My head is reeling and my heart is ripped in two: between two cities, two continents, two families. My family is here, in Austin, but part of my family, Sarah and Isaiah, are far away, a world a way. The difference in the two worlds is tearing away at me.
Surreal. That is how I describe the events of last week.
In Austin, Texas, Democracy. We celebrated the inauguration of Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Ceremonies, celebrations, brisket and a ball. The capitol of Texas rejoiced. The Governor entered under raised swords, honored for his win. Twitter , Facebook, and the television stations shared posts and pictures and stories of the days' events. Jeff and I went to the ball, and I felt like Cinderella.
In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, another capitol city across the ocean, on the same day, rioting broke out in the streets. In all, 42 people were killed. Because of the clash between the government and the people, the police and military fought with raised guns and riot gear. Internet connections were shut down. News was almost impossible to come by. Our children's orphanage lost power, had no running water, and the children could hear the gunshots from behind their barbed wire topped walls. The unease permeated the buildings; the adults who care for them sweated and worried as they ventured outside trying to find water.
This week feels quiet, until the next political ploy. This is a country whose citizens are fighting for democracy. They perceive a power grab from the president. It is a history lesson in the making. So while we celebrate the freedom of the vote--the result of a fair vote, they fight for the chance to keep their voices heard.
And in the mean time, hundreds of children wait. What do they know of democracy? What do they know of fairness? All they know deep in their hearts is that they want a family. The need a family. They are stuck not only in a political game of chess, but now, behind the front lines without weapons.
I confess, I am on unsteady ground with one foot--standing on uncertainty, but the other foot is firm. How can this be?
We do have weapons. Prayer. The full armor of God. Their weapon and ours is the protection of their Father.
"My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." John 10:29.
And so, we pray, without ceasing, knowing that our Father who art in heaven is doing what only He can do. He alone will rescue these children.
LORD God,
We lift up the STUCK children in DRC today. United, our voices rise to your throne and ask for the rescue of the children. 235 children are ready, legally adopted with visas and passports, and parents waiting to bring them home. We pray for the other children who have parents who love them and are also eager to bring them home. They are also stuck in the process unable to get paperwork through. These children suffer day after day, waiting for a home. While governments play a game of chess , the children wait. Bring them home Mighty God, for your Glory and for the benefit of your Kingdom.
In Jesus' Name we pray.
Amen.
Surreal. That is how I describe the events of last week.
In Austin, Texas, Democracy. We celebrated the inauguration of Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Ceremonies, celebrations, brisket and a ball. The capitol of Texas rejoiced. The Governor entered under raised swords, honored for his win. Twitter , Facebook, and the television stations shared posts and pictures and stories of the days' events. Jeff and I went to the ball, and I felt like Cinderella.
In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, another capitol city across the ocean, on the same day, rioting broke out in the streets. In all, 42 people were killed. Because of the clash between the government and the people, the police and military fought with raised guns and riot gear. Internet connections were shut down. News was almost impossible to come by. Our children's orphanage lost power, had no running water, and the children could hear the gunshots from behind their barbed wire topped walls. The unease permeated the buildings; the adults who care for them sweated and worried as they ventured outside trying to find water.
This week feels quiet, until the next political ploy. This is a country whose citizens are fighting for democracy. They perceive a power grab from the president. It is a history lesson in the making. So while we celebrate the freedom of the vote--the result of a fair vote, they fight for the chance to keep their voices heard.
And in the mean time, hundreds of children wait. What do they know of democracy? What do they know of fairness? All they know deep in their hearts is that they want a family. The need a family. They are stuck not only in a political game of chess, but now, behind the front lines without weapons.
I confess, I am on unsteady ground with one foot--standing on uncertainty, but the other foot is firm. How can this be?
We do have weapons. Prayer. The full armor of God. Their weapon and ours is the protection of their Father.
"My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand." John 10:29.
And so, we pray, without ceasing, knowing that our Father who art in heaven is doing what only He can do. He alone will rescue these children.
LORD God,
We lift up the STUCK children in DRC today. United, our voices rise to your throne and ask for the rescue of the children. 235 children are ready, legally adopted with visas and passports, and parents waiting to bring them home. We pray for the other children who have parents who love them and are also eager to bring them home. They are also stuck in the process unable to get paperwork through. These children suffer day after day, waiting for a home. While governments play a game of chess , the children wait. Bring them home Mighty God, for your Glory and for the benefit of your Kingdom.
In Jesus' Name we pray.
Amen.