A Light in the Darkness

So, I have been getting progressively worse at blogging... perhaps because I have been getting progressively busier as well? Regardless, its no excuse to not let you know what is going on in my world.

I am writing this update while sitting in a tiny chair in one of our new classrooms for the clinic's Early Intervention Program. Its a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, so no children are being displaced from their seats so that I can write this post, just in case you were worried. This room and these little chairs are amazingly blessed. They have the privilege of being a haven for children with learning disabilities as they meet with Marie, a loving, caring teacher who patiently works with each child giving them the help that they desperately need and are not getting any place else. Its a labor of love and I am thankful that God is letting us be a little part of it.

One of the most touching stories (of many) of the new students of Marie, is that of a 14 year old girl named Marianny. Marianny lives in El Cielo, the community right behind the mission. Her father and mother both have mental health issues. Her father also drinks heavily and recently left the family. Her older brother Alex is 16 years old and has cerebral palsy. He cannot do anything for himself and does not really move or talk, but his smile is straight from heaven. Marianny and her little brother Angel are suffering from the environment they live in. The two of them walk around with looks of confusion all day long. Marianny has had to take on the role of mother to Angel and caretaker to both her older brother and her mother. Its a weighty responsibility no child should have to take on.

While we cannot fill the void of love and reassurance in her life (only Christ can do that), we can provide her a safe, quiet environment to take a break, do her homework and talk about the things she is going through. We can let her know that she is valued, loved and that God has a plan for her and her life. Most of all, I'd like to think that we can give her hope.

What a Mighty God we serve. I know that He loves Marianny and her family more than I ever could. I know that He holds this precious child in His hands and that He wants us to be a light in her darkness.