I have been following Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick’s blog journal this week over at the LPM Blog. She and several other bloggers are sharing their journeys to India as part of the Compassion bloggers’ trip. It has been an amazing journey for that team as shared through their posts – and we have been privileged to participate by praying and reading their blog. Of course, the best way we can participate is by sponsoring a child. My husband and I have been sponsoring a little boy since February. His name is Iduar and he lives in Colombia, South America.
The following excerpt from Melissa’s post just wore me out:
A six-month old infant lying alone on a bed in a shack without any supervision *for the entire day* since both his parents are out working daily labor jobs and living desperately from hand to mouth.
The reason I am so slain by that thought is of course the obvious: six-month old babies don’t stay alone for any length of time, much less an entire day.
And another reason is that our 8-month grandson is spending the night with us tonight! We have enjoyed every minute of his company and he has never ONCE been out of our arms. We’ve visited all the farm animals (chickens, cows, sheep, donkeys) and we watched as my Dad, (Zeke’s great-grandfather) worked in his beautiful vegetable garden. Six adults and one blessed little boy – his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all doting on his every action – laughter and joy abounding. 
My mind kept thinking about that 6 month old in a shack some- where alone because his parents had to do what they had to do to survive. I cannot wrap my mind around that.
One little boy here in the USA all tucked in tonight, sleeping in the very baby bed his father slept in – with a full tummy, smelling so sweet and clean, and rocked to sleep by his Gran Jan…
One little six-month old in India that was alone for a whole day – in filth, hungry, crying – oh God – why?
I say thank You Father for Your love, mercy, and grace to me and my family.
Mark 10:14 (Amplified Bible)
But when Jesus saw [it], He was indignant and pained and said to them, Allow the children to come to Me–do not forbid or prevent or hinder them–for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Please consider sponsoring a child – for $32 a month you can make a difference.
Blessings,
Gran Jan
India is hard to stomach sometimes, but a beautiful place to minister. The people are so full of love. I love being attacked by the children with love and kisses. The sadness you feel sometimes is counteracted with the amazement at the joy in those people’s hearts. I have cried reading er blog- she had an amazing experience.
Well hey Georgia Jan, my new siesta friend! Yes it was wonderful hearing Beth Moore speak yesterday and I can only imagine the fun and fellowship you had with her and Melissa! I am honored to have you stop by my blog because of course I remember reading about you on the LPM blog some months ago!! I have read your blog from time to time and am always blessed by it. It is a blessing to get to learn from the wisdom you have to offer!
Your grandson is just the cutest little guy and my heart ached as I pondered the contrast between him and the India babies that you wrote about. I’ve been having my kids read the Compassion blogger posts and they’ve been so moved by it that two of my daughters ended up sponsoring a little guy.
We must both have good taste in decorating since we have the same kitchen curtains! I was so glad when I found them. I’ll bet I’d love your kitchen too.
Blessings to you…and a very happy Mothers Day!
What a sweet post, sweet Jan. I think it’s safe to say that they shook us all up for the better. And now, what are we going to do about it?? Enjoy that sweet lil’ boy of yours. He surely is absolutely darling. Love on him!
Love you! Enjoy your week!
Lindsee
I agree! It breaks my heart to even think about it. I sponsor some children but I am grieved at the conditions so many children are living in.
We are really trying to cultivate gratitude and thankfulness in our 5 year old and in ourselves.
It is nice to meet you – you have a beautiful blog. : )
Julie
TEARS!!!!!!!!! Your thoughts have challenged me. I have been following Melissa as well but when you said this…HIT. ME. HARD.
Lord Help me break free of my selfishness and see how you see!
Jan,
I sat speechless the day I read this as well thinking how that little one needs the healing powers that simply comes from our fingers…to be touched and held.
I haven’t been able to tell a soul, but I feel compelled to tell you and so I’m sending an e-mail.
Thank you for encouraging others to give as we truly have wealth, and if one doesn’t see this, I pray that they do through Melissa’s writings.
Love,
Yolanda
It was that one comment of Melissa’s that stuck with me, too. I simply can’t make my mind go there, and yet, I must.
Love you Jan – I’ve only hugged you once, yet my heart is inexplicably intertwined with yours. Sounds like God to me. :o)
Melinda
What a stark contrast indeed, Gran Jan. I’ve been following Melissa’s posts with amazement too – the pictures in that same post also impacted me. As I saw what I thought were stuffed toys on the roofs, I thought what is a child young enough to have a stuffed animal doing on a roof? Then the reality: if a six month old baby is left alone for an entire day, there must be young children left alone too – unimaginable.
I asked both of my teens yesterday to read Melissa’s posts. Hearing her heart and seeing the pictures – it moves you to compassion and thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness in our own lives.
Yes, thank You sweet Lord for your extravagent mercy and grace and love.
Blessings to you dear Jan.