Hope
It's been five months since RUJA was born. A sewing machine and a dream. There was no pressure. Nobody was depending on me. If I failed, The only person who would bear that burden was me.
I still sew backpacks and iPad covers on the same 1950's Singer sewing machine. I still have the same dream. But it feels like everything has changed.
RUJA is now responsible for five children.
Five children whose pasts are marked by abandonment, rape, and hunger. I want them to be free. I want them to be able to heal in a place where they feel safe and loved.
Robert and Milly take care of Jean, Betty, Rose, Alex and Joanna day in and day out. They are doing a fantastic job. Each of the children are deeply loved in a way that tangibly reflects Jesus. Every day they wake up and trust God to provide for their family.
Their home is a beautiful picture of the kingdom of God. Redemption fills every crack in the walls of that tiny house. Humility is apparent in every conversation. Hope just seems to stick to your soul like the red dust to your feet.
Last week some government officials came in to inspect the home where Robert and Milly live with the children. Along with running water and electricity that don't seem to work when you need them most, the property lacks the outside latrines and gate that are necessary to be granted a government required children's care order.
Without these necessary improvements the government will not allow the children to be registered to the care of Robert and Milly and could end up back in their previous situations, vulnerable to the the same violations they have already experienced.
We need to raise $1,000 in one week to move them into a house that has all the necessary requirements. We have known that a move was necessary for months but have not been able to come up with the money. Due to the timeline we have been given we cannot wait anymore. We must act now.
I wish you could meet them.
Then, you wouldn't feel guilt or obligation when I ask you to help me make this happen. You would feel privilege and joy for having the ability to help such beautiful people. You would tell your friends about how wonderful these kids were despite the horrible things they had been through. You would wonder aloud at the faith of the young couple who have given their lives to care for these children.