Rescued and safe with us put Ana’s* situation on a high level of concern as I pondered her special needs. My problem-solving ability went into overtime with this girl. I questioned how to obtain justice in her life when nothing existed for tracking those responsible for her mental and physical state. It overwhelmed me, but the Lord graciously reminded me that I had to trust Him with the plan for her life. My worrying didn’t bring anything positive into her situation or my life. Oh, Lord, will I ever learn that You are the one with the answers for Ana. 

Joanne, the other Guatemalans who worked for us, and I talked about possible help for Ana. I expressed my deep desire to keep her with us for as long as possible. Much to Ana’s delight, we sent her to school with the other girls. Several self-appointed classmates stepped forward to help when the need arose. The director and teachers at Liberty Christian School (our private school for the orphanage) set up a program for her. Meanwhile, we looked for other ministries that could provide optional services for Ana. We wanted her to have all the help possible.

During the first several months, Ana spoke only a few words at a time and on rare occasions. She described to the caretakers about “blood all over,” “dirty,” and she would make a motion of her hand sweeping from her elbow to the hand. She talked about a knife and slid her hand across her throat. She also talked about a baby and a boy. Ana mentioned a papa in the context that he had blood all over his arms and hands. Ana repeated the words of gory happenings, so we knew that something real and horrible took place with her watching or being involved. With her little-girl speech and mentality, it was difficult to come to any clear conclusions, but one could guess of her involvement in satanic rituals. As the neurologist said, he had seen many victims of such rituals that had shut down their brains to protect themselves.

I needed to let go of the pain I felt for her and be content to open the door for her safety, love, and healing. All of this would take place in the Lord’s time and not mine. Did I trust the Lord to do that? The question haunted me, but I got to the place where I could say, “Yes, Lord, she is in your hands. Lead us and guide us in helping her.”

A miracle was needed to heal the damage in this girl. We declared that what the enemy meant for evil to destroy Ana, God would use for good. I continued to declare justice for her but knew that I couldn’t make it happen. We didn’t have any concrete evidence to involve the police or the human rights people. Ana stood as one of many. I also knew the justice she deserved would come in the name of the Lord. He had brought her to Shadow of His Wings Orphanage, and she felt rescued and safe in this refuge for children. Under my watchful eye, and in the hands of the Lord, peace filled my heart. Ana didn’t have to suffer or die out in the world all alone. She had a home and family to take care of her.

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what we can do for Ana and any others that may come to us from similar circumstances. I moved further in the area of trust in the Lord through a special child.

*Name has been changed.