I left pieces with all 23 of my creche babies. 

 

I left pieces with my three little sisters, Shilene, Shanika, and Chantel. 

 

I left a piece with my beautiful teacher. 

 

And while I'm at peace with going home, I could have easily stayed here. 

 

Because who else is Jayden going to run up to in the morning to give a big hug and kiss? 

 

Who is going to laugh at Danika's stories that she loves to tell? 

 

Who is going to kiss Seadan repeatedly until he smiles?   

 

Who is going to hug Shilene until she hugs back? 

 

Who is going to be there for Teacher Mauricha to talk about her life and pray for her? 

 

Every time I ask myself these questions, my eyes fill with tears, and I try not to cry. 

 

I can't even begin to tell you the things that have been done to these kids, the things they have seen, the battle that goes on around them physically and spiritually. 

 

It has been the biggest privilege to be able to love these kids. Not just with our love but with the love of Jesus. These  past 16 weeks have been so filled with giving love and receiving tenfold in return. 

 

And when I ask Him those questions He answers with a strong and clear voiced, I AM.

 

I have to trust Him in that promise.

 

And even though I am leaving South Africa  my work isn't done with these kids who impacted my life. 

 

This is a word Jesus gave me when I was telling Him about how hard it is to leave:

 

The love you have for those kids is but a glimpse of the love I have for them. I have placed them in your life so you could love them and nurture them with My love for this past season. And when you leave, no matter how sad you are, you get the honor of fighting for them. I haven't let your love for them go to waste-I have allowed it to fuel the prayer of protection, love, stability, grace, forgiveness, joy, and light I want you to pray over them every day. 

 

I am so honored to be able to pray for them. To fight for them. To

love them. 

 

I sometimes can't help but be amazed that He chooses us to work through.

 

Our Father's timing is perfect and I am learning to absolutely trust in it. 

 

I trust that He is going to take care of them. 

 

I trust that I forever have a part to play in their lives. 

 

I trust that He loves them.

 

Boy have I come a long way since the beginning of this journey.