Extravagant Love

We hadn't long arrived at the Balinese orphanage when I heard the story.  A brand new baby was the newest member to arrive - he was only four days old and his short start in life had been far from normal.  His mother couldn't provide for him and she felt her only option was to 'throw him in the ocean'.  The mother of the orphanage found out as they had been following her progress.  She already had two children of her own, plus 80 extra children to feed, clothe & school each day. 

In a later conversation she said, "I just said Yes, and then I asked God 'how?".  She saved him from what would have been a tragic, needless death and has also decided to officially adopt him as her own child.

I asked if I could hold him and as I stared into his perfect face, I started to cry.  I thought of the children who hadn't been as fortunate as him - who didn't have an advocate to say "Yes".   

I cried because every child should be loved.  Every child should live in a family with food and clothing. 

But life doesn't always work out that way....

The Orphanage we visited was exceptional.  The food was unexpectedly delicious and the children were happy and loved.  I found out that every day 25 Kilos of rice was consumed.  Thats a lot of rice!

The grounds were lush with fruit and vegetables growing plentifully, and chickens and roosters could be heard throughout the day (especially in the early hours haha)

Leaving was hard.  

Our team had each grown attached to a number of children who had stolen our hearts and we promised we would visit again when we could.  We left thinking of ways to help from afar, and the easiest way to organise sponsorship. 

I felt so blessed to know our church family was connected so closely with this orphanage and the difference we can make in the smallest ways. 

And I thought of the personal sacrifice and extravagant love as one family gives so much of themselves and their lives to ensure 80 plus children know the love and protection of family.  Most importantly that they know the love of their heavenly Father.

Every child has a story, and every child is more valuable than gold or silver.  Because they are made in His image.  They are His children. 

I hope I never forget what I saw on that trip.  I saw sacrifice, I saw faith, I saw generosity... and I saw great love.

I Corinthians 13:13 - "Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly..."