Day 13 — Mbamga!
Oooh! What an experience we had in Mbamga! This village is located about two hours drive from Gembu through rocky mountains, perilous roads, beautiful valleys, and a river raft crossing. The village is packed with little children, 160 of them that are orphans in the Foster Parent Program. The twinkling eyes and contagious smiles from the crowds of eager children melted our hearts…and made us so grateful for GECHAAN’s passion to help these vulnerable and needy children.
Check out a few highlights of our day in the bush:
- Meeting with the Jaro (village chief) in ceremonial fashion as we exchanged greetings and some important information. And then seeing him hop on the back of Art’s all terrain vehicle for a ride through the village.
- Having lunch in Miriam’s house. She was the first lady to take in orphans into her home and led the pilot project that has now become the model for orphan care in all of Nigeria. She fed us fu fu with chicken. Fu fu is a corn based paste that you eat with your fingers by dipping it in the chicken and seasoned sauce dish. Delicious.
- The open-air meeting with around 150 village people present. In preparation for subsidizing the foster parents for their care of the children, some important announcements were made while moms, dads, and gobs of pretty-faced children looked on with anticipation. What fun!
- We walked across the village to see the home of the Baptist Pastor in town — he is also a foster parent to two boys. We were inspired by his faithfulness to the Lord. Our team prayed blessing upon him in his home before we left.
- We visited the local hospital and met numerous patients in their beds — mostly babies and mommas. We were amazed at their good work with so little. We prayed for a good number of the sick and tried to bring them a little joy.
The beautiful children of Mbamga
Mbamga is a place very few people in the world have ever heard of. We found so many people who are quietly and faithfully living our their authentic faith in life-changing ways. God sees…and today, we did too. We have been inspired in ways that words cannot describe.
Lord–bless these faithful, simple, and dedicated people as they serve you in their remote corner of the world. Thank you for seeing them…and blessing them…and reserving a special place for them in glory.
Yes!! This is all SO wonderful. We’re praying for your strength and wisdom through these final days. We can’t wait to hear more when you return and get ready to help with whatever projects are next. Take lots of pictures, and thank Art and Dorothy for their faithfulness.
Thank you, Steph! You would be a tremendous blessing to these Africans in need. Susan is in her glory…she will never be the same after this trip. And neither will I.
I love reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someday I want to go. =) Praying for you all this morning.