new homes, names& kisses!

Lumela!
On Tuesday afternoon, one of the girls from my house was able to go home with her adoptive parents! I had no idea she was leaving until a couple hours before her adoptive mother got here so it came as a bit of a surprise. After I found out, I went back to my house where I found her and my house mother getting all ready to go. We sat in silence for a bit while getting the little girl all prettied up in nice clothes until my house mother held up one of her shoes for me to see. In the sole of the shoe she had written, "I love you!" After that, we both lost it. We just sat crying for a bit and took turns cuddling the little girl. We were both so excited for the girl to meet her forever family but sad that our time with her was up. I was surprised how emotional I got since I had only known this girl for about a month.  The whole time of getting her ready, this little girl didn't quite know what was happening. Her normal personality is pretty loud and energetic, but the whole time she was very quite and still, almost like she knew something wasn't quite right. When she was all ready, Beautiful Gate's social worker came into let the house mom know that it was time to go. The house mom picked up the girl and headed out the door, walking by all the other kids, and brought her to meet her new mother. It was an emotional yet beautiful thing. That whole night I kept wondering....I wonder how she is doing? Is she adjusting okay? Is she going to sleep well tonight? It was interesting being on this side of the adoption process. I have been on the receiving side and have seen friends adopt, but this is the first time I have been involved in the process of preparing for the adoption instead of necessarily seeing the result. It is different, but good.

This week has also been one of small improvements with one child in particular that I have been working with. On Monday, this little boy SAID MY NAMMEEEEE!!! He doesn't speak a lot and when he does it is usually just babbling mumbling stuff that is probably in Sesotho. He has only said a few words and names that I have ever understood. That was probably like, the best day ever. On Tuesday, one of the kids had bumped their head on something and I was sitting and comforting them. This little boy came over and started rubbing his back to comfort him too. SO PRECIOUS! Wednesday, he gave me a kiss on the cheek! I had just walked in the door that morning and he came crawling over with his big smile. I picked him up and he gave me a big kiss! He is just too cute. :) On Thursday I noticed for the first time him folding his arms for prayer and on Friday I actually heard him sing a couple words of the prayer with the other kids. I love that I am here long enough to be able to see these kids grow and learn.

Here has been my verse for the week:
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him who we give account. " - Hebrews 4:13

At first, thinking about how the Lord sees EVERYTHING that goes on here on earth is a little frightening, at least for me. But really, I am so glad and blessed and humbled that God would care about what goes on down here. I mean there is a lot of trash going on, but he chooses to watch over us and love the people that do trashy things. I love that the Lord sees me here and sees what I go through every day and sees what I am feeling. It really is a relief since most of the time I don't even know what I am feeling. I love that he watches over all the children there and has a plan for each one of their lives that is bigger than I could ever dream for them. I also love that I can be confident that he is watching over and taking care of my loved ones at home so I don't have to worry about them. :) Its really great.

yup just a couple thoughts for the week. thanks again for all of your prayers and support!

peace and love.