Every night, there are children who lay their heads down to sleep on the ground, children who curl up on old, dirty mattresses, children who sleep with multiple other children on small mattresses. Most children living in orphanages do not have even the smallest amount of space that belongs to them, a bed. Sleeping on a sagging or misshapen mattress adds tension to a child’s joints because their bodies rest on the mattress for hours at a time. These injuries to their bodies only make them weaker. Old mattresses or scraps of foam are breeding grounds for bed bugs and allergens that contribute to startling increases in respiratory diseases, including asthma as well as rhinitis, eczema and bed bug bites. When children continuously do not get enough sleep it affects their health, makes them tired during the day, hinders their ability to do well at school and leaves them more prone to disease. (Info from Sweet Sleep)
In Proverbs 3:24, we are promised: “When you lie down you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet.” That promise is not only for you and me, but also for these little ones. He loves them, He wants them to lay down at night knowing that they are loved and protected, that someone cared enough to ensure that they would have sweet sleep. My next few blog posts are going to be about a place in Rwanda that has completely captured my heart, the Noel Orphanage, which is home to over 600 children. Many of these children sleep 2 and 3 to a bed. Right now, Noel needs 50 new bunk beds for the girls and 20 new cots for the toddlers. Each bunk bed cost $135 and each toddler cot cost $65. Each bed comes with a life saving mosquito net and a bible. To donate a bed (or two of three!), go to: www.sweetsleep.org/donate/ In the comment section, enter the code: VORW11 or mention Noel Orphanage. You can skip the e-card section. After you donate, please message me with the amount so that I can keep track of our goal. Each of these beautiful faces deserve a clean, safe place to lay their heads. I know that we can do this and we will!
-Jenn
by Jenn
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