moments I will not forget – Praying with Victor

I think Victor is a REALLY special kid. He seems to capture the heart of every volunteer who visits Hananasif.

It was actually Victor’s older brother Damas who was the first person I met from Hananasif, other than Hezekia. Damas came to Hananasif first and Victor was still at home with their grandmother I believe. Victor was really sad when Damas left to go to school at Hananasif Academy. Damas told me that Victor begged him to take him with him and so Damas approached Hezekia and Mama and asked if they would take Victor in also. They said yes. When I was there in 2008, Victor was the youngest child at the orphanage, other than Hezekia’s two youngest children.

Damas and Victor

I am really admire the way Damas loves and makes sacrifices to care for Victor. It really is beautiful.

Victor had more muscles than any other 5-7 year old I have ever known. He loves to show off his muscles and he loves to arm wrestle. He was an attention grabber some days – showing off his muscles and doing his little dances. Other days though, he would really be down and on those days it was often hard to get him to smile or play. But, I found out arm wrestling could cheer him up, at least sometimes. He loves it! And I am amused by that. He could beat almost all the other younger boys, even ones that were 5 years or more older than him. There were a few times I would see him get down and do sets of push ups. He is so strong.

Although, he is young and speaks very little English, so we would communicate in Swhaili – I am convinced he really loves Jesus. He would really pray hard during worship times and then one night – I will never forget this. We prayed together on the front steps of the orphanage. I prayed for him in English and he fervently prayed for me in Swahili and it was a lengthy prayer. It was such a precious moment. I will always have a special place in my heart for him and will remember that night of praying with him on the steps.

I can’t wait to pray with Victor again. I pray for him often, but oh how sweet it will be to pray over him in person and to have him pray for me. And I’m excited to arm wrestle with him again.

This was my attempt at a picture with Victor. It was often hard to get pictures with just one or two of the kids, because they all wanted to join. So, here is me, Victor, Samwelli, Sunday, Abdalla, and Hussein.

My friend Amy spent 6 months at Hananasif in 2008/2009. She wrote a blog entry entitled: Victor.
You can read about her connection to Victor here.

Pray for Victor as he has had some recent struggles with his health. Pray for complete healing and restoration of his strength.