Catching up

So once again it has been a few days. This week is going well so far, and I can't believe I only have three weeks left today. On Monday the house here at the toddler house became very crowded, because we have a total of 14 people here. There is only two bathrooms; so we are scheduling when we get our chance in there. There is a group of us girls here volunteering, which has been really fun and has been getting bigger. It has been interesting watching how everyone interacts, but there are so people that don't enjoy others as much. This has been challenging because I want to make sure everyone feels included, because it is hard enough coming to a unfamilar place, and then not feeling accepted, but with many different personalities it makes for an interesting experience. I have really enjoyed meeting people from all over the U.S.-I think I almost have connections in all of the states :) It has been really encouraging talking to other people/volunteers about our experiences, but I have also realized that we have had many different backgrounds. The one volunteer said she never felt like I judged her, even though she knows that I don't agree with some of her beliefs and actions. I say this to give the Lord praise for his work in my life, because I told her that if it was a few years ago it might have been different. I really do feel the Lord working in my life, and shining through me. I can't take this credit, because my human nature doesn't always line up with Christ's, but he is challening me and convicting me. It is easy to quickly label people, or get upset at others for wanting to do things different than we are use to, but really these things don't and shouldn't matter. What matters is loving God firstly, and loving his people. This should be easy, but it is a journey.

Yesterday we got to the main house and worked with our babies for an hour, and than Joyce came to get us to take us to the toddler house. The kids and nannies were having a pinata....which was so funny to watch. The kids loved it, and we were crowd control to help them wait until the whole thing was broken/open. They got a little excited a few times, but what do you expect out of 90 kids? The nannies were so funny...they each took thier turn to hit it, but boy when that thing opened...those ladies were scrambling after that candy and treats. Our jaws hurt from laughing, and the kids were cheering them on. The kids shared with each other, and made sure that everyone had something, which was a good lesson for everyone :) Afterwards we came back to the main house to work with our babies again.

My babies are doing well. It has been awesome to see them change and grow since I have been here. Ferlanson has filled out more, and his skin has gotten increasingly better. He is such a happy baby, and I love to walk into the nursery and see him beam and giggle when I smile at him. It makes my heart melt. I feel like my babies have been challenging to work with, but the more progress I see in them, the more rewarding it is. I feel like some of the volunteers have really clicked with all their babies, but I guess because I am here a little longer they gave me babies that need additional care. Today I was working with Daphnee' and I put her in a walker, and she took steps forward, which made me really excited. I clapped in excitment, and she looked at me and tried to imitate it. It was really special. Nadine is a little character, but she loves baths and walks. She loves one on one attention, and I enjoy our time together. Fanes, which is my sweetheart, has started to rock back and forth, and I am sure he will crawl soon. I am working with him on that, but it is hard to work with him when I love to hold and talk to him. The other babies are doing well, and the more time I spend with them the more I love to see them. I feel like they have opened up to me, and I have really enjoyed these moments with them.

Today we took 7 children to a psych appointment. The kids were well-behaved, and they were mesmorized by the passing traffic. The ride there and back was about a 2 hour trip.One of the roads were blocked so we had to turn around and go a different way, which made the trip longer. All but one of the kids fell asleep. We held the children, and were there carseats. Martha (a volunteer),Melissa and I watched the children as they went in one by one for their appointment. One of the children that came with us today was a 3 week old baby, and I don't think he weighed more than 5lbs. He was so adorable, and so tiny. These kids are doing well, and it is evident that the Lord has his hand in their lives, and is protecting the staff and volunteers.
We serve a good God. I have been reading a 5 week Journal based on poverty, prayer, and following God's calling. I have really enjoyed reading this while being here; being surrounded by poverty. It is hard to reconcile the fact of having so much, while being around so little. I have come to the understanding of what matters most is what are passions are, and how we can serve the Lord the best. It is our heart that matters, and how we use that to benefit others. It is not about feeling guilty, and giving and serving to charity becaus of those feelings, but really serving and giving because our heart is set on it, and because he has laid that on our hearts.

Okay, I should go. It is really warm tonight, and I need to move near a fan. I hope everyone is doing well. Much love. Thanks again for your continued prayers; it means a lot.