Last week I had the privilege of meeting the newest addition to the NEEMA Home. She showed up with a huge smile on her face. She is a 16 year old and was brought by her sister to come and live in the home. When I thought of being 16 and leaving my home to go live somewhere else, a smile was the farthest thing from my mind.Today when I arrived at the house, Lillian was sitting on the sofa in her new school uniform, watching the other girls work on their sewing projects. She greeted me with a smile as I kissed her cheek. Each time I looked at her today I was reminded that she is a precious life that was rescued.
Lillian lost both of her parents a few years ago and went to live with her grandmother. You would think this would be the best scenario for a child who just lost her parents. In her case, it was not. Lillian's grandmother began bringing men to the home to sell her for sex in order to make some money. I can't even imagine using one of your own grandchildren as a commodity. It is heart breaking to think of what this beautiful life has experienced since the loss of her parents. Eventually she left and went to live with her sister. For the past few months, her sister has been approaching Anne (the Transformed International social worker) and begging her to take Lillian in. Last week, Lillian was given an opportunity for a different future.
The smile on her face makes sense once you hear what she is leaving behind. I look forward to watching her story unfold as Lillian has an opportunity to have her heart restored. Please pray that she would know the love and grace of a God who loves her and created her. Pray that she would have hope to live a life of JOY. May her ashes be turned to beauty and her sorrow into rejoicing.
