Door of Hope!

Hi Everyone! Here are some pictures from my time so far here in Joburg. It has defintely been quite busy and at times a little overwhelming! I have learned to drive on the other side of the road and am getting to know these babies and how Door of Hope works. I feel like there is so much that I am just standing back, trying to to take it all in and make sense of it too....matter of fact, some things just don't make sense. I have learned so many stories of so many of the kids I see each day. It doesn't seem real that I am looking at this smilng face, and only 2 years ago they watched their father murder their mother and then try to kill him too. It doesn't seem right that there are these babies here that will never know their biological family and have been abandoned in a garbage can. Today a boy who is 3 was brought in to Baby House 1. I met his mother yesterday. His father died and his mother is dying and now he is here, with all new surroundings and nothing familiar. But as I held him today, I knew this was a family who made the best decision for their son, even though it was hardest. I got to go to what they call "adoptions" which is when they give a family their child. Thes families are usually from Norway, Sweden, Germany, Holland etc... It was an amazing experience to see the family receive their child. It was happy to know that this is the final point of Door of HOpe's ministry-to see the children get forever families!
So, I will tell you a bit about Door of Hope. Door of Hope has 3 orphanges over joburg. Baby House 1 is in Glenvista, which is where I am staying. It is a very nice area where you feel safe. I work here about once a week. The other 2 baby houses are right down town, where it is a far cry from safe. It is quite poor, but not like slums, although people do stand by random fires on the side of the road. I have a schedule, so on that particular day, I know what house I am at. I work from 7-5, and then come home. I usually feel very tired physically, but also emotionally. There are other volunteers and full time workers and we hang out together too. We share a kitchen too. Although, it can be quite quiet too. You defintely need them time to process everything and just be able to pray for these kids and for myself that I will make it another day!!! I would love to hear from you! I miss you all!
Love Jenn