coming and going.

Heyyy. Two days ago when I was thinking about what I should blog about I couldn't really think of anything. Then yesterday happened. Now I have a lot to blog about. Here we go.

Thursday morning I started my day with prayer as I always do. I prayed that the Lord would use me and that I would trust him with the days activities. I went to play group in the morning, as normal, but the nurse came in shortly after I got there and asked if I would come with her to a doctor's appointment for one of the children. I quickly agreed and before I knew it we were off. The office we went to was in this random, tiny mall that was a bit eerie. The nurse, one of the guys who works in the office, and myself all were there to be this child's support system since we knew she was not going to enjoy having to see the nurse. When we got there we didn't have to wait long to see the nurse which was nice. The child had to get some blood drawn and she wailed and wailed through the whole process. It broke my heart having to hold her down with all my might knowing it was for her own good. After that experience, I have a lot of respect for nurses (like my mother) and I realized the Lord would have to do an amazing work in me to want to become a nurse. As we were walking out I realized that a Zimbabwean nurse, a Basotho man, and an American teenager all had gone to a doctors appointment to support this one child. I don't think there are many kids who are that spoiled :) haha

When we got back there was a group visiting from another ministry in Maseru that came to help with the kids for the morning. I knew one of the girls pretty well because she had come for dinner with the Guerinks before and had visited Beautiful Gate before. It was great to see her again and to meet some more people. Only a few minutes after saying "hello" to them I found out that two kids were going home with their families that day! Both families were here from the Netherlands and they wanted to get their children as soon as possible. One of the kids that was leaving was one from my house and in that moment I could not decide if I was more excited or sad to see him go. This boy was one I got to know fairly well and we had our little inside jokes and songs we liked to sing together. Right when I found out I just wanted to go find him and give him a big hug. Sadly, he was still at school. I went back to the house a little before his parents were expected to arrive to see how he was doing. The house mother was getting him all dressed and they even had a shirt that said his name on it for him to wear. Too cute! Right before it was time to leave, the house mothers got a last picture with him and said their goodbyes. As we were about heading out the door a few of the other kids were waking up from their nap. The house mother told the boy to say goodbye to one of the other older boys, so he walked up to him, shook his hand, put his hands on the boy's cheeks, and gave him and kiss. I lost it at that point. It was one of those moments that words just can't describe. It was just beautiful. I followed the boy and the house mother to the chapel where he was going to meet his parents. As we walked in I saw the boy's mother who was grinning from ear to ear and wet with tears. She was meeting her son for the first time. I was so thankful that I was able to witness this beautiful moment. The house mother hugged the boy's new mother and quickly exited the chapel. The boy hugged his new mother and sat on her lap but was a bit shy. The other boy had already met his new parents when I had gotten there and they were also wet with tears with huge smiles on their faces. The love I saw in all of the parents' eyes was something I hope every child at Beautiful Gate will get to experience one day. Through all of the pictures being taken and tears being shed, the Lord was evident to me in that moment. I felt his presence there in such a strong and magnificent way. I really hope I get the opportunity to adopt one day.   :)

The boy from my house that left with his family was very close with another boy in my house. They were close in age and did everything together, and they even slept in the same bed. Yesterday afternoon I found the boy at play group and asked him where his friend was. He pointed to the chapel. I said, "He met his family, didn't he?" The boy replied, "Yes, family." He seemed to be taking it well which I was happy about since I knew the first couple day may be a bit of an adjustment for him. This morning when I saw him before he left for school he didn't even talk to me. He didn't run up to me when I came in the door like he usually does either. My house mother told me that the boy told her this morning that he didn't want to go to school today. My heart broke for him. He was missing his friend and brother. My house mother ended up walking him to school this morning.  Please keep this boy in your prayers as he adjusts to life without his friend.

Today we also got 2 new kids in my house! I think they are siblings and they are both SUPER CUTE. We also got another baby earlier this week, so that makes 3 kids coming and 2 kids going. busy, busy :)

peace and love.