Betty

Yesterday, we visited three orphanages and attended a crusade in the village where we have been working. (My back was thankful for this decision.) I loved seeing the other orphanages. It gives me perspective on the one that I first saw. I'm not a fan of the first one -- the others "appear" nicer.

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We visited an orphanage in Kampala that we think might be run by the Catholic church (although some of the images around the place confused me). The sweet woman social worker showed us around and introduced us to the kids. All of them were so happy and the workers smiled and joked and laughed at us. (Yes, AT us. Ha)

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Dwight's oldest daughter is interested in adopting from Uganda, so Dwight and I started asking the woman in charge about two-year-olds that are available for adoption. In that process, a sweet little girl, Elizabeth ("Betty"), came over. She appeared to be nearing two or so and I asked about her. The woman said, "Oh, she's available, but she's positive." HIV positive? Yep. As the woman turned to walk away, knowing we would not be interested in Betty, something happened in my heart.

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After visiting with the children for a while, we went to another room where the woman could talk with us. She told us their adoption process and that we can use the attorney of our choice (this is key). I asked her about single women adopting and she said that would be fine, but same sex only. (Despite the fact that I have Seth....). Then I asked her if she would allow me to adopt Betty. The look on her face was something. It was as if she couldn't believe her ears. She jumped up and got her file and showed me the pictures of when she arrived. She was found by a busy, busy road at three days old. She has been in the orphanage for 18 months. She was diagnosed as HIV positive at 8 months old and has been on medicine since then.

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Sigh. Pray for me, ok? I'm not sure I can leave little Elizabeth here. No one wants the HIV positive babies. We all (self included) want the healthy, happy boys and girls I've been playing with all week. But God intends ALL children to have parents. Even sick little Betty. I'm going to beg Dwight to be allowed to go back to the orphanage tomorrow so I can spent more time with Betty and Paul (a little guy that Dwight's Abi just might love...) and pray and think and talk. It's Thursday, we leave Sunday. All is well. Much love.

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path's straight."