Joy

I talked to my kids on Skype today. It was the best 30 minutes ever. Hearing their little voices was so emotional and so wonderful. I, of course, got off the phone and cried.

Cried because I was so overcome with joy.

Cried because I miss them.

Cried because I love them so much and want so desperately to be with them.

Cried because this disease is supposed to be killing them one day at a time, but instead God has filled them with so much energy and life.

Cried because God is so good, and I'm so blessed to be a part of the bigger picture.

When did this happen, and why did he choose me? I'm so broken and sinful and need his grace just like everyone else. And somehow part of His plan was for me to be let in on these wonderful things He is doing halfway across the world. An AIDS orphanage is supposed to be a sad, horrendous place where children go to suffer and die and people turn away their eyes because they can't bear to see the injustice of it all. But instead it's this place of life and of hope, and I am so honored to have been a part of it.

I am so humbled. And so grateful. God is worthy of all the praise and glory.

Skype Date

Tomorrow morning I am using Skype to call the kids in the Main House at Lighthouse (Annah, Dineo, Mary, Lewis, and Mpho)! I couldn't even talk about it today without getting choked up. I just hope that I can sleep tonight! I will be sure to update again after I talk to them.

Nay Nay

All day today I've been thinking of little Reneilwe who is celebrating her 3rd birthday today over in South Africa. My very first day in the toddler room, she ran up to me and motioned to be picked up. I knew in that moment that I was going to love that place.
















Another special moment I shared with Reneilwe was a day that she wasn't feeling well. I found her in the toddler room curled up on a blanket in the middle of a room of loud active toddlers. I could tell by the look in her eyes that she wasn't just looking for attention. I picked her up and sat down in a chair in a corner away from the other kids and just rocked her until she fell asleep. I then explained to the caregivers that she was sick and wouldn't be joining the other kids for lunch, that she needed to rest.
















Every Friday Reneilwe's father would come to get her at the shelter. She was always so excited to see him. We would explain to the kids that "Nay Nay" (as they all call her) was going to see her family until Sunday. All the 2 and 3 year olds would wave and yell, "Bye Nay Nay!!" It was so adorable!





















I think just recently Reneilwe went back to her family permanently. I'm really happy for them that they are financially able to do so and happy for her because I know that she loves being with them. If you have a minute, say a prayer for Reneilwe and her family as they celebrate her birthday.

Missing you, Nay Nay. Happy Birthday, precious girl.