did their homework (literally visited every application home) and accepted those least likely able to attend school – Those who are HIV positive, those that are orphans, those that have little to no family to care for them. It has been a beautiful picture of the love of God. Many of our new kiddos are suffering difficulties most of us will never face. Many are Muslim and open to learn about the one true God. It is a true picture of God’s grace. This school is a light to many homes. A brilliant plan Cherish has set up…and living out.

From the first day I met this little girl (8 yr. old), I felt an immediate connection. She is one of those kids who truly captivates you. I will confess whenever I am at school I have sought her out, to give her a hug. We sit near one another every week at chapel and when I pop into the class, immediately, everyone says to her, “Auntie Leah is here to see you.” We embrace and try to communicate.

Then there is this boy in Tekle’s class. Every Tuesday, I go to read and sing some songs with the Baby and Top Class kiddos. (Think preschool and kinder mixed together – fun times). The last few weeks, this little boy is all over me – unsolicited. I try to love on him amongst the mob of children, for he seems needy and he likes me.

Last week, the little girl was sick. I was able to help care for her and found out she has a brother at Hope Academy. She informed me he is 5 years old and is in Tekle’s class. Guess what?…he is the same little boy who keeps seeking me out every Tuesday.

I don’t know their story exactly, only bits and pieces. They are Muslim. Poor. Complete orphans, and living with their jaja (grandmother), who is trying to care for them. I asked the girls teacher to please let me know about her life…and she used the word desperate.

As I have watched God move in miraculous ways, weaving His story in front of my eyes, I stand amazed as His orchestration. I have opened my heart and life to those who are desperate and I have been the one who is so encouraged. I have no clue what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future. I want to continue to be His conduit to provide for the desperate. Many of you are providing for the desperate along with us…as you support us in prayer, words of encouragement, visits, emails, and finances. Will you join me in this prayer…to be the answer to someone crying out to the Lord Most High…and be His tool to meet whatever need is being asked for?

I’ll keep you posted on this brother and sister pair. I know that I know, God has something planned and we stand ready to love however we can…