Samuel Amofa

Samuel and his scratchboards

Samuel was in my 3rd grade art classes, and he became my buddy during the week! The day before we had to leave Samuel had a necklace on with the African symbol for "accept God," and he wanted me to have it. I told him thanks and that he could keep it, but he insisted I take it. So he took it off and put it on me. Even though this might have been the only necklace Samuel had, he wanted to give it away to me. The children gave so generously of what they had...I was honored to accept this gift from Samuel. On Saturday, September 13th I received a letter in the mail from Samuel. He wrote:

"Dear Jenny Flowers,
I am very sad that we are not here together. Please I have been praying. Thank you for being my friend. Also I hope I will see you soon and if I remember you and think of you, I'm crying. I hope your family is fine by God's grace. Please don't forget that you have a friend, his name is Samuel Amofa, and please don't forget that God is with you and your family. Please if I say that you will take me as your brother and I will also take you as my sister. Please write your best friend."

I was surprised to receive a letter so soon from the Village of Hope, but it was awesome! I wrote Samuel back already and sent him these two pictures, stickers, and a soccer necklace. I hope he gets it because mail in Africa is not as certain as here in the United States.

My Video

This is the video I created for my presentation tomorrow night, September 14th, at my church. The first song is called "I Saw What I Saw," and it is by Sara Groves. I found this song and thought it was perfect for my video. Sara wrote this song after her experience in Rwanda. While in Rwanda she visited the genocide memorial, a school building where 50,000 people were killed.

"I saw what I saw and I can't forget it ~ I heard what I heard and I can't go back ~ I know what I know and I can't deny it ~ Something on the road, cut me to the soul ~ Your pain has changed me ~ Your dream inspires ~ Your face a memory ~ Your hope a fire ~ Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of ~ And what I know of love ~ We've done what we've done and we can't erase it ~ We are what we are and it's more than enough ~ We have what we have but it's no substitution ~ Something on the road, cut me to the soul ~ I say what I say with no hestitation ~ I have what I have but I'm giving it up ~ I do what I do with deep conviction ~ Something on the road, cut me to the soul ~ Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of ~ Your courage asks me what I am made of ~ Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of ~ and what I know of love ~ And what I know of God"

While I was working on this video, God was really tugging on my heart. As I was remembering all the children at that orphanage, I was filled with such love for them. Their precious smiles and loving hearts are full of such life and joy. In the loving embrace of a child I found Jesus. These children are rich, richer than anyone of us here in America could ever be. As I look at picture after picture of the many children at the Village of Hope I am taken back to all the moments I shared with each of them... each a gift from God...an indescrible blessing!

My experience at the Village of Hope with all the children is something I will never forget. The children's faces with their beautiful smiles were so full of joy and hope...hope in a God that holds their future, a hopeful future! These children have known loss and have experienced hardship that children should not have to go through, yet they know a Savior who takes that pain and hardship and never wastes a single one of their tears. The Lord is working in the lives of the children at the Village of Hope, and there is healing that can only come from the Lord. The children who may have loss their earthly families have now gained a family full of brothers and sisters in Christ, a family that no one can ever take away. They are children of the Lord, and they are forever His!

Francis and Monica Bijah

Brother and sister, Francis and Monica

Francis and his watercolor painting

Monica and I

Francis and Monica have a very special place in my heart. They are extraordinary children with hearts so full of love and an indescrible joy in the Lord. When I first met Monica I was struck by her beautiful face that lit up with such joy! Her loving embrace made me feel so loved and special. She was a blessing and each time I would see her, her love and joy that she so freely gave was felt in the huge hug I received. I miss her dearly and look forward to the day we can be together again when I visit. Her brother Francis was amazing too. I had him in my fifth grade watercolor class. The moment Francis walked into my class he had a huge smile on his face with a huge loving hug waiting for me. My heart was so full of joy and excitement to be with these children at the Village of Hope orphanage. They truly reflected the beauty of Christ...their faces simply glowed! The second time I had Francis' class, we decorated cards with stamps and wrote letters. Francis wrote me the most beautiful letter that brought tears to my eyes when I read it. He wrote:

"Dear Jenny, I am very excited to write you this letter. The reason is that, I thank you so much for your care and concern for us your student and helping us. May God who gives generously to all without finding fault richly bless you in all you do. And always remember that, all things work good for those wh0 love the Lord, and for that matter, continue to do the great work that you are doing in the name of the Lord and love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. May God bless you. With much love, Francis Bijah"

Monica also wrote me a wonderful letter in response to the letter I wrote her. She wrote:

"Jenny, thank you very much for your great letter you have given to me. When I recieved it I was so glad. I will continue to pray for you and your family. You are so great to me. You always make me feel happy. Thank you very much. Send my greeting to daddy Ed, Cathy, and your brother. May God richly bless you. I love you. And God loves you too."

Francis and Monica are gifts from God. Their lives truly reflect the heart of Christ, and I was so honored to be able to impact their lives just as much as they impacted mine. God is so good!!!!!!