Life

Hi Everyone!

The last two weeks have flown by. It has been two weeks of joy and sorrow.

Last Sunday, I attended the funeral of Gilbert, the son of one of the Bringing Hope staff members. Gilbert was 6 years old when he died of malaria. I had met Gilbert the week before he passed away, so I didn't get an opportunity to really know who he was; but everyone ( his teachers, family, and friends) said he was a bright intelligent boy with a wonderful future ahead of him. It is difficult to see someone so young pass away; I tend to ask God why, but I know that God's plans are not mine, and He knows far more than I do, so I leave it in His hands. Still, it's a very sad time for Gilbert's family; please keep them in your prayers.

After the funeral, I looked around at all the children that were playing and I thanked God for the blessing that children are. And God continued to remind me of that blessing throughout this week.

I was reminded in the laughter of Anna Marie, the daughter of Zituni an instructor at Dorcas. She is a full of life and laughter 2 year old; who loves to eat bread, write and play. We always play together after class, and I love to watch her face light up as she laughs.

And again I was reminded in the big brown eyes of Joseph an orphan who came to Home Again about 2 weeks ago. Joseph was orphaned 3 days after he was born and no one knows who his father is. His grandmother tried to take care of him but was unable too. So at 1 month old he was brought to Home Again, and that's when I met Joseph.

When he arrived he was sick and emaciated; he was so skinny that his face looked like a little old man. There was no squishy baby to him. But I was so blessed the other day when one of the girls brought Joseph over to see me; I was so excited to feed him and just to talk to him. He is alert and gaining weight. He is still not the normal squishy baby, but he is doing much better, and his future is looking brighter.

I am so amazed at all that God does. Sometimes He chooses to take a life away before we think it's time; and other times He restores life when all seems lost. Why? I don't know, but I trust God through it all.

Talk to you soon.

Love,

Joyce

Aboli

La Gringa