When I walked into that broken building 3 1/2 months ago, my heart sunk in pain… after the Lord lifted it from the ashes and brought forth His spring of beauty and love from it… that place stole my heart.
Today… today was a tough day.
Today was my last day at the creche.
This place has been my ministry and has ABSOLUTELY stolen my heart for the past 3 1/2 months, and it was heartbreaking to walk away from that place down the sand road for the very last time of many many many… As tears filled the room, and I just held Katrine in my arms telling her how proud I am of her, the Lord began to speak through me.
She wasn't alone. This place wouldn't go back to what it was. The Lord is the provider.. The Lord is in that place…
And as I walked away, DEFINITELY not looking back and holding back a mega break down, I could feel the Lord's spirit like a bubble around that place. This building that was filled with so much hurt and pain and anger has been COMPLETELY transformed in the past months. Not only physically (as my sponsors raised $3,720 to double the creche, put in a bathroom, small kitchen, AND get toys and supplies), but especially spiritually. The babies are loved with a love that no human can naturally give… They are held, and provided for by the King of Kings.
Yes, The spirit of the Lord is there.
And as I leave, those little hands I got to hold so tightly to are still being held… the voice that I used to sing "This Little Light of Mine" and "Your Love is Deep" is still ringing in their hearts… the arms wrapped around them will never let go…. these are hands and songs and arms much much greater than mine.. Hands and a voice and arms that I had the honor of being during my time in South Africa.
These babies that stole my heart are in the arms of my Daddy… the very One who stole my heart first.
Now…
Little Tershia can giggle with her Daddy for hours on end…
When Tamika runs away, she's only running into an adventure with Him.
Amelia can dance with her Papa for hours on end.
And God will surely love to play tag all day long with Shaegyn.
With the strength of the Lord, Kiesha will always stand strong.
Bavine will keep on getting so excited about every adventure him and Jesus take together.
Shante will ring out the Lord's songs over and over again from her heart, from her mouth, from her life with crazy crazy joy and laughter.
Romano will have Jesus wrapped around his finger, and Jesus will know EXACTLY what he wants in his lil heart (even though I rarely do ;))
Christiano won't have to fear being abandoned anymore.
Stacey can play quietly with her angels.
and Ashwin… oh Ashwin…. the little baby that broke my heart at first sight from such abuse and neglect… the one who never smiled, never laughed, was so so sick…. the one who made my arm "holy spirit shake" every time I touched him…
(Picture from day 2 at the creche)
Now the one who laughs, smiles non stop, talks constantly, loves loves loves to be loved….
Ashwin will never be abandoned… he'll always know love because for the first time in his life he's finally felt it. He'll always be protected… He'll always have my heart… He's a child of the Healer, the Protector, the Comforter, the greatest Lover I have ever known… The Lord has got him… plans and adventure… He has such a purpose…
Ashwin is the biggest reason I was sent to that place….. Ashwin is the reason my heart aches so so badly in saying goodbye.. and He wasn't even there for goodbye day…
BUT this is because the Lord knows my heart. And the Lord knew it wasn't goodbye for him and I…. as I leave him in my Papa's arms, I know it's only a matter of time until he's in mine again. It's only a matter of time.. and lots and lots of trust.
These babies have stolen my heart, and I am forever changed by them. I've never had to rely on the Lord's strength and faithfulness and patience and love more than I have in the past 3 1/2 months. And through all the exhaustion, all the tears, all the frustration, all the pain, all the broken hearts…… The Lord has moved. SO powerfully, SO greatly. He has moved in ways SO far beyond my ability that I CAN NOT HELP but stand in awe of who He is.
Even as the goodbyes begin… as the "Lasts" start to happen…. from every "Goodbye" to every "Hello" my Daddy's never going to stop holding my hand… holding my heart… holding His daughter.
My Dear Riely,
What great lessons you have taught us all. Anyone who reads your page should experience the true meaning of trust in the Lord with all of your heart.
Well, I can’t wait to hold you in my arms after so so so many tears of sweet joy that have come from your messages.
I pray that His love and assurance is going to give you all you have asked for.
I trust His angels will have the job of blessing all you have put your hands to and it will prosper,
In the Name of Jesus,
Love & Prayers,
Gramma xoxoxx
AWE i love this your blog always puts a smile on my face:) keep it up those kids are so glad that have you:)
These children are so blessed to have had a piece of you these past few months and to have had you touch their lives. They will never forget YOU. And because of YOU, they will never forget HIS love. xoxoxox
All choked up. Beautiful review of the Creche and it’s babies! AMAZING GRACE everywhere Riely! Great job!
Riely,
This is beautiful! What amazing work you’ve done, and how fortunate for those babies to have that time with you!
Chloe