The House of Blessing, Mozambique

Hi all, the following newsletter came to us from Moz, and I thought I'd share it with you...

November 24, 2008

December 2nd 2003, House of Blessing became a recognized orphanage in Mozambique . This year we celebrate our 5 year anniversary. At the end of 2003 we had 10 children in our home. Now we have over 40 growing beautiful children.

When I began this great adventure I will admit that I was a bit dreamy and quite naive. I really had no idea how difficult and heart wrenching as well as rewarding it would be. The stories of human cruelty and suffering can crush the simple hearted and yet there is great hope and joy right along side keeping up the pace. I have often said that the greatest joy I have in mothering these orphans is watching their great Creator transform them from broken, sickly and sometimes wild animals into His delight and pleasure. That is what keeps me here.

When I first became aware for the need for mothers in Africa I had a grand vision. I could see this great land of Africa as an opportunity to raise up a generation of well cared for godly children. I assumed that I was only one of a whole army of mothers and fathers heading over here responding to the cry of God’s heart for the orphans. I was sadly mistaken and the need here is overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like I am literally laying down my life for these children.

Lately I have become aware of greater needs. Danny’s 2 little brothers ran away from an orphanage in Dondo. I know that the man in charge of it is sleeping with the young girls he is supposed to be caring for. The boys had been being beaten. One is deaf and the other is just darn cute. I will go to Social Services today to see what can be done for them.

Two months ago Social Services brought me a 12 year old boy named Claudio, a very quiet boy, until the other night when he began to talk about his sad and much abused life. His father’s brother brought him to Beira and left him at the bus station. We are sure after the stories we heard that the father asked his brother to do it to rid him of his son. Social Services told me that they would come back and get him in 15 days but I told Claudio that they would have to fight mama for him. He feels loved and safe for the first time in his life.

Davi and Rosa ’s father died last month. Getting involved with her family has added 2 more orphaned and abused girls to our home. They are cousins. I am not sure about keeping them but they can stay for a while during school holidays. Their auntie who had been caring for them just contacted Social Services because her husband does not want them.

Linda visited her little sister in another orphanage the other day and found her suffering with asthma and hungry. They had been bringing her to the witchdoctor. We visited them yesterday and found 36 girls, mostly little ones, their condition very needy, precious daughters of God. I will arrange with the nuns in charge that some of my girls could visit them once a week to encourage them. They can sing and play with them.

We already have some girls going to another orphanage that cares for 105 babies. They go every Saturday. I had to coax the caretakers to let my girls hold and play with the babies. They had been told not to hold or hug the babies because they cry when they leave. I told them the girls could put them to bed after being fed and bathed and then they wouldn’t notice that they had gone and won’t cry. My girls are bringing light and joy to that place. I am really proud of them.

I’ve been told, “Lee, You can’t save the world.” I know that, Jesus already did that but I can not turn my face away from the suffering. I have tried to harden my heart and just say no but it makes me like a crazy person. I look around me at the free and happy faces – I hear singing all day long. There is something good happening in the midst of all this suffering and confusion.

Some people think it’s because of this white lady who came from America . I know better. It could be anyone – any color – anyone who says yes to God's call. Anyone who hears Him crying for the orphans. I am so grateful for all the people who have partnered with me to bring quality care to the needy here. God is faithful but He needs faithful people too. We have never missed a meal and though we have been out on a limb sometimes it has never broken and we have always been well cared for. I am also so grateful that the Lord has sent laborers into this harvest.

My staff here is wonderful and very understanding of my struggles these past couple of years. They have come up to the plate and they never complain about having me gone so much. Sometimes I feel a bit guilty spending so much money on my travel expenses but I must. My health and sanity depend on it.

I leave here the day after Christmas for a 5 month stay in the states. I will have a couple of weeks in Georgia with my kids and grandkids there and then I head west for the birth of my oldest son’s first child. I am looking forward to seeing many of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!
God bless you all, Lee