Days 14-16

I've got my hands at redemption's side
Who's scars are bigger than these doubts of mine
I fit all of these monstrosities inside
And come alive
-Switchfoot "Redemption"

Grandpa Perkins preached Sunday morning at his church, so we decided to go there instead of Redeemer. His message was solid , and I took notes. One of the things he said that's sticking with me is to "sing about things that are meaningful--music is about truth. When Grandpa was speaking, I couldn't help but think of the lyrics I listed above, and how much truth I've seen in these words the past few days.

Last week was a bit rocky, and I found myself praying more than I had in months. Every time I hold one of the little ones or whenever one of the kids wants to hold my hand , I say a prayer for that kid. They need love so badly. I pray that God shows them how much He loves them and that that they are more than what they have become. It's "fitting all of these monstrosities inside", which is hard to do when they aren't even my own problems. It's one thing to try to trust God with my own problems-- that's hard. It's another to trust God to bring these kids alive--some of which have, or had terrible living situations. That is EXTREMELY difficult. It sometimes seems hopeless, yet I sing this redemption song and see these scars that are bigger than my doubts. It's hard to explain, and maybe it just has to be experienced, but all I can do is pray, and praise God for the kids he's brought to us. These kids are not beyond hope , and they can find Love here. I'm sure of it.

We just have to make sure we're doing everything in our power to show them they are loved and teach them their worth. Easier said than done. There are a lot of walls we have to break down to get through to some of these kids.

Yesterday I talked to Tammy, the coordinator for my campus ministry back in Columbia. She's one of my best friends and has been a mentor for me for many years--even before college. She told me that a lot of people at home are still praying for me and for the interns. I can feel it, and I can see it working in the other interns. There is fire in their steps, and they are willing to work hard to help the kids and the foundation. We all come from different backgrounds, yet it's very obvious to me that God has been strategic in putting us together.

I have so much more to say but I'm getting very sleepy.

Two final things: 1. The "Mendenhall Falls" aren't really falls, unless you consider a rocky creek a fall. 2. We went to get piercings tonight. Apparently most tat and piercing places are closed on monday's so we had to go to Claire's in the mall. Thad, Joe, Will, Kate, and Kellie all got piercings on their ears, but Claire's doesn't do facial piercings, so Fabianne and I will have to wait another day to get our noses pierced. Not sure if I'll be able to talk myself in to it again though. Last time was traumatic. Just ask Raymond Varner.

Keep on praying!
LH