Earlier this week, I traveled to a village called Camp 4. I wrote previously about my experiences with the Mobile Medical Unit and a little girl named Rachel from this village. I met someone else that same day in Camp 4, and I can’t get him off my mind. His name is Lawrence.
About 3 months ago, at the Grove Church, 125 families committed to sponsoring orphans from several different orphanages throughout Africa and Haiti. My oldest daughter and I agreed to do this, and we selected a child randomly. We chose Lawrence. Our family felt called to support this child financially, but also through prayer. We pray for him consistently. We pray for food, clean water, medical attention, shelter, care, spiritual needs, and love.
A few weeks prior to departing for Liberia, I discovered that there was a chance we would travel to Lawrence’s village. Of course, we did, and I was able to meet him. He is a strong, healthy, good-looking boy who was shy at first, but warmed up quickly. He speaks an unusual dialect, so it was difficult to communicate…we managed. I gave him a picture of our family and told him stories about each of the kids. After our conversation, he took the picture to the sleeping room and put it next to his mattress.
After the Medical Unit closed for the day, we were taking pictures of the Medical Team and the orphanage staff. I heard a quiet voice behind me say, “Father Michael, father Michael”. It was Lawrence. The feeling was mutual…we wanted more time together. We took a couple pictures, and then it was time for me to leave. I had hoped to get back to see him later in the week, but we had too little time in Yekep’a for a second visit.
For now, we will continue to sponsor Lawrence, pray for him, write to him, and love him.
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