Very few things warm my heart as much as a smiling and laughing child. Put 27 children, most of whom are orphans, in a Children's Home and there are many smiles. They laugh and smile as they swing on their new swing set. They laugh as they chase the dogs and roosters around the compound. They cheer when they score a goal on their dirt football field (soccer field). They giggle when they see a snap (picture) of themselves. They run, laugh, play, and smile. Yes, they have pain, sorrows, and tears, but they show their smiles far more often.
These children also work hard. I had the privilege of tutoring them in the afternoons. They would work at their schoolwork for an extra two hours every day after school was over. They didn't complain and they completed their work daily. Many of these kids had not been in school before, so they are working hard to catch up. It was good to see all of their hard work pay off when their teachers would comment on how well they were doing and how fast they were learning. I really enjoyed my time teaching these kids. They have a lot to be proud of. When they got their results of the school year, we took a day off of studying to celebrate!
These children can teach the world a lot. These children are a blessing to everyone that has a chance to meet them. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to meet these kids and spend six weeks with them. I will always remember these 27 wonderful children. I will remember the games played, the hugs given, and the laughs shared. I will remember their songs, their cuddles, and their smiles. These kids are no longer “orphans in Africa” or “needy children” in my mind as they were when I first found out I was coming to Mokanji. Now I know their faces, names, and stories. They are my friends. They are brothers and sisters in Christ and they will be in my heart forever.
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