Team One Saying Goodbye, Team Two ready to Work!

We have had a full day today. Many of us with James and Saul, two of the boys in the orphanage, hiked the mountain to see Papa's land that has been in his family. We noted after starting that the boys speak no english and our Creole is spotty.  Rick can say hi and start conversation so we just walked on!  It was very humid and hot today but the journey was beautiful and the tropical forest quiet and peaceful. We met the 3 goats and dog and saw the potatoes that had been planted. We came back and went to the orphanage.  The children sang songs with us praising God. The student nurses did physical assessments on the new children. Some medical work to be done was recorded. Team One passed on a long list of things to be done to Team Two.  Many games were played. The children were instructed on using scrubbies and soap.  Good demonstration by a former flight attendant with us! We had jump ropes and yoyos with much joy. You could feel our hearts fill with emotion with the anticipation of leaving as the afternoon turned to early evening. How do you walk through such an incredible journey and  say good bye. Not for good but for now?  God was so  great in planning that we do not leave them alone but with another Team to help for another week.  Then we will leave them wrapped in prayers and an e-mail away.
Leaving is so bittersweet,  seeing the children running and outside ( which they are all the time except when eating) brings such complete joy and contentment to your heart. But not being able to kiss each one in the morning leaves you with great sadness. Mama said good bye with tears streaming down her face. Which did not help us at all.  How does one say thank you, how do you process the journey that is so far from the road anyone was traveling on just a short time ago? The answer for all of us is LOVE.  It is not so complicated or complex. It is simple, basic and really what Jesus walked on this earth to show us. Love The Lord your God and then Love one another.  Sometimes teaching Sunday School helps to break it all down. So much we can learn from a child's perspective.
May each person who has been part of the journey so far feel the peace that surpasses understanding in their heart. It does not matter if you have stuffed envelopes, played golf, wrote grants, attended meetings, bought towels, sent medals, or prayed you have loved!