Linda Compound Visit
Christmas is the perfect time to encourage others in their hardships as well as honor relationships. This year we felt like Ireen and Ian needed to see another angle to Christmas that they may not yet understand. The Advent is more than toys and special events – its about Jesus coming to earth and making his dwelling among us. How do we communicate that to our children?
God quickly put a family on our hearts – in particular a pastor and his family who have undergone considerable recent hardships. We prepared a Christmas care package consisting of food and gifts for the entire family who live in nearby Linda compound. Ireen made friends with their daughter some time ago and we’ve enjoyed a cordial relationship ever since. Ireen and Ian came with us and were a little shy at first, but quickly warmed up and played with the children in the house.
With their electricty being out at their rental for more than a month and the pit latrine caving in during the rains (thankfully no one was using it at the time) they had to make the decision to move yet again days before Christmas. They’ve brought in two more children into their home over the holidays (who are double orphans) with five of their own. The wife’s father is suffering from leoprosy which is very agonizing for his entire family.
Yet in the midst of all this, this pastor is perhaps one of the most resilient men I know. He loves the Word of God, has a very sharp mind, and is full of the joy of the Lord. I know they appreciated our visit immensely, but as happens so regularly here we were the ones leaving the home feeling blessed. I don’t know if Ian and Ireen gained a deeper understanding of the proactivity of God to reach out to us… but it’s a start.
