Baby House Blessings

On January 30th, God brought three beautiful little girls to the Good Shepherd's Fold baby house. Three lives, preserved through the grace of God and the faithful ministry of Abide Family Center, changed forever. The caretakers of the baby house gently loved on the triplets, even during difficult hours of sleepless nights and scream-filled mealtimes. Within the first weeks, the babies went from crying when touched to smiling when held; from avoiding eye-contact to seeking moments of attention; from fear to trust. It was a miracle unfolding. The caretakers remarked on the emotional development that they were witnessing in these lives. It was beautiful.

Victoria, Teopista, and Kaana, with baby house supervisor, Adrine. 

I praise God for demonstrating to the baby house caretakers the transforming power of His love and character poured into little lives. I praise God for reminding me of the way that He cares for us and continues to pursue us, even when we cry to be left alone or avoid His presence. He meets us where we are, even if it is in the middle of the night; God doesn't turn His ear the other way. What a beautiful example He gives us as we care for little ones. 

(Picture by Caralina Gwartney)

Bringing in new babies is always a test of stamina for the baby house aunties, and a 6-month old baby girl, Patricia, also joined the baby house just weeks after the triplets. After 2 months of caring for the full house of 15 babies, the caretakers were getting tired! Claudia (director of the baby house) and I wanted to give the ladies a day away of refreshment. Women's Day provided the perfect opportunity to pamper the caretakers and give them a well-deserved break. We surprised the ladies with a day at the salon, including new hairdos, manicures, pedicures, and more. What a great time we all had together!

L-R: Sylvia, Claudia, Adrine, Daisy, Diana, Florence, and me

Getting more involved with the baby house over the past several months has been a great joy and blessing to me. I love the front-row seat it gives me as I watch God's healing hand in the precious lives of the babies. Sometimes the healing is emotional and sometimes it's physical. For those who prayed for baby Daniel during his kidney complications, THANK YOU! After weekly visits to the pediatrician over the past 2+ months, Daniel has been given a clean bill of health. We are so thankful and relieved that Daniel's kidney problems do not appear to be chronic. Daniel is doing well and is as happy and active as ever!

Although each triplet has at least 1 sponsor, GSF children are not considered fully sponsored until each one has 4 sponsors. If you would like to be a sponsor for any of the triplets, feel free to sign up at www.goodshepherdsfold.org and I would love to get you started! Feel free to shoot me an email at gsfsponsorship@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Prayer Requests:

1) Praise - We were able to renew Daniel's Ugandan visa with a quick trip to Kenya! Our time in Kenya ended up being a huge refreshment and wonderful time away.

2) Praise/Prayer - We heard from the National Visa Center and Daniel's US immigrant visa is onto the next stage! We are currently waiting for an interview date at the US embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Lord willing, the interview is the last big step until we get his visa. Please pray that his interview date would come quickly and for patient hearts for us.

3) Please continue to pray for the elections and unrest in Nigeria!

4) Please pray for the baby house, that God's presence and love would reign over all in that house. Pray specifically for the new babies: the triplets and Patricia.