3 years....

3 years ago...
This week was a blur of life-changing moments in beautiful Guatemala...

I came home changed. Never to be the same. It was the starting point of a journey I wasn't expecting, an adventure far more challenging than any I would have volunteered for.

But God knew. And it's been 3 years of praying for this sweet little girl. My love for her has only grown, and along with it my passion for the orphans.

The heaviness on my heart last night was overwhelming as I pondered that first trip to Guatemala. I couldn't help but think about Claudia. Think about the chains of paperwork that have entangled her and thousands of others. And it was alot to think about.

This poem doesn't even come near to encompassing all that I held in my heart last night, but it's a little glimpse.

3 Years

3 Years, 36 months

Thinking and praying for you

Phone calls, emails, and letters

But there is nothing we can do

To get you home,

Sweet little girl

Oh how I love you

through and through

So I place you, place you

In the arms of a loving God

For He's promised not to leave you

He will keep you safe from harm

Maybe someday

I'll come find you

After all those years of waiting

There'll be nothing I'd rather do

Than to get you home

Sweet little girl

Oh how I love you

Through and through

3/19/10

"For I know the plans I havefor you,' declares the Lord, ' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior......Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the West. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'and to the south, 'Do not hold back!' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth- everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:2-3, 5-7

Father, I cling to these promises and know that they are true. You are a faithful God and for that I am thankful. I pray, Lord, that you would gather our children from the east and the west. Please bring the fatherless home to their families. I look with hope to the future and trust that You have great things in store not only for Claudia but all of the other children as well!