We are all trying not to think about how this is one of the last full days on the trip. Each thing we do becomes more and more sentimental. It's especially sad for me because I not only leave the orphanage, but I also leave this group of people that I have grown to love so much.
Let me just tell you about some favorite things I've experienced with the group and hopefully you'll see why it's so hard to leave them:
Often we would break out into spontaneous singing. Sometimes it was requested, other times a word would trigger an entire song- but regardless, there was a lot of singing. Everywhere. In the shower (4 shower stalls at once, we were even able to harmonize if we wanted), on the toilet, in the garden, walking, at dinner, at devotional time, while braiding each others hair, while rocking a baby, etc. Any given moment, you could find someone singing. I practically cried a little bit when I got home and took my shower and had to sing by myself (and by practically I mean that I did indeed cry Becca Meyer). 14 days of straight singing is nearly a habit, and it's not one I plan on breaking anytime soon.
We also said a lot of weird off the wall things- so many things that we've decided to make a quilt of quotes. We learned a bunch of new card games and played those and euchre non-stop! We bonded over our broken hearts and determination to serve God in every situation. We cried with each other when God spoke to us or through another person. We cried over kids, God's love, being united under God, realizing that God is merciful and just. We cried when we realized how blessed we are and how blessed these orphans truly are. We marveled at how God works, at how He changes peoples hearts, at how He made each of us for a purpose, and at how His heart breaks for His children.
We laughed at people tripping and falling into a bed of veggies, at each others jokes, each others bodily functions, each others mistakes and goofs, there was so much laughter!
We cheered for each other when they scored a goal, or realized that God spoke to them, or changed a diaper for the first time, or built something they never thought they could build. We were each others biggest cheearleaders, accountability partners, sisters and brothers, friends and pseudo moms. I loved hearing each person give details about an area they were stretched or moved. Our devotional time made so many people transparent and it was so amazing to see them share and then go and act on it the next day.
I'm truly truly honored to have been part of the team. They selflessly took me in and included me as their own and I'm forever grateful. Thank you so much! Lots and lots of love to each and every one of you!
