my faves: Philippa and Tony

Heyah. Updates: let's see.. home from work today, each day gets so much easier, and relaxed. Which is great, because to be honest it's been a really tough last 2 weeks. These kids take it all out of me. I stayed home yesterday to rest, because I felt like I was going to die. So I started today fresh. Last night Hans and I went over to our friends the Prince's (missionaries who live down here) which was a life-saver! I have needed a family setting with a mom and dad. A bunch of their American friends were over so it was really great to get to hang out.

Let's see, holiday clubs are sillier than ever. The kids mostly all know my name and think that Louise and I are sisters mostly just because of our matching blonde hair.. Recently Louise and I have discovered that when the girls braid our hair they will spit on their hands, and then braid our hair, which explains a lot.. because my hair has been much more narsty and greasy-like. whoopsies. Hmm, there are 3 children that are borderline obsessed with me which is fun, they literally won't leave my side during the duration of club. Tony, Kina, and Philippa. I favor Tony.. He's ma' boi.

Today, Tony crawled in my lap during crafts, and at first I told him no and picked him up to put him down, but when his shirt slipped up I noticed little bruises on his side. Which easily could have been from falling down.. but the community I'm in is known for violence. I picked him back up and kissed his face, and told him I'd hold him as long as he wanted me to. 30 minutes later drool staining my shirt, I finally had to wake him up for the next station. It's become a routine every day to let a different kid nap on me. It's just sad, how you never know when the last time their parents ever treated them this way, patting their backs as they fall asleep..

I've realized I'm not very good at a lot of things in life, but showing these kids constant affection is something I'm not too bad at.. Most of them don't comprehend the stories I preach, or understand how BIG God is, but I think a hug is the first step to that understanding. One day, long after I'm gone they'll get it. 2 months seemed like an eternity before I left, but being here I see what a small piece of time and effect I really have in the overall bigger picture. I thought I'd come over here and "change the world" but I've realized if I just change ONE kid's life then that's enough. It's enough to keep the cycle going. You never know how many people that kid will effect later on his life. (I hope that makes sense?)

1 Corinthians 13:8

Love never fails.