Beautiful boy

I was about 7 months pregnant with Malachi when this beautiful boy arrived at the Lighthouse Shelter. His mother was dying of HIV and he had no other family. He was skin and bones and covered in scabies from head to toe. Within 2 days of being at the Shelter we asked if we could take him back to his mother because we knew he was going to die and would be better in her arms than with us. She visited the Shelter but decided he should remain. That was an incredible moment to witness as she struggled to make the best decision for her son. There was such love and tenderness in her eyes for him. She barely spoke a word and after holding him in her arms for quite a while walked over and asked what she must sign to let me him stay. This beautiful boy was so weak we had to feed him through a syringe. Most of my work was in the office and dealing with social workers, but with this little guy everyone got involved with his care because it was so hard on the staff. He couldn’t cry but would moan all day. The only time he would stop was if we took him outside and walked around the property. So that’s what we did. One of the caregivers would feed him and then we would take turns all day just walking with him. I remember he was so light in my arms it was unnerving.

By Thanksgiving, we were broken. We sat under a tree in the front garden, Derek led worship and we all prayed together. Someone mentioned this boy and we asked the Lord to take him. We just couldn’t handle it anymore and asked God to intervene and end this child’s suffering. And God responded. Within two weeks the baby was drinking from a bottle. Within four he was getting his first two teeth. That was over 8 years ago and this young man is just as beautiful as ever. Lord God you have a plan in mind for this young boy and we stand in amazement at what you do to accomplish your will. Bless him, protect him, keep her near you, open his eyes to see your hand upon him. Thank you God!