Day 3: Home for Sick & Dying Babies; Dare's Special Needs Orphanage

Connection, human connection, is imperative to survival. Do we as Americans cherish it as much as we should? Do we understand the basic ways to connect, to smile, to make eye contact, to touch, to hug, to greet each other, to tickle? Or do we spend most of the time gazing down at bright screens longing to be someone else or someplace else? Today, we had the OPPORTUNITY to put down our cell phones, disconnect and visit the Home for Sick & Dying Babies. We embraced being present in this world, for many of us the first time in a long time. It felt as if it was God's way of imparting on us and teaching us that in His Kingdom human love and connection is paramount to strolling along with Jesus. 

Half of the team had the opportunity to visit the Home for Sick & Dying Babies. Don't let the name fool you. It is full of love and emotion, because it is where God's presence is amplified. The more love we gave the babies the more connection to God's presence we felt. Love heals, love calms sick crying babies, love gives assurance and strength, love stirs the heart but most of all love is being present with those around you whether that is with sick and dying babies or eating at subway with your family. Being present is love and love is being present. May love and peace be with you.
~Scott Mahley

Part 2 ---- Dare's

This is Rich Hill and Janie Perkins.We have the privilege of speaking on behalf of the fabulous 6 that spent our time at an orphanage for kids with special needs, ranging in ages from 3 - 18 years. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with smiling faces and gripped by the desire for physical connection. We were overwhelmed by the love of the children and the desperate need for affection.

 We began by simply hugging and holding the children, and even though verbal communication was difficult at best, we were able to connect with the children on a different level. It wasn't long before we found ourselves using the universal forms of communication; laughing, clapping, dancing and singing. Though the children at Dare's don't have the very basic things most of us would deem necessary, their laughter was a roaring sound. They were not lacking in spirit. 

We did our best to assess the physical capabilities of the children and cater to the different needs in involving them in activity. Though many of us found ourselves ill equipped, God showed up in  a major way to fill in the gaps. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant bought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepard of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will..