“Being back at Maria’s Big House of Hope has been surreal. I had my first experience here in June of 2010 and I am so thankful for the Lord’s leading in bringing me back to this incredible place. Today was a ‘play with kiddos all day’ kind of day, which I absolutely loved. Mikey gave our team the challenge of loving the kids that others pass by. He was talking about the kids who have more serious conditions–the ones that don’t smile right away or run into your arms when you enter their room. They are the ones that cause you to go out of your comfort zone. For me, it was a little boy named Jordan.
“When I entered the Peter Rabbit room on the 4th floor of MBHOH, most of the kids were napping so I sat and chatted with our team leader Chris and team member Dan. I noticed a little boy who looked very agitated and scooted over to his rocker to see if there was anything I could do to comfort him. His nanny was rocking him and I began scratching his back and rubbing his head in an attempt to stop his tears. He seemed uncomfortable and continued to shake his head back and forth. It broke my heart that there was nothing I could do to make him feel better. I was overwhelmed with emotions and began to weep over Jordan. I prayed over his little body and questioned God. What had Jordan done to deserve his condition? Why do I have a family, but he goes to sleep every night without one?
“As I continued to pray, I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 that talks about the plans God has for each and every one of our lives. He has a plan for Jordan’s life just as He does my life. He has a plan for every single one of the children here at MBHOH and each of the 140 million plus orphans in the world. As I held, kissed, and comforted one of those precious orphans today, I am even more grateful for His plans. While they may be confusing or painful at times, they are always for the good. He knows these kids names and the number of hairs on their heads, and He loves them so much. I trust Him, and I hold onto that hope. At Maria’s Big House of Hope, these kids have hope.
”I go to bed tonight more passionate than ever about the calling God has placed on my life to care for orphans. We have to speak up for these children. I can’t wait to SEE what the Lord has in store for the rest of this trip. I can already tell that these children are going to teach me way more than I could ever teach them.”
-Caroline Greene
