The cutest kids...

Let me tell you about some of the younger children here. We have four kids age two and under. One girl and three boys. The baby girl is named Jewel, she was born in May 30th 2010, and two hours after birth was dropped off here at the orphanage. She has such a precious face, and loves to be held. Her cry is so unique, and she usually lets us hear it when she is not being held. I have the privilege of being able to hold her each day, to walk around the small street with her, and sing her songs of how much she is loved by God and how beautiful she is. I know she understands me, because she smiles a lot. She is a very content little girl, as someone dear to me expressed, her name suits her well because she is such a treasure.
The baby is Joshua, his mother was doing drugs while pregnant with him. She stayed at the orphanage for 2 months trying to stay off drugs before delivering him. Once he was born, she hi-tailed it out of here and left baby Joshua to Tina, the house mother. He is an energetic little dude, and he crawls around everywhere, so we always need to have our eyes on him. I was just trying to coax him into walking towards me the other day. No luck, but I know he will be walking soon. He loves sticking his tongue out and making sounds... which I think is normal for most boys, haha. Both Joshua and Jewel have some wheezing in their lungs, we are keeping them well nourished, and praying that they both get better soon.
Samuel is about 19 months, he cry's and pouts a lot. I just try to always be smiling when I am around him, and sometimes it is contagious. When the kids are playing with toys, he wants to take them all so he swoops in to grab them, but we say no, and then he gets a little smack on the wrist. He has a very loud cry, especially when he does not get his way. It is amazing that children don't need to be taught to be selfish, it is just human nature. I think it is a very hard thing to grow out of, thinking about this just gave me a good laugh. When Samuel is in a good mood, he is really fun, and he can be pretty funny. I am still trying to figure him out though, haha. The oldest of the littlest ones is Kevin, I think he is almost two. He is Tina's nephew. I am not sure why she is raising him, but I know we pray for her family often so whatever the situation is, Kevin is better off here. He is a fun kid, he has a great little laugh and giggles a lot. Just don't take a toy from him and he will be happy throughout the day. Today when I got back from checking out some property with Tina and some of the older boys, Kevin ran up to my legs, grabbed them and gave me a big hug. I hugged him back, and then he let go, and gave me another big hug! If I had a tank to treasure chest to hold all of these precious moments in, it would be full already.

Thank you all for your support in keeping me here, and for your prayers of safety and health.

Blessings,

Richard Lawson
Psalms 16:11

The top photo is Jewel in the stroller on the beach.
The bottom photo is Timmy, Christian, Kevin and Samuel all getting ready to play at the beach. So cute eh?!