Orphanage

I had the priveledge of going to visit two orphanages for children that are physically and emotionally handicapped with Marco Spalke, who I was able to meet through a mutual friend. Although the visit was short it didn’t stop me from feeling a deep sadness for these children that have been abandoned by their family simply because they are developmentally challenged. Marco explained that the belief within these communities is that if a child is born with a handicap that it is because an evil spirit is punishing the family. Many of the parents will throw the child out because they don’t want other members in the community to stop associating with them and they fear to keep the child would be a continued curse upon them.

Mixed in with the sadness was an overwhelming sense of compassion and respect for Marco and those that serve and take care of these children often without any pay for their services. Marco told me “that many of the women that help out day and night do it because of the love they have for the children." 

Of course there are a few that instantly captured my heart and of these were Lucky, who is a five year old that has greatly suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome, has cerebral paulsy, and weighs that of a six month old. Then there was Morgan and phili that would copy everything that they were told and would clap with laughter and excitement as you laughed with them.

I pray that more will come to visit these children, that the workers will be encouraged and rewarded for their service, and that this ministry will be added onto through support and others feeling called to serve in any and every way possible.