Saying Goodbye With A Sweatshirt

On the last day of VBS, we gave each of the orphans a sweatshirt! Zambia's cold season begins in June, so this was the perfect farewell gift.

Oh!  I was not remotely prepared for the deep sense of loss I felt as I said goodbye to over fifty children today!  I wiped their tears, gave them their native handshake and hugged them the tightest I could.  I told them how special they were to me and that I hoped to see them again one day!  I watched as they walked away, heads hung low, wiping tears...  I began to feel guilty that our departure was yet another "loss" that these kids have to suffer.  After a bit of quiet time, however, I was able to rest in knowing that we were not here by chance or mistake, but purely because we were called by our God to brighten the lives of these sweet, sweet orphans living in Serenje!  Thank you, Lord, for giving each of us a servant's heart to do so!