On Saturday, a team of 21 from the Holland/ Zeeland, MI area arrived at Beautiful Gate. Most of them attend our home church in Michigan, Haven CRC. It is absolutely wonderful having our church family here on campus with us. They are ready and willing to do whatever needs done and their enthusiasm is catching. I noticed such a fun and relaxed attitude today among our staff and it felt so good.
Watching a team fall in love with the kids or sit in the office, at the maintenance shed or on a couch and talk with our staff, always touches my heart. Seeing my American friends embracing and learning to love my Basotho friends, is such a great thing. That is when I really know that my friends from America will never be the same again. Orphans have a name, a face, a personality and have become real and will never be a statistic again. My Basotho friends have families of their own, desire to live for and serve God, work hard at their jobs to provide and will never be just a statistic again. They also have a name, a face, a personality and have shared a bit of their lives. It is beautiful to see that transformation and I love the way God brings about connections.
16 members of this team attend our home church and it is so encouraging to know that they are getting to see what God has called us to and it is great to be able to share that none of this is because of Bryan or I. Neither of us is equipped to keep Beautiful Gate operating smoothly, but God has been gracious to us. Sharing our love for this country and the people here is one of the privileges of being the directors. Having the support and encouragement of this team as they embrace us and tell us that they are glad we have extended to stay an extra 2 years (till 2017 instead of 2015 for those of you who are not on our newsletter list and did not hear the good news)
Today I saw eyes light up with joy and laughter as kids ran to team members for love and hugs. I heard shouts, cheering and laughter as kids learned how to hop and race on a ball and were cheered on by the team. I heard our staff singing a traditional song and saw their happy faces as they "performed." I saw tears well up in many eyes as they became overcome by emotion and love. I saw kids fall and gently be lifted up. Today I saw a picture of heaven with love and joy and pure delight. Lives are being touched and I thank God that He saw fit to send this group of friends from home.
Oh it was so good! What a joy to now see and be connected in a way that we wouldn't have if not for our time there!
ReplyDeleteKaren B