As most of you have noticed, I am back on US soil. I arrived in Atlanta January 17th. It was so crazy for me to think I had just left Africa the day before and I was in the US the day after. I could say "Yesterday, in Africa…." It was strange to me. So in saying that let me talk about January 16th.
The day came. The day that I had been excited for as well as dreaded. I woke up early, got all of my stuff together and ready to load in the van. Who am I kidding, I loaded it in the van right when my stuff was packed. I spent a lot of time that morning reflecting, listening and talking to Jesus. I heard the toddlers screaming and crying thinking I was actually going to miss that noise. I reflected on my times there, good, great and awesome. I thought about the babies and toddlers individually. I thought about their personalities and how Jesus had rescued them. I believe He rescued them for something great He has for them, now and the future. Each and every child there has a story of physical rescuing and I pray that later in their life they will learn of spiritual rescuing.
As I went upstairs to say my goodbyes I hugged and kissed each baby thinking in my head, "I will never see this face again because I know Jesus has a family for you". My heart was so full of peace and contentment. Praising the Lord for allowing me to love on His little ones for a small amount of time. I know the Lord has big plans for each of His children. I just feel a little biased to think He has something extremely big for the babies who leave Door of Hope. These sweet angels are loved more and cared for with Love and Concern that only comes from Jesus. Jesus pours out of every volunteer, Auntie and Staff. These babies know Jesus the instant they are brought to the Door of Hope. They encounter Him everyday through the people who work there. I'm honored to have been apart of that.
Leaving my sweet Boo Bear was the hardest. (No his name isn't Boo Bear, I just called him that. Plus, I can't tell you his real name for his safety) Naturally volunteers get attached to one baby. It just happens. You don't expect it to happen and then BAM instant love for one individual baby that is just a little different than the others. I didn't choose Boo Bear, he chose me. At the time I had already had a favorite baby girl working in Big Babies. I was switched to Small Babies and little did I know my sweet Boo Bear would arrive from the hospital that day. He was coming back from having some complications so I didn't get to know him when I first came because he had been in the hospital. At the end of the day, all the babies were sleeping and I hear cooing from his crib. I walk over, lean down and say "Boy! What are you doing? You're supposed to be sleeping like your friends!" He looked at me with seriousness in his eyes (like he was processing what I was saying) and just smiled the biggest smile at me. Glory Glory. I am certain there was a choir behind me singing. My heart melted and then and there I feel in love with a baby boy who would only know me for a few months. I'm grateful Jesus gave me time with Boo Bear so that I can get a small glimpse of a mother's love. He allowed me to experience the one thing I want more than anything in life and that is to be a mommy. I know when I have my own kids it will obviously be different. I just got to see a "sneak preview" and it was glorious.
Saying "See ya later" to all the Aunties was extremely hard. They were my friends, sisters and mothers. They showed and taught me so many things. From not freaking out over a baby being constipated, to how to really love and show love to those sweet babies. The Aunties were the most genuine ladies I've ever met. They prayed over me, encouraged me, taught me tough things and made me laugh so hard I might have cracked a rib. I will always have a special place in my heart for each and every one of the Aunties at the Door of Hope.
Door of Hope changed my life. I will be eternally grateful for my time spent there.
