Big News for the Orphans of The Potter's House

The Potter is moving His kids.  The landlord of the orphanage's current location sold his own house and announced this morning that he plans to move his family into the orphanage house.  Apparently, this wasn't a complete surprise to anyone and the kids have plenty of time to relocate as he's not asking them to be out until January.

Turns out, they didn't need a whole lot of time to find a new place.  The man who drives the orphans to school and back each day knew of a place to rent and led Jane to the owner.  After a bit of negotiation on price, the owner offered to show Jane the house.

Melissa and I were privileged to tag along on the showing today after school and oh. my. goodness.  It just made us want to praise the Lord for His goodness.  The rent will be significantly higher and Jane is a bit concerned about that, but we have confidence that the Lord will provide.  The higher rent includes several significant upgrades from where they live now: electricity (!), a well (!), running water (!), two more bedrooms, a shaded yard, and indoor showers.  Plus, it's in a great neighborhood, still not far from where Bud and Jane live.  There's more space inside and out and there are a lot of kids living up and down that street.  It will be a great place to do a Saturday morning Bible club.

Some members of a visiting mission team staying here with OMS wanted to visit the orphans tonight and Jane was willing to meet them there and show them around, so I gladly offered to drive them over after dinner.  Melissa and the kids squeezed into the truck with about 7 or 8 other adults and we arrived outside the orphanage gates just after dark.

You would not believe the reception we all received from those kids when we stepped into the courtyard.  These kids, from two to thirteen years old, have such precious spirits.  They were hugging us, holding our hands, clinging to the ladies' skirts.  And then they broke into one of their songs.  I know enough basic Creole now to recognize a repeated phrase: "Mwen Kontan".

"I'm happy."

We went inside the house, the only light provided by the cell phones of the visitors and a single kerosene lamp on a shelf in the main room.  Jane had the kids introduce themselves and then sing a couple more songs.

THEN she announced that they would soon be moving to a new house.  I could sense a bit of trepidation in that stagnant air until Jane started to describe their future home.  Again, having a glancing knowledge of Creole and having seen the house myself, I could reason out what Jane was telling them.



(It's a lousy picture, but it's the best I could get in the dark.)

She started out with "The boys will have TWO bedrooms AND the girls will have TWO bedrooms" and those kids erupted in applause!  Each time she announced any aspect of the new house - "electricity" - "the boys can shower indoors" - "TWO bathrooms" - "glass in the windows" - "flowing water" - more applause and more cheers. 

It's nearly impossible to communicate, but the presence of Christ is so strong in that house - or rather, among those kids and their faithful caretakers - that it's almost tangible.  Hearing those kids cheer and seeing their excitement almost brought tears to my eyes.  The Lord is watching over these precious children.

I can only hope I can be present when they first walk into the new house!

The Well

The front entry way.  Tile floors!

View toward the kitchen.

Steps up to the roof.

Water can be pumped from the well to this container on the roof, then gravity provides running water for the house.

The view from the roof looking down the street.  The pink and blue building is part of a church right next door.

They're going to be so excited!