Friday, October 10, 2008

Thoughts on yesterday


Last year, on our trip to Liberia, orphans were everywhere. The sadness in their eyes was overwhelming. But, I don't think it hit home. . .

We had Davis with us, but he was still really this little boy that we were adopting. Yes, we loved him, but we didn't know him.

Yesterday was different. Looking into these children's eyes and seeing MY SON was heartbreaking. Knowing that my son could have lived this life. . .a life of poverty, of sadness of desparately running to strangers to get them to fill up his love tank.

We had Katie Borchert and her kids with us. You should have seen the difference in these kids. They came from the orphanage just under a year ago. . .but not for the plan of God, this would have been them too. . . but not yesterday. There is a light in their eyes that differed from all of the children running around. There was a confidence in their gait and in their posture.

My heart is broken, for these are not just orphans. . .but little ones just like Davis, just like Fatu and Osobie (Katie's kids). Oh Jesus, come in and rescue their hearts. Give them people to invest in them, to speak your truth about who you are and how you love.

12 comments:

Sarah and Davis said...

I can imagine what that experience must have been like, Brandi. It's so hard as an adoptive parent to know you can't help them all. It's all the more reason to spread to word to EVERYONE we know to help find homes for these precious children. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Sarah

Julie Redman said...

brandi,
exactly what has been on my heart lately and what i wanted to blog about. (not that i did HA) anyway, can't wait till your home. well, yes i can, enjoy your time and savor every minute.
julie

Dearest Jessica said...

You have such a nack for finding children with beautiful sparks in their eyes.

Have fun friend loving on them and filling their tanks. Sucha reminder to us all to continue to pray for restoration in Afica and additional homes for all these little people.

Keltie said...

We are a fammily from Canada who, coincidentally, also has a son from Liberia (he came home in April 2007), and we are coming to Uganda hopefully very soon to obtain legal guardianship of 2 children! I am going to love reading about your experiences while you are there. We have such a gracious God! I will pray for your work.

Blessings,

Keltie Gaunt
gaunts@telus.net

Lindsey said...

brandi, thanks for your updates and reminders of how blessed i am. i am praying for your trip, and most importantly, for the people you're meeting.

Jaciromer said...

Brandi,
Sharon and I are reading your blog together, and I try to hold back my tears while I read aloud. Not easy! Will continue to pray about what God has in store for Westwood and Uganda together. Love, Jaci and Sharon

steffany said...

Oh Lord- We cry out to you.

carrielkg said...

B-
miss you terribly. I can so see God's will in all of this. Praying for all of you-
clg

Anonymous said...

That little girl is so gorgeous. Can you bring her home with you? If we can watch 3 then four will be a breeze.

Kari said...

We are praying for you and all those that need homes. I can't imagine how that must feel, but I do know that God is using you. Enjoy your time- love you.

Flamingo said...

I think what makes these situations so much more sad and frustrating is that there are soooo many families in this world that could help, but don't.

Angel said...

What a beautiful child that is.. Thank you for being such an awesome blogger!!! :0) Hugs! Angel