Recently, we Back2Back Nigeria staff had an outing with the children from Our Ladies of Apostles (OLA) orphanage. We had originally planned to have a swimming party, but we woke up Saturday to a cool, overcast day so we changed our plan quickly. We picked up the kids, packed lunches, and went to the Viewing Center (OCC – Oasis Community Center) where we showed some cartoons (which the kids loved), ate lunch and then for the fun part – we let them explore. I loved having Daniel sitting close by my side as we watched cartoons together.
Spending time with Daniel
We brought water squirt guns and gave them to the kids and just let them run around and be children.
And, of course, they all climbed the rocks.
I stayed behind. I could barely watch as the children, in their flip flops, climbed those high rocks enjoying every minute of this new adventure for them. At the children’s home, they are in a confined area (the hospital/home compound) so to see them running and jumping and just playing hard was a well-spent afternoon.
Back2Back Nigeria staff with the children from OLA Orphanage
I include these pictures of the “rocks” because there is something so beautiful about them. The rocks below are some of my favorite. Just look at them for a minute. Don’t they look like a big puzzle with all the pieces fitting in perfectly? God’s Word says that “the rocks will cry out” declaring the glory of God . It really is true – I see God’s beauty in the rocks!
Abigail (pictured below) is the nicest woman.
Abigail
She is forty years old and has been at the children’s home since she was ten years old. The children love her and she has the sweetest disposition. She and I stayed behind behind while the kids were rock climbing and I noticed that she watched all the children very carefully the whole time. At the end of our time together at OCC, we all sat upon one of the smaller rocks and had our picture taken. Young and old alike – smiles everywhere. It was a good day for all!