sweet Emmie

Today I met a precious girl. I hugged her. I tried to find a smile. I cut off all her hair.

Emmie is about six years old. She was dropped off at an orphanage this week after her step-mother put a chemical on her head which caused serious burns over most of her scalp. The only reason to do so was to cause her harm. There were other reports of abuse as well, so another family member brought her to the orphanage and begged for help. She is in a safe place now.

When I found her today, her big sad eyes showed her confusion and fear. As I tried to examine her scalp she burst into tears, afraid of further pain and the unknown. As I cut off her hair, trying to assess the damage, she stiffened and jumped at each touch. I applied soothing ointment and covered the wounds with clean dressings but the wounds on her heart run deeper.

Please join us in prayer for sweet Emmie today.

Thank you. 

www.orphanreliefandrescue.org

Safe and Secure

In the past week the owner of the night club next door was murdered-- shot by armed robbers as he left for the night,  his family staged a loud and disruptive protest (riot) against the police right outside my house and some of my own security guards (the ones who I increased for security due to the problems outside the fence) were caught stealing from inside my fence. Needless to say, it has been a rough week.

I heard the shot, witnessed the traffic stopping protest, discovered the missing fuel. There has been a great range of emotions-- fear, anger, numbness, disbelief. And even just plain feeling like an idiot. There were many moments that I didn't exactly feel safe and secure.

Somehow I am still standing. Somehow through it all I have felt protected. Scared, yes. Unsure, yes. Betrayed, yes. But, most of all, protected and saved and thankful.

I am thankful tonight for those who have worked hard for my safety and security. I am proud and thankful for my team, who has endured the trials of the last week and has come through strong, even smiling. I am thankful  for God's protection and the endurance to carry on.