The Orphanage became my home for the next 3 months. Unlike other caregivers, I wasn’t on shift and this gave me the privilege to bond with the kids and learn mostly through observations, the psychology of the people bringing gifts to the home.
My first experience was my first Sunday at home. We were all watching TV after church when we heard a knock at the gate that we have a visitor.
I followed other caregivers to see and welcome the visitor. It was a white Mercedes-Benz with two toddlers and their mother in the car.
We exchanged greetings and was expecting the mother and her kids to come down from the car to see our kids but rather she opened her boot from inside the car and told us to carry what she had for the home.
When we asked her to come in to fill the home book, she said no. We said there’s no problem but we’ll like to know her location and she said: “somewhere within the city.” At this time, I was shocked and surprised at her attitude for this was my first experience of being at the receiving end in a home.
Now her gift! She wrapped the gifts with a big cloth. When we brought it inside to see what the items are, it turned out to be her waste! It seems she just moved to a new apartment and instead of disposing of her dirt, she brought it to the home. Old sandals, old adult underwear, and so many other junks.
The kids had a good laugh but I was sad. How on earth will someone think so low of an orphanage or any social institution that you were not forced to bring a gift?
My submission:
- What you don’t want an increase of, don’t ever gift to the poor because their God will sure reward you beyond your imagination and with the same coin.
- Are you planning an outreach? Gather the fairly used items, wash and wrap them neatly as though you’re taking it to the statehouse because those little kids you see, will not forever be in that position. It’s a privilege to give.
- The way you present your gift to the poor says a lot about you as a person. Give based on who the kids are becoming and not based on their present predicament.
I will be back on Friday with my lesson number 2 at the Grace Orphanage. Till then, keep keeping on. You’ll soon get there. The present might not look like it but if God is involved, you can trust the process.
Your Friend,
Ma Funmi