Lord Jesus, Have Mercy.

A friend told me a few days ago that he heard that orphans in Russia often have to wait in the orphanage for 18 months before they are available to be matched.  Lord Jesus, have mercy.

This little three month wait of ours is very small in the big scheme of things.  During this time the little ones that have come into Loving Hearts probably make their best attempt at getting settled into their new home with their new mamas.  It's a good and cozy place to be.  At the tender age of 2, often younger, they don't even know they are really there to wait for a new mom and dad and family.  They don't know that yet another big change is ahead of them.  Lord Jesus, have mercy.

The mamas that work at the Loving Hearts Baby Home - I think about and pray for them often.  They work so hard, all through the night, often away from their own families to have this job at the orphanage.  At least, that's how it was at Huruma in Nairobi.  The mamas worked tirelessly, changing babies, doing massive mountains of laundry by hand, and doing feedings morning, noon and night.  And being there with the babies instead of in their own little homes.....so they could have this job to support their families who often live in the Huruma slums themselves.  They are His hands and feet.
Working at the Huruma orphanage.....Huruma means mercy..........Lord Jesus, have mercy.

Sister Maurice is one of the nuns we spent a lot of time with at Huruma.  Her grandmother used to pray for the blind and needy when Maurice was growing up.  When she was older, Maurice asked, "Who are these blind and needy people???"  Her family didn't know any personally, her grandma said.  And that's when Maurice decided in her heart to serve Jesus by going, and knowing the people she prayed for.....so she became a Sister's of Charity nun.  Her servant's heart is difficult to describe.......Lord Jesus, Have mercy.

And yes, this week, the waiting is hard.  Living in the present moment and holding ourselves back from running ahead of Jesus is difficult, and a discipline. Martha, you worry and are concerned about many things, but there is one thing needed.  Mary has chosen what is best - to be in Jesus' presence and listen to his words.  Lord Jesus, have mercy.