If you didn’t know, I love babies! I love playing with them and making the craziest faces trying to get them to smile. Whether it be on a public bus or really, just about anywhere.
Missing my nieces and nephews while traveling is a real heart struggle for me. I so badly wish I was home to hold them and give them a million kisses, but the Lord has me here.
Fun fact of the day: The Lord has provided! Even in babies to kiss.
Just about every month now, I have had sweet cheeks to squeeze and kiss.
1. India
We were partnered with SCH (Sarah’s Covenant Homes) and had four homes full of kids to laugh and play with. Through this ministry, children with disabilities and medical needs are provided a home with love and care after being abandoned by their parents.
2. Nepal
During our last week of stay and partnership with Agape ministries, we provided a kids camp! Pastor Bryan’s family had opened up their home to various kids in danger of being on the streets. Their household consisted of children ranging from a new born to a teenager in high school. We had a blast! Tired at the end of the day, but so much fun to share the Word with the little ones.
3. Thailand
My first niece was born during our stay in Thailand and I cried that day. I hated knowing that I had missed her birth and was literally, on the other side of the world. Our host/Thai dad had been praying for a baby for SIXTEEN years. Due to some medical complications, him and his wife had been unable to conceive. Within those three weeks that we were in Bangkok, the Lord moved mountains and they were able to adopt a beautiful baby girl! I was able to be a part of such a special day as they signed paperwork and they were now parents. It was like I was being a part of her birth into their family and I knew the Lord was answering my longing to be home.
4. Cambodia
We had the opportunity to partner with Ezra Ministries and they provided free English classes for the community. I was able to teach two classes in the evening and was surrounded by students for about three hours everyday.
6. Ethiopia
We lived with 24 children! Our home was in a small village, three hours outside of Addis Ababa, their capital. I had 24 kiddos to love and hold, 24/7. The best part about it is that in their culture, they were physically affectionate and I probably got way more hugs than I ever gave! Definitely one of the hardest goodbyes.
6. Vietnam
We worked with college students so no babies, but no problem.
7. Rwanda
We got to live with the sweetest family! Pastor Moses had five kids. Two girls, ten and seven, and three boys. Their ages were five, two and a half and one. You have to know that my nephew, Elisha, is two and half as well! That month, I felt like the Lord provided by giving me a little two and half year old boy to love, kiss and play with. Our last week in Rwanda, I got to be with a different host as my parents were unable to join me for PVT. But guess what? I had the CUTEST, SWEETEST baby girl to hold! She laughed and smiled all day!
8. Bolivia
This month we are partnered with YWAM in Santa Cruz and have gotten to be a part of several ministries. We visited a home for children with special needs and it was such a sweet nostalgia of SCH in India. We spent some days at a girls home that had been rescued off the streets. One of the girls is a mommy to a sweet ten month old baby boy. It took two days for him to warm up to me and let me carry him, but it was SO worth it.
The Lord knew my longing to spend time with my little ones at home and he has surpassed my expectations! So many chunky cheeks to kiss and bellies to tickle 🙂
From one vulnerable heart to another,
Diane
