So… We finished our ministry at the orphanage in Romania. Throughout the month the Lord revealed a couple different things to me. First, that we were all orphans at one point. Unlike the kids we got to hang out with it was our fault. We were orphans not because our parents died or abandoned us, but because we had yet to die to ourselves and accept Christ as Lord and Savior.
We developed amazing relationships with many of the kids in Romania. We played soccer in the afternoons and just hung out with them throughout the day. I got to see and experience many different personality types. I saw the affectionate, the standoffish, the bold, the shy, the fun, the bitter, the bullies and the bullied. God created each of them with different gifts and strengths. They are all His children and He gave his Son to die for each of em. They taught me so many lessons about myself during the month. I was convicted by the revelations I had. I learned that I have a tendency to love people who love me back. I often judge people by their actions and fail to question what the deeper issues are. I choose favorites. I’m stingy with my time and emotions. It was my prayer last month that God would allow me to see the people I interacted with as He sees them. To know that kids bully because they are scared and lonely. Kids try super hard in sports and games because they need words of affirmation and to hear that they’re special. They act a fool because they are craving attention. During the weeks at the orphanage my heart broke for those boys and girls. I saw myself in so many of the kids. The way they interacted with each other and how they played. It doesn’t feel like that long ago I was on a playground running from someone or pretending to be good at sports. Later my prayers were answered. My eyes were opened. I got a glimpse of their struggles and I could see the warfare going on in them and around them. As I was praying one afternoon I realized that yes I need to view other as He does, but I need to see myself in this light also. I had the vision that I am indeed still that scared child on the swing set trying to find my place. Looking for acceptance, and all the while God is screaming, “Logan I love you!” “You’re my son and I’m proud of you.” Talk about awesome! If we could but for a minute see ourselves through Christ’s eyes then there would be no stress, no anxiety no fear, just peace…
That was last month. (I reserve the right to come back and complete those thoughts)…
This month began with three long travel days, but we made it safe and sound to India. We are here in northern India partnered with a ministry that is involved in so much. It sits on 23 acres and has a couple schools, polio home, hospital and several boy and girls homes. We are helping renovate a preschool in the morning and going where the Lord leads in the afternoons. The weather hear has been hot and sticky but that is a small price to pay for the amazing food. All in all we are looking forward to a great month and are anxious to see how God is going to work in us and through us.
Thanks for being patient with me as I struggle to keep you up to speed.
God Bless.
Some random photos:
The star soccer player in the orphanage
Last night in Romania
The beginning of a 17 hour train ride
One night in the airport, two planes and a train ride later, We arrive in time for breakfast!
