Clothes, Clothes, and More Clothes

 

God is ever so gracious in providing for our every need. Lately we have been inventorying what the children at the orphanage currently have and what they need. They get a “new” pair of tennis shoes each year, and usually have the opportunity to trade clothes that are so full of holes they can no longer wear, for donated items that are in a bit better condition. Each of the children needed new shoes, since their old ones are pretty worn out (filled with holes), a warm winter coat, gloves, and a couple of tops and bottoms. The children already live above what is customary in the village, but because they are still a part of the community, we don’t want them to be too high above standards with clothing, shoes, food, etc. They each have 2-3 play outfits and 1-2 good outfits. Usually they will trade a couple of their worn play clothes for new ones and the use their worn good clothes for play clothes. Some of the children have harder time giving up clothing, but if the clothes are still wearable, we redistribute them in the community so by giving up clothes they are helping out other children who are in need.

That being said, a couple weeks ago, we got word from a missionary contact in town informing us that a huge donation came in from the states. Once they had pulled everything they needed for the orphanages they support, they had a lot of leftover shoes and clothes. We stopped by the next time we were in the area and were surprised to find a pair of shoes that would fit each of the children in our orphanage, as well as, a pair of gloves and new clothes for them and the babies. We were just about to send shoe sizes to a team that will be coming this summer, but God obviously has other plans. Since we were able to get shoes for the children, the teams can focus on bringing other things to help out the children, the school, the house mommies, and the orphans in the community.

In addition to the recent donations we received, we have several containers full of clothing that teams have left  behind or brought for the children and adults. I was lucky enough to get the task of organizing all the clothes and taking a brief inventory of what we have. I was stuck in the front room of the house for a couple days going through everything that we have and making piles for girls, boys, men, and women. From the clothes we had, the children at the orphanage have all received “new” clothes and shoes for the next year. We also just compiled a list of all the children we help out in the community so that we can distribute the rest of the donations that we have.

Praise God! He has provided for everyone that he has given us to take care of :o)

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:30-33