WHEN WORDS FAIL

MELANA - GRACE

Today was unusual in many ways. We headed out early morning to Orlovka and Emma was dropped off to conduct an English lesson; we then went to Argula's so John could say good bye (he leaves Kyrgyzstan on Monday); then went on to the orphanage at Orlovka and gave "stuffies" (as my grand children in British Columbia call them) to the little girls and great little hot wheels to the little boys. We played in the yard with them for a while and then headed to Kemin Senior Home. We took over men's clothing which was left behind by our Canadian team for this purpose. We visited and shared with them and gave them our love.

They were wanting to talk about the crisis and Alexy was the most talkative about this. He was very sad of the happenings. Anatolie said he had prayed for the team, not knowing if we were staying in Bishkek or somewhere else. He was glad to see us arrive. They all asked about our team. Rya just laughed when I mentioned Corrie's name. And ALL wanted to know about Casaundra!

From there we headed toward Iskra to see the men at the home for disabled. We were stopped by Larissa and told not to go - the area was not safe for us and in addition there had been some bad scenes in the men's home. This broke our hearts, but we agreed to listen to her advice.

So we headed back to Tokmok and decided to go see the completed work at the baby hospital. The new floor was down and they called to tell us we could come to see the results. We went over with John, Emma, and Vlady. What a beautiful job. Now, there are two hospitals with new floors and we are so excited to see this progress with those hospitals. Then the day changed.

The doctor took us over to the new baby ward - to see a baby who was born five days ago. Her mother was 15 years old. She did not want her baby and had no family supports to help her or to take care of this little girl. The doctor picked her up and handed her to me. So tiny, so alone. In the next bed was another baby and he had a mother - his name is Allie. She sat lovingly with him. Then there was the little girl - alone, quiet, asleep. In my arms I could feel she was wet, there was no one to change her. She was swaddled and warm, beautiful brown skin, soft to touch. She responded to my cuddle with her - something she will not get much of. This little girl was nameless. Then the doctor said to me. YOU CAN NAME HER.

How does one respond to such an important responsibility? With tears and pain in my heart, I just looked into her face. She is beautiful. The doctor repeated her words, you can name her. I could not respond as this was much too important of a responsibility. Finally, I asked what the name in Russian was for Grace. It is Melana. I then gave her a name - she is Melana - for my prayer for her is Grace and Mercy dear Lord. April 5, 2010, Melana Grace was born. April 10, 2010, Melana Grace received a name. I just praise God He knew her name before she entered the world. We will follow Melana Grace, she is burned into our hearts.