Take Aways

Someone on the trip asked me what my biggest take away was.  At the time, I said I needed to think about it still.  And I still do.  But one take away I have is Humility.  I wasn't really very good at anything, even the things you'd think I would be, given what my passions are.  My photos really weren't very good, I didn't really know anything about the gardening, I never helped in any of the cooking, I wasn't the kids' favorite and then I got sick and I was even less good at everything.  And my sponsored boy didn't even like me!  But it wasn't really about me.  And I have to trust that even though I can't see it, God had me there for a purpose.  And hopefully, instead of worrying about not being good enough, I was usable at the moment or moments He wanted me there for.  Maybe I'll never know.

I think in short term missions it is often those who go to serve who are more impacted
than the ones being served.  Those kids were so loving and affectionate and welcoming and open to being loved on.  I will miss them more than they will ever miss me.

And I think of those who have given their lives to serving and loving "the least of these" and who are committed to these children as they grow and I'm in awe of how they've allowed God to use their lives and the amazing things they've been able to accomplish through Him.









While we were there they were able to find sponsors for all the children.  But that opens the door to accepting more.  So if you're interested in sponsoring a child please contact either me and I can get you the information or  firstloveinternational@comcast.net.  You can write letters and you'll get photos and see them grow.

Now I really loved the song the kids sang for us the last night I was there.  And I posted a video but it's hard to understand the words so here they are: 

I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me.
We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea.
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.
"And he said, 'Friend, you may not know me now,'

And then he said, 'But wait…you used to travel to First Love
When I was only eight.
You helped to build a home for me
To learn and play and grow.
And now because of your great love
The Lord I've come to know.'

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,

I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.

Then a woman stood before you.
She said, "Remember the times
You fed me, drove me, loved me,

You always were so kind.
You gave to me a family.
You trained me in God's way.
Jesus took the gift you gave.
That's why I'm in heaven today."

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came, far as your eyes could see.
Each life somehow touched by your generosity.
Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made,
They were unnoticed on this earth
In Heaven now proclaimed.


Chorus

Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
And I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
He said "My child look around you,
Great is your reward."