Keeping the faith

I'm often asked, “why Ecuador”?

Another relevant question could also be, “why volunteer/work in an orphanage?”

It may seem strange to many.

I've lived a privileged existence, having had a quality education, working in many different industries, and being able to pursue hobbies and interests in my spare time. I've not lacked anything.

It is for this reason that Luke 12:48-49 resonates strongly with me.

God has gifted me with talents and skills, and I am to use these gifts in service to others.

To do otherwise would be a waste.

Through volunteering, I've met the most kind and generous people, who give their time and energy for their reward in Heaven, rather than any form of material gain.

I have found Matthew 6:24-25 to be true.

Another one of my favourite verses is James 1:27 when I first stumbled across it.

It pretty much sealed the deal with orphanages for me.

These are the reasons why I find myself returning to For His Children in Ecuador, which has struggled for financial support in the past 2 years. I find it no coincidence that God allowed me to work in fundraising and philanthropy during that time...

Instead of facing a computer screen each day, I find myself dealing with children.

Ricky Ricardo and Joshua, messy eaters both. They like to get their hands dirty in the mud, ask you to wash their hands for them, only for them to get dirty in the mud again.

Jose Luis, who two years ago couldn't walk on his own (he needed a tripod walker), but now can stand up on his own two feet and likes to dance in a pair.

The older ones show some maturity (Lisseth will sweep the floor, Rossita will help Jose-Luis sit down on a chair) whilst the younger ones all struggle with sharing toys.

I found out the hard way that you can't keep children still for long. When the children had to be confined to their room upstairs whilst cleaning took place, Carlos was good enough to bring some books for the other kids to share...only later to join them in ripping them up and tossing the pieces of paper into the air...

The other day, Zaccharias fell down with his wheelchair, after I left him there to help someone else. Thank God he didn't crack his head open! His brain could have haemmoraged and it would have been my fault. I would have failed in the simple duty to which I had been entrusted – to look after these children.

It's at times like these that I wonder, “what am I doing here?”

When I lose control of the kids, or something goes wrong, I ask myself, “who am I to look after these children?”

My Spanish isn't good enough. It would be much easier for me to pack my bags and leave.

The excuses just pile up...

But at the moment, these kids need me. Besides Alfredo, the security guard, I am the only other male on the compound. These kids need to be nurtured. Taught how to grow up the right way.

How can I be a father figure or role model to these kids when I don't have any children of my own?

I came here at a time when I felt like I was losing my faith...

I don't feel like a success story. I've never held a full-time job longer than 2 years.

What makes me think that I will succeed here?

This is where faith steps in. It is faith that has brought me here, and it will be faith that sustains me.