India –
I want to thank you again for supporting my trip to India. The scholarship I received from your foundation helped so very much!
“Oh the overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God.”
I have always sung these words but haven’t fully understood them… until this trip. Throughout this trip, I was able to see how these words were true. This trip has been the best experience of my life and these kids are the closest example of God’s love that I’ve ever seen on this earth!
Their unconditional love for each other and us as a team is indescribable. If I could stay forever, I would without a doubt. Day by day I miss them so much and would do anything to go back. I think about them as I look through the pictures, videos, and countless bracelets and gifts they have given. These kids are the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think of as I fall asleep. As I would heard them singing “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back…” I realized that they are the purest example of the love of Jesus and I can only strive to be as selfless, humble, loving, and generous as these kids are.
God’s Purpose
Our team lead a Bible study on Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem during the week. I helped with the ages 7-9 class. We talked about how Nehemiah was a man of prayer and how God had a purpose for his life. We hope that the children will see that God has a purpose for each of them and they are so loved by Him.
One of the days we were at the orphanage, we were able to take them to a pool!! Some of these kids had never even swam before and were so so excited. This was honestly THE or one of the best days of my life. The joy, laughter, and constant smiles brought my heart joy.
In the Moment
The last day was a day of great joy, but tremendous sadness and heart ache. The joy came from the hours and hours of volleyball with the older guys. As Anna and I would be playing we would look at the time and talk about how it was going by too fast. The song “For You” by Gavin James summed up this day perfectly. The chorus goes “I wish time would slow down… so I could keep your heart(s) around…” All Anna and I wanted was more time with them.
As the night came to a close, we were able to watch performances by the kids. They were so beautiful and I could do nothing but smile as I watched them laugh and soak up all the cheering. After the House Father and Mother were done speaking, a song came on that the little kids had danced to before, and they pulled us out and we all were dancing together. In those moments, I wasn’t thinking about what others thought of me or what was going on on my Instagram or who had Snap-Chatted me. I was soaking up THAT moment , with THOSE kids…. because I knew it would be my last, at least for now.
Time to Go…
As the song ended, I walked to an older girl who I had really connected with. She just embraced me, and in that moment, emotions came rushing right to my heart. I just immediately started crying. Not having knowing if I will be able to see her again was one of the most terrifying feelings I have ever felt. As we just sat there hugging with eyes full of tears, I realized that tonight was the night that we actually. said. goodbye.
I walked over to another little little girl who had really clung to me this trip and picked her up. As she was smiling I just hugged her embracing her like it would be my last. I cannot explain how much I miss her smile and miss her laugh and watching her play. Later, I went and hugged more and more people and kids holding back my tears and much as possible. And after COUNTLESS numbers of pictures we heard that we had to start getting ready to go…. (the words we were dreading to hear all day)
As we drove away from these kids, I couldn’t hold back crying anymore. As I buried my eyes into my jacket sleeve, all I could do was fall apart. As we got to the hotel and went straight up to the roof to look out at the city, I wished I could have just ONE more day with them. I have never cried so much and my heart has never physically ached like that night. All I wanted was to just stay with them. Even though I had to leave these people, I rest in the prayer to Jesus that maybe I’ll see them again someday.
These kids have made a greater impact on my life than I can even put into words, and I know for certain that I will never forget them and they will always and forever have a special place in my heart.
Beyond Blessed
I feel beyond blessed that God would allow me to go and experience this unforgettable place with some pretty amazing and unforgettable people. “You are the light of the world. a city on a hill can not be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). I know for sure that this city is not hidden to God! These kids are living examples of Christ and I love them so much and want with all my heart to return as soon as God will let me.
Thank you so much for being a part of me going! I really appreciate it so much!!!
-Grace
