It's really, really, really hard being away from my kids. A piece of me is always missing. However getting videos like this once make me realize although it may be hard, I am 100% fulfilling my calling! I wish I could wrap my arms around each and every one of my kids right now and tell them how much I love them! But since I cannot, I am standing firm in the fact that they know I love them, am proud of them, and will always be there for them even when I am 1,425 miles away. So let the countdown begin...only 6 weeks until I'm back with my kids! #missionaryatheart
Some days are hard....
Some days being a missionary is harder than others...some days one of your kids might show up crying out in pain and trembling with fear because he was stabbed with a knife by his brother the night before. Some days are just hard. These are the days that even more than others, I am beyond thankful to have a safe place for these kids. A place where they will tell us what is going on. A place where they don't have to hide their emotions and feelings. A place where they can grow and most importantly feel loved. Thankful for our mission house and praying safety over our kids today. #missionaryatheart
Praise!
This morning, 2 of our street kids, and one of our mission house helpers showed up at the mission house to go to church! WOW! And wait...it gets better. All 3 of them asked Jesus into their hearts at church! This is what months and months of love does! Months and months of being there for them and being their safe place. Months and months of playing Christian music in Spanish day after day when they are at the mission house. Months and months of them watching our actions. Y'all, actions speak so much louder than words and this is a prime example! I am so proud of each of these guys! Please keep Willie, Miguel, and Nixon in your prayers as they start this journey! #missionaryatheart
Birthday
Francheckas birthday was this week. Her mom couldn't get her a gift because she cannot even buy food to feed her family. Franchecka came to the mission house and got a coloring book, new box of crayons, and a few little toys we had from the dollar store. She was so happy and could not contain her excitement! These kids are teaching me more about what life is all about! #missionaryatheart
Christmas!!!
Today was our Christmas celebration at the mission house and I am so sad I wasn't able to be there! Our closest friends and street kids came and celebrated together! There was food, a bible study, cokes, and candy. There was nothing but smiles today as JESUS was celebrated! This was the only Christmas celebration all of our friends and street kids will have. They won't wake up in the morning to a Christmas tree full of presents from Santa. Some will wake up on the sidewalk that they call their bed and others will wake up in a tiny tin shack that they call home. The only present everyone will receive is the giant pixie stick we surprised them with at the mission house today. However, my friends and street kids in the Dominican are thrilled and filled with Christmas spirit. It's not about presents and extravagant meals, it's all about JESUS! The real reason for the season! I am truly in awe that God picked me to help show our little town in the Dominican Republic the love of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas! #missionaryatheart