My month in Ghana has come to an end. I’ve written and rewritten this blog about 15 times throughout the month trying to come up with the perfect words to explain exactly where my heart is right now. I don’t know if it’s possible for me to adequately explain exactly how much I’ve changed this month. Or how much the kids here at CORM have impacted me.
The kids and staff here at CORM have this unexplainable happiness that can only come from the Lord. They exude joy in every possible way.
They let love lead them.
And through doing so, their lives overflow with the Holy Spirit. They live a life that is glorifying to the Lord and inspire everyone that comes in contact with them.
Years ago, I felt the Lord calling me to overseas missions. I wanted to have that joy and spread the love of Christ to others. I wanted to let love lead.
But, He had me wait until the timing was perfect. He knew that I would leave in August with the WR, come to Ghana and fall in love with the people, the country, and the ministry my team was placed with. He knew I would have so much to learn.
So, to best explain where I am in this season right now, I want to share with you things I learned and special moments from this month.
1. The kids here at CORM teach me to have a child-like faith.
2. They teach me that nothing is ever really that bad. We can always find the positive and laugh about it later. Or at the very least, laugh at each other. 🙂
3. They continuously are teaching me that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If ever I say I can’t, they immediately recite that verse back to me… Even when it’s lifting weights that are twice my size.
4. They show me how to let loose and have fun with the community that God has given us. Rain or shine, we are playing soccer and laughing at each other as we slip and slide in the red, African mud. Mostly laughing at me, but whatever.
5. They have shown me what a family looks like. Most of these kids were rescued from trafficking and brought to live at CORM. CORM has shown them the love of Christ and through that they have gained so many brothers and sisters. They fight like siblings, but you better believe they will protect each other too. It’s one of the most beautiful things to watch.
Today, I left all of the sweet kiddos at CORM behind to spread the joy and life they gave me to others around the world. My heart is breaking as I think of them and how I so wish I could hug them, play soccer, or dance the Cotton Eyed Joe with them one last time.
Goodbyes have always come somewhat easy to me in the past. I prided myself on becoming an expert at suppressing emotions. But somehow, the World Race changes you. Suddenly, all of those suppressed emotions reach the top and boil over causing a mess everywhere.
But, it’s a beautiful mess. One that can only come from abandonment, brokenness, and depending solely on God… All of which I am still working on.
Leaving all of the wonderful people and kids I met at CORM this month was without a doubt the hardest “see you later” I have ever said. I don’t know when, if ever, I will be back. But, knowing that God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good gives me peace and comfort in knowing that even though I feel as though I abandoned those sweet kids, God will never abandon us. He promises to never leave us as orphans.
If I take one thing away from this month, it’s that I want to let love lead me.
Lead me to the cross.
Lead me to overflowing joy.
Lead me to Your everlasting love, God.
Because You are a good, good Father. And I am not an orphan. I am your daughter.
I will miss you Ghana. But it’s not goodbye. Just see you later for now.
With Love,
Hannah
