Container UN-Loading!

Oh, containers! They are a monthly highlight here at Emmanuel. Pretty much on a monthly basis, we receive the blessing of a Dole pineapple container sent from Chattanooga, TN. These container shipments are organized by Dr. Don Reynolds. You never know what one might find on a container (well, we know we'll always find Moon Pies--of those, there is no shortage). We've had anything from equipment for an entire playground, to tanks for our new dairy, and anything and everything in between. Much of these items are donated from churches and other places. Sponsors can send gifts to their children. (Parents of staff and volunteers can send gifts to their children.)

The unloading of a container is quite an event. Most often, they arrive around 5 or 6 pm. Sometimes earlier, sometimes later. Recently we received two at the same time, and we began unloading the first one at 9:00 PM! We didn't finish until after midnight! Usually, there are about 5 or 6 of the older boys who come to help out, along with all of the staff men who are available, and anyone else staff and volunteer/team-wise who are interested (especially those who know they are receiving something!). The men have this nice game they play where they try to break every unloading time record that has ever existed (I think we have to pay based on how long it takes.), so it is a hurried event. Wheelbarrows are flying, carrying clothing, shoes, and moon pies to various locations in our bodega (warehouse). People are pushed out of the way for safety's sake when David or someone else comes roaring into the container on the forklift to pick up things packaged on palettes. The kid helpers are secretly taking inventory of the gifts that come in, so they can spread the word to the blessed receivers.

Two containers are currently on the way. One is loaded with Christmas gifts for the children, a sight to see for sure! We thank God for these blessings and the people through which He provides them.

"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

The Big Move!

Ever tried to move over 400 people in one day? Well, we did this past Monday. There were some pre-moving activities on Saturday and Sunday, and quite a few post-moving activities afterward, but Monday was the main day, and it was CRAZY!!

We have 6 living areas, in general, for the children--2 for girls, 3 for boys, and 1 for toddlers. On Monday, EVERYONE switched houses! Girls are where boys were, boys are where girls were. This moving day was probably the most fascinating one I have ever seen...trucks, trailers, tractors everywhere. Kids' belongings tied up in sheets; televisions, Christmas trees, mattresses being toted from one side of the orphanage to another. Brooms, mops, soap suds abounding. It was pretty fun, actually.

Out of all this moving, I acquired my own house of girls that I am responsible for. A little intimidating, indeed, but God seems to be throwing a lot of those intimidating opportunities my way these days. (All the better to learn and grow.) I am in charge of 37 girls. They live in a house that consists of 4 separate rooms. Some of the girls I know from the old yard where I was an assistant leader. We also acquired some of the "special needs" girls. Thankfully, everyone seems to be getting along well so far and most have been very helpful. The good thing about this move is that instead of having to hike the entire length of the orphanage to get to the girls' yard, my house of girls is directly behind my own house!

"Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19