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Being here is so much different than I expected. When we first arrived at the orphanage, the kids surrounded the vans we arrived in, all with smiles on their faces. I thought to myself, “We’re finally here” and I continued to tell myself that until it finally sunk in.
The first day, I felt like this was a huge mistake. Maybe I misheard God and I wasn’t supposed to do this. I knew it was too late to back out now, so I just decided to dive in headfirst - and I am so glad I did!
In an attempt to have somewhat of a traditional Fourth of July, we went to the sea. After walking a good 30 minutes, God decided to send a storm our way. We saw the sea and then we left. On our hike back up this HUGE hill, I made my first friend here: Illia. This sweet little boy would not leave my side. Even when it started pouring, he walked slowly with me in the rain.
Meeting all of these new faces was daunting at first, but now just two days into camp and these kids feel like family. When I walk down the hallway, kids wanting a hug continually stop me. Without the language there really isn’t any other way to connect with them than to hug and love on them, and so we did all we could.
I am so thankful that God allowed us to come on this trip, that He has protected us, and that He has softened the hearts of these children, allowing Jesus to become a part of their lives. Although we will only have a short time here, Jesus will remain here forever.
- Grace