Friday, December 21, 2012

Gifts We Receive...


This Christmas we received Gifts

We watched children, abandoned at birth - left in ditches, pit latrines, and tea fields but rescued by the merciful hand of God - preform a Christmas play celebrating the birth of Jesus. A Gift.

 During the short presentation, a little girl sat on my lap.  She finds me every visit and climbs up. Who could know behind those inquisitive eyes and nimble fingers lies experiences far beyond her 12 months? She came to the home plagued with sickness leading to death, but now she radiates life. 
A Gift.

A small boy, dressed like a shepherd with a towel over his head, tied snug with a pink headband, sucks his thumb and waves at me.  He doesn’t speak yet his smile says everything. He came to the orphanage at 16 months, significantly impaired by cerebral palsy. Today he runs like he’s dancing, giggles bubbling from his belly. 
A Gift.
She stands, leaning into a gold-colored walker, forcing her feet to obey.  Dressed in white with tinsel woven around her braided hair, she is an angel.  Last summer, she crawled along the ground, frustrated by overwhelming limitations. Her last trip to the hospital, as she waited, she sang songs about Jesus, encouraging those suffering around her. 
A Gift.
He needs constant care, tucked in a wheelchair, anticipating a push onto the porch that’s dressed like a stage.  A sparkly cardboard camel taped to the side of his chair indicates he’s a wise one. He grins while others sing, and his hand reaches out to hold the air. I think he’s holding the hand of his Savior that no one can see. 
A Gift.
 These children – found as babes in places no child should be, challenged by physical handicaps and developmental delays, the ones left behind when families come to adopt, the ones ignored because they don’t fit the scheme of healthy and normal – they are the gifts we are blessed to receive.


We thank God for the gift of life – the life of Jesus who came to seek and saved those who were lost. He also was born in a place not worthy of a child.  But God had a plan... May we remember the hopeless and helpless this Christmas season and bring them the gift of Jesus.
Matthew 25:40
Merry Christmas!
Asante sana for your prayers, encouragement and support.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0

Thursday, December 13, 2012

12 Days of Christmas in Kenya.

Thinking of the Twelve Days of Christmas 
in a different way...

The days before Christmas can be a scramble 
to find the right present, finish holiday baking, 
and attend various get-togethers.
While you plan, shop and celebrate the birth of Jesus, 
would you remember some forgotten ones?
Below is our Twelve Days of Christmas in Kenya.  
It shares prayer requests,
ways to relate to those less fortunate, and ideas for donations.
We appreciate your prayer and gifts 
on behalf of widows and orphans.
                                                                                 James 1:27                                                                                                                     Blessings of peace and joy,
   hugs from the haugers Ooo0