My hands will be empty, but my heart will be full

This is my group photo. These are the precious eight children that I have been working with these past two months. I was getting very anxious to come home, but this past week it hit me how much I am going to really miss these children. I feel like I was numb to a lot of the conditions these children live/lived in until recently. I know these children will get other volunteers once I leave, but it is hard to think about that, because I feel like I have grown to know them so well; like if they love snacks, walks, baths, and how to get them motivated or to get them to smile. I have fallen in love with these kids, and they have touched my life so much. I realized I have become so proud of their accomplishments, and have wanted all the other volunteers to see what they have done. I have really been challenged with Daphne', because it seemed like she was very unmotivated to walk or make eye-contact. This week I have seen much improvements. The other volunteers and I smile at her crawling, because she looks like a giant. She is almost three years old, and still crawls everywhere. Anyhow, yesterday I was trying to get her to walk to me, because i have been putting her in a walker, and bribing her with food; which has been working well. Well, yesterday she took around 15 steps, and she was so proud of herself. She had a big smile on her face, and I was speechless. I was so excited, because it just showed me once again how love can motivate these children, and with love they will develop at a normal rate. Love is a powerful thing, and these kids need it, and thrive for it. The same Love we need to show to our father.

There is a family/team here from Alabama, and the one couple has adopted three children; one from GLA. They are an amazing family, and have shown us once again the amazingness of adoption. The family made arrangements for their daughter to meet her biological family when they were here serving. Thursday she got to meet them, and I got to watch their interaction. It gave me such goosebumps, because it was such an amazing reunion to watch. The biological family was excited to see their 14 year old daughter growing up and living in a Christian home. The adoptive family thanked them so much, and felt guilty for getting the joy of their daughter. The biological family said they would want it no other way, and assured them they pray for them everyday, and are blessed to have their daughter in their home. It was amazing, and it shows how God orchestrates the perfect families for the childrens needs.

I believe I mentioned that this past Sunday a baby arrived that was a few hours old. The family was coming almost daily to visit her to see how she was growing. They were planning on keeping their child, but they didn't have the medical needs for their tiny 2lb baby. Well with the conditions available in Haiti...the little baby went to be with the Lord yesterday morning. It was really sad to think of the loss this family felt. Many parents feel a loss when they drop off their child, but they know that they will be given a much better life than they could provide, but in this case...they lost her on this earth.

This past week has been really good, but went really fast. I have experienced such a joy and peace this week, and last night I was cradeling two of my babies in my arms as it got dark, and God's grace filled me up. It has been such a transforming time here, and I will miss the people and the babies. I wouldn't have traded this time for anything, and these babies have given me such hope and love in return.

Last night was movie night with the older kids at the toddler house. It has been really fun getting to know them as well. It melted my heart when i walked into the room last night to watch the movie with them, and they were all calling out my name, and wanting me to sit with them. They are precious, and I have loved being able to tuck them into bed at night with a kiss. They radiant with love and with anticpation for their future families to give them hugs and kisses...and not just at night.
Today we are working with the kids without volunteers, and tomorrow we hope to make the best out of our last sunday. We may go to the waterfall again or explore something after house church. We will see!

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers during this time. It has been challenging at times, but I have made it through with God's strength. I would appreciate prayers for strength as I say good-bye and for safe travels on Wednesday. I am not sure if I will get the chance to blog again before I leave.
Thanks! Blessings