Sunday, July 21, 2013

A Love That Overflows


I apologize for not posting last weekend! Our internet was down.
I know that these posts don't give elaborate detail on what exactly is going on each week but again, I am limited in what I can share about the children because of privacy restrictions. 

One of the biggest highlights of the past week was that two interns from last summer were here! It was so great to see them again. One of them was able to help work with the babies each day- it was encouraging to have her there.

Each day I am with the babies I fall more and more in love with them (go figure!). I love their individual personalities, I love it when they laugh and coo, I love how much love they have to give. I am beginning to dread having to leave them at the end of the summer.

Here are some precious shots of a few of the kids and some fun pictures with the other interns






Only a small fraction of the baby toys we get to clean each week




The Lord has given me so much passion for these kids. This is a blessing, but sometimes it feels like a curse. There is overwhelming need and I am humbled to know that I simply cannot do it all. My passion for kids isn’t going to change their lives, but my passion for CHRIST just might. I remember a sermon that Todd Wagner gave at Watermark Community Church where he challenged the congregation to reevaluate what we are passionate about. My generation is always hearing “follow your passions” because that is where happiness and worth are found-in what we are passionate about, right? Wrong. Scripture doesn’t tell us to follow our passions; it tells us to search our hearts and follow CHRIST.
I know that my passions are going to run dry and leave me wondering what the purpose was if God is not the heart and soul of what I do. I continue to ask why, I continue to struggle with circumstances I see around me, and I will always wonder what more I could have done to help… and yet, I know that if God is my driving passion, he will move through my heart and actions in incredible ways.

I don’t just want to be passionate; I want to be passionate about God’s glory. He only asks for my obedience and that I trust him with the results. WHEW. That’s a relief.


Sunday, July 7, 2013

Who Was, and Is, and Is To Come


Romania Week 3 

I’ve been trying to piece together all of my thoughts so forgive me if this post is a little bit scatter brained—I’ve had a lot on my mind.

I have been asking the question “WHY” so much lately..
Why have these kids been left by their families? Why are they subject to live a life that they never chose for themselves? If God is good, WHY does he allow these things to happen. The bible says that he is the defender of the weak..but it seems like they are not being defended right now.
Who am I to question the Lord? I know that in EVERYTHING he is Holy. He is holy when there is joy but he is equally holy when his children suffer and are in pain. He doesn’t “save his holiness” for certain situations and not others.

I have been reading through Daniel and it has opened my eyes to God’s power and authority. This is comforting because I know that although it looks like he has no control over what is happening to the orphans around the world, he is still sovereign.

When Nebuchadnezzar is ousted from his kingdom and driven to live with the wild beasts for 7 years he comes to recognize his humanity and God’s power. Daniel 5  says “..he was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the most high God rules over the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he wills

He is not absent! He commands the rise and fall of kingdoms and earthly powers. The bible is full of this truth. I found comfort in knowing that God is not ignorant to what is going on with his children who seem so abandoned. He commands the authorities who make the political decisions concerning these precious children. So much politics, so little progress.

We sang Revelation Song as a group the other night and my heart ached for Christ’s return. The darkness of a world without him is almost suffocating and seems to cloud over any glimpse of light…this place is not my home. But I know that he is coming soon! I am overjoyed that one day these kids will find a love with their heavenly father unlike any they have ever known.

“…For he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues, he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…” Daniel 6:26-27

AMEN TO THAT

Here are some pics from the week! 


Going for a walk in the park! He didn't know what to think about the stroller


He is approximately 3 years old


Celebrating Mallory's birthday (another intern)


A night in town with a few of the interns

Sunset 


For more detailed information about the week I will be sending out an email! Comment with your email address if you are interested in receiving these updates.