There’s an Africa art story I’ve been wanting to tell you.

We are still raising funds for Phase II of the baby rescue homes. You know, the ones in Uganda made of the same brick that sits on the window sill of my kitchen sink, reminding me everyday there is a world much bigger than my own that God loves.

Right now, when you donate money towards the rescue homes through World Help, you receive art from Africa. When I received mine, I cried. Then, I framed it myself.

The way the rescue art worked out wasn’t the original plan.

The bloggers team, before we ever stepped foot on Africa soil, came up with the idea to have the children from Destiny Village of Hope, the same place the rescue homes are being built, create original art — canvas paintings we would be able to auction to help fund the baby rescue homes.

We planned and collaborated as a team leading up to the trip. Once we figured out the what, when, where, and how of the project, the canvas rolls, paint trays and brushes were ordered, and brought over to Africa with us.

The first full day in Uganda, was also our day to make art. Each member of the team had a part in helping to make it happen, and it did happen. The children came, and they painted beautifully.

As I paced over the dusty floor that day, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of these children held a paintbrush in their hands for the first time. What were they thinking while they were on their knees, with each stroke upon the canvas, bringing into full color what image they imagined in their mind? Were they inspired? Were artist hearts awakened?

Their art was most certainly worthy of framing.

I thought about God as Creator, the Master Artist, and about these children He created in His image, each uniquely designed. What plans does He have for them? Good ones. Where would they be if they were not there in the safe place of refuge being cared for, fed, educated, discipled?

I couldn’t believe it was really happening. I recalled the times I imagined this moment, calling out to God the months and weeks leading up to this day, praying that His hand of blessing would be on our efforts to create art with the Ugandan orphans. It was in those prayer times this project — these children — became part of my heart and soul.

This art has a purpose to save lives. I imagined parts of the canvas stretched over frames hanging on walls in peoples homes all over the country, because we made art with the children, so the art could help build homes.

But that’s not how the story ended.

The art never made it back to the United States. The rolls of canvas were in a bag that left our hands when we boarded the plane in Kampala, Uganda headed to Kigali, Rwanda…and we haven’t seen them since.

They were most likely, stolen.

Missing? Stolen? Lost? Whatever happened, we don’t have them.

And, my heart is sorely disappointed.

I know God is able to work all things together for good, but sometimes I wonder why it seems like He takes the long way around.

I don’t understand, but there’s a difference between trusting and understanding. I’m learning to trust God fully, even when I don’t understand His ways.

God’s ways and thoughts are higher than mine.

Perhaps while we are focused on what is happening to us, God is focusing on what is happening in us. I just need to trust His ways.

The heart and the flower, painted by two beautiful African girls, became everyone’s favorite. I wanted a picture of it. So, I leveled my iPhone for a bird’s eye view. I stood on my tip-toes, took several shots until I was satisfied that camera captured the true likeness of this painting — with a small child’s hand perfectly placed.

I never imagined it would end up being all we had. This picture quality was good enough to be printed and become the rescue art. It’s what we have to give you when you give.

I still have hope the art will turn up. With God, nothing is impossible. I don’t understand why it happened this way, but I’ve decided I’m fully trusting that God is still able to turn this around for good. That He can take our version of loaves and fishes and bless it enough to fully fund a baby rescue home.

I was near done with this post when I stumbled upon this last picture. We were done painting, when I took it. All the paint trays were picked up. The rest of the children ran off to play, and a little boy lingered long to paint over the colors on the last of the the four painted canvases, “GOD IS GOOD.”

When he did it, reluctantly I admit I was disappointed, because with words painted straight across, it became a banner. We could not cut the long roll into individual art pieces to frame.

Tonight, I thanked the Lord for it. What this little boy wrote became a word from God for me. God knows I’m heartbroken, but He is still enough.

I wish I could go back and find that boy. I’d pull him in close, and after a long embrace, I’d look into his eyes and tell him, “Thank you for your big faith and bravery to stay behind when your friends left. Thank you for writing these words of praise about our God, because while in America sitting on my writing room floor lamenting the loss, while struggling to tell others the story about the art, you have encouraged my heart, and reminded me — no matter what, God is still good.”

 #RescueArt | World Help
Any gift amount: Digital print proof will be emailed to you within 24 hours of your gift.
A gift of $25+: Original 8 x 10 print*. Frame not included.
A gift of $50+: Original 16 x 20 print*. Frame not included.
A gift of $150+: Original 16 x 20 print matted and set in a 20 x 24 frame*

Click HERE to donate. *Free ground shipping on artwork

 

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I’m still trusting, taking God at His word…”God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Ephesians 3:20 MSG