Orphans have a different story in Japan. Not all of them have lost their parents. In fact, many have parents, but they can’t afford to take care of their children until they reach a certain age, so they place them in an orphanage to have care from loving workers. Others are there because they have a disability. Japanese heritage and ancestry is of utmost importance. Children must respect and honor their parents and elders. So parents will not relinquish rights of healthy children because they desire their children to help them in the future. But, if there is something “wrong” with them, THEN they will give them up.
Because Japan is a first world country, the orphanages have everything they need: Food, clothes, schools, supplies and amazing workers who love the children. So how can we help them? Some hold babies, but many groups give the children a chance to play and see things they normally wouldn’t see. Enter Barrett’s COMREL.
Barrett had a chance to lead a COMREL (community relations project) yesterday with one of the local orphanages. About 30 Marines came to help as well and me and Annabelle. It was held at Camp Kinser, a Marine base on island. Barrett’s Marines are from Supply company so the children began their journey in a HUGE warehouse. The Marines showed them how they find pieces among the thousands of turn style baskets. Then there was a massive game of blob tag. Muscled Marines chased screaming children only to have them tagged and turn their screams to giggles as they now held hands with each other while they chased their friends. Pretty sweet.
After that, we went to a museum on base that showcased memorabilia from the war of Okinawa. It had guns, flamethrowers, grenades, uniforms, toy Marines, pictures, letters written by Marines, flags, and stories. I felt kind of awkward as many Okinawan’s and Japanese died on this island and the feelings toward Americans are not always friendly. Yet, the Marines loved it and children of all countries seem to enjoy war stuff.
Then off to eat in the chow hall where Marines latched onto a child to get them food and eat with them. One booth displayed four huge Marines chatting and playing with a tiny five-year-old boy. I can’t tell you the sweetness of that picture.
After we filled them with pancakes, fruit loops, and slushies, they had an hour to bowl. The six lane bowling ally was splashed in disco lighting and filled with the sounds of laughter…a language recognized by all. It was a joy to see everyone involved.
Finally, on a mom note. I didn’t know how Annabelle would react, yet Barrett and I desire for her to serve. Although she interacts with Marines at a mid week Bible Study, I didn’t know if she would be overwhelmed being around so many big Marines and Japanese Orphans. There were moments of tantrums, but by the end, she was high fiving everyone, on the shoulders of Marines, and hugging the many children there. At one point, four children, including her, were focused on one iPhone game. Hilarious!
We are not allowed to share the gospel verbally on these trips, but they saw James 1:27 (true and undefiled religion is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress) in real life. I saw how much the workers appreciated the effort that Barrett put in to making that time a success. Doing work to the glory of God astounds people. Relationships are forged, memories are made, and questions are asked. Annabelle made inroads into young children’s lives as well as bulky Marines and realized she is not the center of the universe. Young orphans taught all of us how to love and appreciate life. And Marines realized how much joy serving can bring. We praise the Lord for giving us this opportunity and are humbled at how tag, chow, and bowling bring glory to God. Please continue to pray for these Marines and orphans.