Vietnam!!
This month we had the privilege of working at a catholic orphanage for the first 3 weeks, and then ATL (Ask The Lord) ministry for the last week. While there were a few challenges along the way, God showed up and did some great things and used our team to be a light in the little city of Bien Hoa, Vietnam where no World Race team has gone before!
This orphanage was full of the most loving children, nuns, and helpers you'll ever meet! Although it was a bit challenging in the beginning to convey the message that we were not like your typical visitors who come to drop off donations, snap some pictures and leave, once we got past that barrier, every moment spent was precious! It was incredible to see how many doors the Lord opened for us and how many barriers He broke through! Even though connecting with some of them seemed a slight challenge at first, it was all in His perfect timing. By the end of our stay, He had blessed me with beautiful friendships with tons of the ladies, kids, and teenagers and also so many sweet experiences with them that had my heart overflowing with such love for each of them! Everyday was packed full of meaningful interactions and opportunities to pour out His love on everyone we spent time with, and we received the same form them! I will never forget the warm smiles and excited "Hello's," that greeted us every morning as we arrived, as well as the sweet "See you again's," and loving embraces they showered us with on our way out every afternoon.
Each day presented new and equally awesome opportunities to love on the kids and staff! Daily, we got to teach an English class, and also hang out with precious kids who are deaf, have down syndrome, and suffer with cerebral palsy. Usually when we walked in the door, they would come running to grab our hand and lead us somewhere to sit with them to work on writing and studying English, and other times they would just prefer to sit silently to simply enjoy each other's company. We also got to help out in the nursery where 9 little infants call home, as well as 3 sweet ladies (Hai, Zahn and Dee) who care for the babies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was such a privilege to be the extra helping hands that got to change diapers, give baths, and fold baby clothes! The only thing we couldn't help with was wet nurse duties… haha ;D A huge added blessing was also becoming best buds with Hai, Dee, and Zahn! I love all of the laughter and joy that filled the atmosphere whenever we sat around to help them practice English, and when they tried to teaching us Vietnamese!
It's amazing how you can go into a place for the purpose of loving and serving the people there, but end up being the one who is so overjoyed and blessed by them! Vietnam and the precious people here will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always give thanks to for the Lord for the time He gave me here!!
