A day of firsts

We arrived at our Airbnb last night approximately 6 pm and were greeted by some of the most accommodating hosts we've ever met (As a side note, if you're looking for a place to stay while in Johannesburg let us know and we'll put you in touch).

The night started off a little rocky- our hosts welcomed us into their personal residence for a cup a tea and we reciprocated the gesture with our three year old vomiting on their kitchen floor, such is life with kids. After a quick clean-up we had a wonderful visit before leaving in an attempt to get some rest. Bedtime was equally rocky, the kids were wound up and bouncing off the walls. The ten hour time change didn't help much either. Three hours and a few rounds of musical beds later we were able to get some much needed rest.

We awoke this morning to the sound of thunder and a beautiful lightening storm. The storm faded late morning and turned into a light rain as we set out to Ethembeni Children's Home to meet our daughter for the first time.

Exterior of Ethembeni Children's Home

Ethembeni is a ministry of the Salvation Army and all children in their care are dedicated to the Lord and taught about Jesus.

Nelson Mandela, the impact he's made and the legacy he's left is evident throughout Johannesburg including at Ethembeni Children's Home. 

Aside from well visits, it's rare that children have an opportunity to leave the premises. Free time is often spent playing at this playground located within the walls of Ethembeni.

Nomathemba's bed- It's empty tonight but will soon be home to another child waiting for their family.

This picture was taken within moments of meeting Nomathemba, our first as a forever family.

The care package we mailed Nomathemba was lost in transit. Luckily Jenna brought her a baby doll which she LOVES!

Jenna, Nomathemba and one of the amazing caregiver's at Ethembeni.

Nomathemba's bond with Jenna was instantaneous. There's no doubt in our minds that the Lord handpicked her for our family. Likely overwhelmed by all the new experiences and faces today, she quickly fell asleep in Jenna's arms on the way back to our Airbnb.

We're unable to shown her face but she gave us a glimpse of her beautiful smile during story time. 

A few closing thoughts...

As you can imagine, today was an emotional day for our family. So many great memories that we'll never forget. That said, it was also the first time our family experienced the orphan crisis first hand. Walking through the orphanage this afternoon I was reflecting on a quote from a book I recently read:

"We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes." -David Platt, “Radical”

Ethembeni houses approximately sixty kids, a drop in the bucket given the 3.7 million orphaned children. And that's just South Africa. It's easy to get lost, even overwhelmed by the numbers. They're staggering. But seeing their faces first hand brings it all into perspective-  Every number represents a soul. Each soul has a name. Each name has a story to tell.

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." -Isaiah 1:17

Goodnight from Johannesburg,

The McCawleys