Restoration has been in the Amani family since we started. Amani’s birth was possible because a church was hit by a hurricane. First Assembly of God, New Iberia LA was destroyed by hurricane Lily in 2002. All Star Restoration was chosen to rebuild it.
The broken and damaged church was restored into a beautiful place for lives to be healed and for worshiping God. It was because of a storm and this restoration that All Star was able to provide the finances for Amani’s beginning.
A building was found, it seemed only right it was a house that was old and needed much TLC. A place that had sat for years deteriorating, that many had passed thinking it was too much work to be worthwhile, but our restoration cycle had begun.
Hard Rock Quarry Ltd. who helped find the property wanted to take part into making it a place Amani has called home for the last 8 years. It’s one of the most beautiful homes in Jinja (it’s true, just ask anyone who has been here).
Now it was Amani’s turn to continue the restoration work. Local authorities, social workers, and families of these children entrusted us to help restore them. The last eight years about 275 babies have passed through our doors. So many lives physically healed, so much joy shared. The best part has been watching the restoration to their souls that is only possible through God.
Daniel was one of these when he came to us. His body was like one of the churches that had been through a storm, his spirit broken. He had been through so much at the age of 1. We always said he looked like an old man and it was with much joy to all at Amani to witness his restoration inside and out. The face that was wrinkled in worries transformed into one of the happiest babies in the home. He captured everyone’s heart with his crooked eyes and teeth that went so well with his comical personality. There was nothing better than being greeted by Dan with his fist out to yours for a Bonga (Uganda high five) and his goofy smile. Dan like all the others was not ours to keep and last year he went back to his extended family, more like a child than when he had arrived. In October we received news that he passed away from Malaria. It’s so painful to get news like this, So much love from that boy to so many, so many who loved him. We are grateful that God allowed us to be part of Daniel’s life, as short as it was. Daniel’s restoration is now complete, and while we don’t understand it, we will still trust. It may sound cheesy but I think Dan and his Bonga will be the first sight I want to see after meeting out God and Savior.
The Restoration continues… We purchased property at the end of October and yes, it needs restoration. We are excited about the renovation and building a new place for more broken bodies and souls to find healing.
This is our new home and one of our most broken little bodies at the moment. It is so beautiful to witness both our property and Joram’s physical transformation. We can’t wait to share the end results of both with ya’ll in the near future.
Joram's arrival October
Joram in November
Not only are we renovating, but also building. While there is much to do we have complete faith and trust that it will be provided for and finished in God’s timing. With funds many have given in the last two years, we were able to purchase and start on the building project. The new home will consist of three cottages for 12-14 children in each which is currently being built. The existing home on the property will have the infant nursery, clinic, school room, play room, kitchen, and offices. A second story will connect the cottages which will have an apartment and housing for volunteers. As you can see it is a BIG project. I (Danyne) am blessed to have contractors in the family: my Husband, Father, and Uncle (who should be here soon). It’s like having the Dream Team for building and restoring a place of refuge for these beautiful babies.
Cottage walls December 19, 2011
Our home has been such a blessing over the years and so much of that was because of many of you. We are very thankful for the family, organizations, churches, school groups, volunteers, and individuals that have put prayers, finances, sweat, time, and tears into making Amani a place of healing. Thank you so much for investing in Amani’s children. Please be praying for our future home, the babies that will be entrusted in our care, the staff, mamas, and volunteers.
In Amani, RESTORATION is a family business and the cycle continues.
