Reflections from Anawim Home

The Anawim Home Team provided the brief reflections below on their first week:

Gin Gin:

Having met Sister Oresoa before, it is a totally different experience sharing life with her and the other sisters. She has a huge heart and exemplifies being a servant of God. I am overwhelmed with joy to be a witness to God's work through her.

Kathi:

While talking with the young, expectant, unwed mothers they had so many questions about pregnancy and child birth. They were so thirsty for information. It struck me how we take for granted our ability to seek out information through our computers or phones. These young women who are due in November have little, if any, access to information which we take for granted.

Tyler:

Nearing the end of our first week here. My time with Peter, Paul and Jude (three of the boys ages 8-13) has taught me that simply being present with the boys profoundly impacts and encourages, even more than providing for their physical needs ever could. All three are smart, energetic and offer so much hope for Anawim children's future. I will take with me their beaming faces after mastering something as simple as bolding text on the computer.

Adrienne:

We met a young woman, Deborah. She has completed primary and secondary school and hopes to go to university in the US. I wonder how hard it will be for her to make that happen. Not many are fortunate enough to get to the US, let alone become a lawyer. I hope somehow she will be able to achieve her dream.

Joey:

I am most fascinated by the thirst for knowledge exhibited by so many of the children and young adults at Anawim. In a world where so many squander the opportunities given to them, the residents of Anawim Home cherish and make the most of every opportunity they have to excel trough education.

Jess:

The "Angels" are a group of girls ages 10-11, who are both residents and caretakers of Anawim. On Wednesday, after a long night of 'go fish', Adrienne and I put the girls to bed. Their room had three beds to share amongst 5 girls, two wardrobes, and no lighting. Angela quickly tried to hide a bowl of food that was leftover from our dinner with the Bishop, which they had been eating. Otherwise, the girls had only rice for dinner. I am grateful for the hospitality we have received in Nigeria. But I am also heartbroken that we have received so many accommodations, while these orphans receive so little. Their spirit and connection to our presence with them is heartwarming and humbling.