Saying Goodbye

The heart that God has given to us is truly a beautiful thing. It has the capacity to love very deeply and to give itself away, sometimes without even realizing it. God has created our hearts with the ability to expand to meet the need at hand. When I came on this trip to Bolivia, I knew I would love being here but honestly I really wanted to be back in Zambia. Those plans hadn't worked out and now I'm so grateful that God had a better plan. If you had asked me a few weeks ago if I was ready to be back in the states, I would have said yes!, but not today. Today I had to say goodbye to 34 beautiful, fun, special girls who have stolen my heart. The tears are flowing as I write this because I realize how much I will miss them and how much they have come into my heart. I'm learning more and more how the Lord expands our hearts and gives us the ability to give parts of it away as people touch our lives. Part of my heart is at home in Texas, part in the Middle East, part of it is in Zambia, and now part is in Bolivia. My heart has found so much joy in each of these places as I come to experience new things and meet new people and my heart has ached in everyone of these places as I have had to say goodbye. As I said goodbye to each of the girls today, felt their arms around me, felt their sweet kisses, and saw their tears, my heart broke a little and yet was filled with thankfulness to a Father who cares so deeply for them and isn't going to leave them or forsake them. My heart was also filled with gratefulness for the opportunity to travel to a new places and experience life in a new culture. Today was a holiday called Friendship Day and as the girls went around, naming one friend who meant a lot to them and why, I began to realize what a wonderful "family" God has given these girls in this home. I'm thankful they have a safe place to stay, food to eat, and people who point them to the Lord. Through my tears and aching heart I thank the Lord for these sweet girls and for allowing our paths to run side by side for this month and for the precious memories we all share. I hope, Lord willing, to return someday. Thank you all for your prayers and support while I have been gone. Please continue to keep the girls and those who care for them in your prayers.

Love and blessings from Santa Cruz!