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As I type, Brittany and I are sitting in a 9 passenger van driving by sunflower field after sunflower field in Ukraine. The scenery is beautiful and there is a teddy bear that one of the children gave Brittany in between us. We are feeling so many emotions right now, but most importantly, we are feeling hopeful.
Our entire message this week has been hope. Hope that God will open the children's hearts. Hope that we can love them like God first loved us. Hope that these children understand how much we love them, but more importantly how much God loves them.
Last night during the night program, the children were told that leaders would be available to pray with them during worship. Children scattered to the leaders and both Brittany and I embraced two girls from my group. I watched as children around me accepted our message of hope. Brittany and I were overwhelmed with emotion over the realization that some of these children will be worshiping our creator in Heaven with us one day. It was an unforgettable night.
This trip has changed not only Brittany and I forever, but our whole team. These children touched our lives more than they will ever realize. Holding them in our arms before we left, we hoped that they would understand just how precious they are to us. Many of us hope to stay in contact somehow, either through letters or returning in the future for another trip. One thing is for sure, the feeling that remains is hope.
This is not the end, but only the beginning.
To God be the glory,
Megan Decker and Brittany Fitzgerald