A picture. A snapshot. A perfect moment caught forever in a photograph.
I wasn’t even aware it was being taken.
Me, surrounded by kids, being embraced.
An innocent, perfect picture that breaks my heart.
I love these kids.
I love these kids more than words can describe.
I’ve only known them for 2 weeks. Brief encounters. They’ve stolen my heart.
This photo moves me to tears.
I’m not ready to leave them.
I still have 3 weeks, but it doesn’t feel like enough time.
I knew when I signed up for this that I was signing up for “hellos”.
I never realized how many and how hard “goodbyes” could be.
This perfect moment caught on film, printed and tucked safely into my Bible.
This picture… is one of the happiest moments of my life.
Such a small thing represents so much.
The connection I have with these kids and the love I have for them is abundant and pure.
It’s Christ’s love… it’s perfect.
After we leave this country I may never see these kids again, but they have made their mark on my heart.
Christ has shown me what He wants for me.
He has called me to love the ones who are hard to love.
He has called me to love those who are facing real struggle and pain and to help them.
He has called me to open my heart and allow His love to pour out.
I cannot get over how absolutely incredible our God is.
My heart cries out for these people.
Who knew that my heart could be so full of love yet so broken at the same time?
God is using me for some pretty amazing things.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is real-life and not just a dream.
I have to live day by day, embracing and taking in every moment.
Because before I know it, May will be here and I’ll be on a plane back to the US and then back to Missouri.
So many people are broken and lost.
These people have my heart.
These people are in real need.
These people need hope.
These people need love.
These people… They need Jesus.
God is calling me to bring Him to them.
God is calling me to jump out of my comfort zone.
God is calling me to shine His light.
I want the world to know His love.
His hope.
His mighty power.
4 months is simply not enough.
A lifetime would not be enough.
But it’s all that I have.
I have given my life to God, to serve Him however I can.
That’s good enough for Him.
That’s all that matters.
