Lice and Laughter

We just returned to the hotel after a full day at the orphanage. Once again, our hearts have been touched by the precious children at the "Ciudad de Los Ninos" home and we continue to process all that we have experienced.

Our goal today was to begin the lice treatment and it was quite a challenge. The kids were absolutely amazing and never complained as we washed, combed, and "poked and prodded" through their hair. I marveled at the joy on their faces as the girls' wet hair dripped upon their clothes, the boys' heads were shaved and they learned that we would have to remove and store their precious stuffed animals for a week. Their responses consisted of hugs, kisses, laughter and a million expressions of thanks - "gracias, gracias, gracias."

We are beginning to learn the stories of some of these kids and each story is heart breaking. We are especially burdened for the young moms (12 and 13 year-olds) who did not choose to be moms and have had their youth and innocence torn away. It is tragic, yet redeeming to see these young moms learning to parent their babies. We spent a lot of time holding the babies and encouraging the moms. They are beginning to experience the hope and healing of a God who redeems all things. We will never forget these moms or their children.

I want to close with a journal entry (from my adoption journal) that I wrote in September, 2008. As many of you know, we have been waiting to adopt a child from El Salvador for almost three years.

How long, O Lord, must these children wait,

Living without parents,

Without families to call their own?

Without toys or clothes that were picked especially for them?

Without the loving touch and affection of a mommy or daddy?

It is devastating to be aware of the millions of children living this way

And to feel so helpless and so far away.

Who will advocate and stand up on behalf of these children?

Who remembers them?

Who cries out on their behalf?

I will remember the, O Lord.

I will wait.

I will advocate on their behalf and share their stories.

God, move in power over your orphans.

Break the barriers preventing them from resources, care and adoption.

Break our hearts.

Use us to bring change in the nation of El Salvador.

- Jenni Ramsey