Walking down the narrow streets of the small beautiful town of Xenacoj, our home for the next month, my heart is overwhelmed with excitement, peace, love, and joyful anticipation dreaming of all the ways the Lord is going to work in our lives; and the beautiful people of Xenacoj. As I take it all in, I can't help but think of the Fathers heart, and how much He loves His children.
Its the cold cement floor, dust filled air, sound of sweet giggles, foreign language, prayers, and the hearts of our Fathers Children that fill the room and leave Him looking upon us with complete affection and adoration. My heart fell in love with this sweet town of Xenacoj even more today. Playing peek-a-boo with Gabrielle, a 3 year old little boy whose father left their family. He lives with his Mother, 3 brothers and sister, in a small two bedroom home that we helped them move into today. After the work was complete, our team sat in a circle on the floor with the family and just tried to get to know them, hear their hearts, their dreams, their struggles and fears. They all shyly stared at the floor, as the mother shared their story. Her 5 children (Aura- 14 years old, Carlos 13 years old, Alex 9 years old , Aldolpho 7 years old , and Gabrielle-Juanito is 3 years old) just trying to live life with the pain of a father that fled their family, leaving them empty and homeless, as the mother struggles to raise them on her own. God gave us the opportunity sit with this family , to tell them they are loved, they are seen, they are not alone, and they have a Father in heaven that loves them more than they could ever imagine, that He is there listening to their hearts, dreaming their dreams with them, feeling the pain they feel, and He has never left their side.. My hope and prayer for today is that these children got a glimpse of their Fathers constant, deep love that is freely given. A Father that is waiting with open arms for you to just run, jump in, and feel the peace and hope that covers your soul when you rest in your Daddy's arms. We have a God that loves His children more than anything. Here is just a glimpse of that love so far on this beautiful journey.
In awe of His love,
Erica
