Agape Farms

I don't even know where to begin. And to be honest, I am not even going to try and begin to write about all the things I saw an experienced today. We spent today at Agape Farms, a group of orphanages/schools in Grabouw, a township in Capetown. While there we spent a large amount of time with disabled children. Most of these kids have cerebral palsy and cannot walk or talk. Many are happy, but many are in pain and suffer all day. I spent a lot of time with a boy named Marshall, who laid in the corner on a mat. His body was mangled from the disease and as I held his hand, I could see how twisted the bones in his arms were. At first, because of my carnality I felt so insecure and had no idea what to do or say. And then immedietely it hit me, I needed to pray for Marshall. As I sat there with him, the head of the orphanage was telling each childs story. When she got to Marshall she said, "This is Marshall, he is eighteen years old." EIGHTEEN? he looked as if he couldnt be more than eight!!! I was shocked. Turns out he has lived quite a hard life and is really not doing well. He continually gets bed sores and is in a lot of pain. Marshall stole my heart.

We then went over to the school where about 300 kids come each day. The children were having recess and as soon as we got there, they were running up to us, with such joyful expressions. Before I knew it, I was sitting on the ground and had about 8 of the most beautiful black little girls sitting in my lap, hugging me, and braiding my hair. They loved my hair, it was absolutely hilarious. More and more kept coming over tugging at my hair and giving me braids. They stole my heart

The heads of this program, Cherrod and Amy, have given their lives to these children. They have risked everything for the sake of the cross. They, a white couple with their children, moved into an all black township in the 90s while things were still very hostile. Many people wanted to kill them, but they knew they had God's protection. As I heard these stories of God's provision and protection I was blown away by their faith. I desire to have faith like that. To have faith that God will provide the money (which he did), to have faith that the well will be dug (which it was), to have faith this little 3 year old boy who was told he will never walk or talk will run around and praise Jesus (which he does), to have faith that no matter what God is in control. Listening to these testimonies gave me new hope and made me fall in love all over again with my Savior. He stole my heart.

I have so many more stories about this place and wish I could write about it all right now, however, due to time and not wanting to make this too long, I will just leave you with this glimpse of God's glory and power.

Humbled,

Kayla