Category Archives: God’s plans

God’s Plan

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One day, Gerber jumped up from his desk and ran toward the gate, responding to Antonio’s cries for help. Following Gerber out the door, I couldn’t believe what I saw. After trying to get out of the gate, little Elias* attempted to climb the wall to make an escape. Gerber caught up to him and held the struggling guy in his arms, “It’s okay, Elias, I’m here to help you.”

I walked back to the office with them, thinking of what I wanted to tell this frightened boy who had been with us for only two days. He desperately felt the need to leave and managed to get out of the school, past their gate, and down to the front gate before he got caught. Elias didn’t respond to Gerber, so he obviously didn’t trust people.

Gerber took Elias into his office to talk, and I asked the social worker about Elias and why he came to Shadow of His Wings Orphanage. This boy had lived his young life out on the streets looking for food, a place to sleep, and acceptance. His alcoholic mother told him over and over that he was worthless. She loudly declared that she hated him and wished he had never been born. The neighbors testified to the abuses that took place close to them, and Elias’ body bore scars from his mother and others, as they took out their anger and frustrations upon him.

I could hardly wait to talk with Elias. He sat before me looking down at his shoes. “Elias, look at me, please,” I said. I felt relieved when he did and took advantage of the moment. “Elias, you are loved by all of us here. We want to take care of you and help you feel safe. You don’t have to go look for food or a place to sleep. Don’t you have a bed in the casita?” His scarred head nodded in affirmation. “Have you been given food to eat?” I barely heard the whispered, “Si.”

“Elias, I want to share something with you that you will hear from others here in Shadow, because it is a very important message. Did you know that God has a special plan for your life, and He made you for that special plan? People have done evil things to you, but God did not plan it that way. I believe the Lord has brought you here so you can know how important you are and that you are part of His family.”

I strongly shared these thoughts with Elias because at a time in my past, they impacted me. The goal to teach every child that their lives have purpose in Jesus had been carried out since Marita left the orphanage. Many, like Elias, desperately needed to know their importance in God’s plans. I had the honor of sharing God’s love with Elias. After praying, he rose to leave, grabbed me around my waist, and gave me a big hug. I knew he felt loved, and his life would be transformed because of it.

Elias responded by demonstrating positive changes in his daily interactions. He looked directly into the eyes when spoken to. His lopsided smile and laugh had taken the place of the straight-lipped fear that once showed on his face. Elias soaked in the love and learned to respond to others in the same way as his role models.

My heart soared because of the hope we could give these children, knowing how hopeless many of them felt when they came to us. I could be a part of providing a place of refuge and help them find a purpose for their lives. They are told that they are not some accident but created for a specific plan formed by God. Adding love to this message gives hope the power to fill their hearts with a knowing of who they are in the Lord Jesus. Thank you, Lord, that I can be a part of this with You.

*Name has been changed.

Trusting the Lord

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I and others continued to counsel with Sara* about the advantages of her being adopted by a family in the States. This opened the strong possibility of a kidney transplant. It would certainly be life changing for this ill girl. I related to her being afraid of stepping into the unknown.

Teams often came to minister to the children of our growing orphanage and helped with the upkeep of the facilities. One day, Joanne received a reply from a couple in the States who were interested in adopting Sara. They came to the orphanage with a team, spent time with Sara, and went home feeling that adoption might work for them. Learning of this possibility, I felt motherly protectiveness well up inside of me. Not just anybody is going to be able to adopt her. We have to find the right people who will love her as we do. Joanne explained, “They will return to Guatemala and spend more time with Sara. They are seeking God’s guidance in this and have an understanding of how difficult it could be for her.” That will give me time to check them out too.

When the couple returned to Guatemala, they came to the orphanage and waited in my living room. Sara slowly walked through the doorway. When she saw the couple she screeched, “Darlene*!” and ran to the woman, throwing her arms around her. I lost control of my emotions and had to leave, so Sara wouldn’t see me crying. I went into my bedroom to get control. Is this the same girl who refused to show affection to people she hardly knows, the one who did not want to consider adoption? I knew what happened. God answered many prayers, and Sara connected with this couple. To me, this confirmed that she would become part of their family. God knew what I needed to see, in order for me to let her go with peace in my heart.

The next months were filled with phone calls to the States, so Sara could get better acquainted with this couple. I got to be involved in one of the most exciting parts of the transition. “Sara, how would you like to go to Disney World?” I asked. Sara perked up, and with an ear-to-ear grin, she yelled, “Yes!”

“We will fly to Orlando, meet with Darlene and Dennis*, and go to Disney.” We quickly made arrangements, including a temporary visa for Sara to leave Guatemala. I contacted my daughter, who worked for Disney, and she set the wheels in motion so that Princess Sara would be a special guest at Disney with her future parents. Seeing everything new through the eyes of this young girl, a child from the ghettos of Guatemala, excited me. We will never forget the memory of this trip, and it sealed Sara’s decision. She wanted to be adopted by these loving people and move to the US. Fear no longer dominated her thoughts. The quality time with these people made the difference.

The adoption process moved along quickly because of Sara’s serious medical condition. She moved to the States and became a part of this incredibly giving family. It wasn’t a coincidence that Sara’s new mother worked as an RN or that their church family helped support adopting families. The kidney transplant became a reality. God had many details all worked out. Through it all, Sara and I learned another great lesson about trusting the Lord. As a God of love, His plans are the best for each of His children. When we need help, He wants us to come to Him in trust and ask for His intervention, just as a young child does with his earthly father.

*Name has been changed.