it's a GIRL!

For months all of my little friends and I have been guessing the gender of Natacha's unborn baby.  Some of the kiddos voted girl, others boy, and some even guessed one of each!  A few of my little friends were even kind enough to say that the boy baby was to be gifted to me and the girl baby would live with Natacha=)  After what felt like year of feeling that baby kick and watching Natacha's belly grow so so very big, Monday morning she delivered a healthy GIRL in her home in Chambrun.  Her other children were all asleep in the home when she had the baby--wouldn't that be a surprise to wake up to!  The children were quick to come and find me on campus just hours after she was born to tell me the big news.  Getting to meet this sweet little one is a moment I hope to never forget.  As I sat next to Natacha on her bed the children gathered around.  They were so curious and knew that while I had the baby they had a better shot at getting to touch her!  We spent a lot of time admiring her fingers, toes, hair, and of course her precious little face.  At just a few hours old this baby girl was already so very loved by a whole community of people.  As I walked home I couldn't help but be both excited and worried for my friend.  While I walked I prayed that Natacha's body would heal and that her recovery would be quick because she has four other children to provide and care for.  I prayed that the baby would be healthy and honestly that she would be one that would make it.  That this baby would be a champ at breastfeeding and that she would bring joy to her family.  There are so many unknowns for this sweet little girl (having a name would be at the top of the list right now..) and yet I know that the Lord has a plan for her life.  I feel so privileged to have been able to watch her momma's belly grow over the last few months and to now have another little one to love on.  

Getting a group picture in a dark room, under a mosquito net, with a group
of kiddos, and all while dripping puddles of sweat..was a slight challenge.
Better pictures to come when this little one is old enough to leave the house=)

pure joy

"Joy is a mystery because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most 

unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering with tears in its eyes." ~Buechner 

Today was one of those days where I watched as the Lord answered one of the prayers I have been praying for over 2 1/2 years.  A prayer that I have prayed since I met sweet little Rose in 2012.  Rose has always been a child that wasn't quick to laugh, smile, or honestly show any emotion at all.  She has a long story that is full of brokenness and yet I have always prayed that she would desire to laugh and play.  Lately watching her little personality grow and develop is like watching the Lord work a miracle right before your eyes.  Today when I walked into her home she instantly perked up and was ready to be held.  It didn't take long before I realized that this was one of those special days with Rose.  Today wouldn't be the day that Rose fell asleep in my arms or simply remained quiet like normal.  No, today was the day when this little lady would want to play.  And she would smile and laugh.  Rose buried her little head into my shoulder and the next thing I knew she peeked up with the biggest grin on her face.  At one point she took her pudgy little hands and started covering her eyes, only to quickly remove her hands with the biggest grin hiding under them.  This sweet little girl was playing peek-a-boo!  I don't think I stopped smiling during the two hours I sat and played with this little one.  In my morning devotions I read through Psalm 139 and as I walked home I thought back to verses 17-18 "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered!  I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!.."  Rose is not just precious to me but to her heavenly father as well and that brings such comfort to my soul.  Today I'm thankful that the Lord gave me a glimpse into what He is doing in the heart of sweet Rose.