Revolving Door of Respite

Sometimes it seems like Beautiful Gate is a revolving door.

Today there was a reunification of a child that we had admitted just last week.
Often it happens that we get a new child and in the same week or two, we discharge that same child or another child.
We also meet new volunteers on a regular basis and after several months or more we have to say goodbye.
Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the comings and goings at BG!



Some of my thoughts about the children and the revolving door.....

It is good that we are a revolving door. It means we are a place one can come to, the door is always open. We are a safe place for vulnerable children in difficult situations. We provide a warm, loving home and food and clothing for these precious children.

There are those who are abandoned; left outside in the mountains between the rocks, or discarded in latrines.
There are those whose parents or relatives bring them to the police because they cannot care for the child any longer.
It is not unheard of for a mother to die during childbirth and the father brings the child to us because he cannot care for such a small child.

Some fathers or relatives say they will come and get the child when he or she is older. Some fathers visit and eventually take the child home. Some fathers never come back.
Some mothers are not fit after giving birth so Beautiful Gate cares for the child until the mother is well and/or has enough money to provide for the child.

We are blessed to be a safe "holding" place for these children.
It is good that we are here to provide care for children of families who are in hard times.

A revolving door means children are not just coming, but also leaving. We celebrate when adoptions happen. We celebrate when good and healthy reunifications happen.
Like todays reunification....
The mother had entrusted her child with a friend while she was away. The friend misunderstood and brought the child to the police after many days wondering where the mother was. The police brought the child to us and we then ended up caring for the child for 7 days. The mother of the child was found and we reunited them today! The mother was so thankful and tears flowed. The child had tears too! This was a beautiful reunification!

And tomorrow we are holding an adoption ceremony!
We are thankful that our door opens in the direction of children leaving as well as coming!

We praise God that we are a revolving door. A place of safety and love until the child is adopted into a forever family or a child is reunited with their family.

Each child has a story and quite a journey in their short lives.

Picture board of all 70 of our precious children

Since Beautiful Gate opened in 2001, over 400 children have come through our revolving door.
Praise God for this beautiful place of respite!

Respite: a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.