His name is Precious Mercy and he wore a navy blue shirt, navy blue shorts, and pink flip-flops.  He has big brown radiant eyes and a wide smile that warms your heart. I was instantly drawn to him that morning when I went to visit the orphans at Mercy Home on the Lekki Peninsula in Lagos, Nigeria. They all shared the same last name – Mercy. It was the name of their new home, and it gave them a sense of belonging and family.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew was that there was a motherless baby home tucked away in one of the peninsula communities and I wanted to see the babies.

I arrived to 12 orphans ranging in ages from about 17 all the way down to 5. They were hurdled in a small room that had been sectioned off into two little classrooms. On one end, they taught geography. On the other end, it was mathematics and writing.  This was summer school. They were on their summer break from a local private school which they attended through funds donated by an Anglican church. Next to the room was another that held bunk beds. That was their dormitory.

I met more of Precious’ brothers and sisters – Mary Mercy, Mosun Mercy, Samuel Mercy, and Essien Mercy. I met the Mercy’s that morning. I wondered how they all got there. Some had lost their parents. Some had been abandoned. The radiance that enveloped these children was evident.

We cart wheeled, we raced, and we jumped with reckless abandon.  At that moment, it felt oh so good to be alive despite their calamities.

To support Mercy Home, please contact me.