My heart is glad

Though it has been a few weeks since my last update, I have continued praising the Lord for this wonderful place and these precious children.
Tonight, I wanted to share several things that I am grateful for...things that make my heart glad...things that make my soul sing:

• After returning from my second weekend off this past week, I found a note from Joyce on my pillow that read, "Dearest Lauren, I missed you dearly but I handled it without you. But I do like it better when you are here. I'm so glad you're back and I hope we can spend more time together! Love, Joyce." I was so thankful for this note because I see God strengthening my relationships with students at Liel and drawing us closer to one another. Life doesn't seem quite right or normal when we are apart :)
• Tonight, before bed, Kate gave me a note attached to a small box. The box was from Kate's mother and enclosed were a beautiful pair of pearl earrings in the design of a flower. I was touched, the note read, "To:Lauren. Hello! My mom bought you a gift. She told me to give it to you. She always thanks you for taking care of me. I hope you like it! -Kate-." My heart is glad because I feel genuinely appreciated here...I have purpose and it is so special to share in the raising of these children.
• Last Sunday night during our dorm fellowship, we were talking about the LORD as our Hiding Place. The students and I read Psalm 32 together in the "dungeon" of Liel (an old cellar with a dirt floor and stone walls) and I asked the students why they turn to Him for protection and safety. I continued to ask why they trust the LORD and why they need Him. After a brief moment of silence, students began to answer. Luke said quite matter-of-factly, "Because He's a whole lot better than this stinking world!" After saying "Amen!" I thought to myself, "Yes, they understand. They love the Lord and they recognize how nothing compares to Him...not any part of this world is as good, reliable, lovely, or satisfying as the King of Kings." In response to Luke's comment, Marshall, our dorm brother and the son of our dorm parents, made the final comment, "Enough said!" My heart is glad because I see these boys growing. I see them opening up and boldly declaring what they believe in at ages 12, 13, 14, and 15. I'm impressed.
• During the same dorm fellowship, AJ explained how difficult it was for him to go to a public school in the country where his parents were serving as missionaries. It was such a hard life for him there. He felt defeated and depressed by the teachers and students. And then AJ turned to Scripture to find comfort in a moment of intense pain, frustration, and anger...he found himself in Psalm 32. Those waters that David talks about in the psalm never touched AJ. They never had power over him because he found himself in the arms of Christ, safe from harm, safe from persecution and attack. My heart is glad because AJ is at BFA now. He is loved here. Instead of yelling, the teachers here instruct him with extravagant love and care. The students have embraced him. And his dorm staff thinks he is one special guy.
• This past Thursday afternoon, I attended the middle schoolers' intramural frisbee games. While cheering on the Liel students, several of the girls and I got a bit distracted and began making observations...of our eyes. One at a time, we would ooo and ahhh over the colors and design of our eyes. The following comments were made..."Kaelah, it looks like there is lightning in your eyes! They are so beautiful!" ... "Lauren, God is SO CREATIVE!"... My heart is glad because these young women are astounded by the seemingly simple wonders of God--human eyes. They recognize God as Creator and they compliment one another in a way that helps these young ladies love themselves.
• Tonight, I attended a recital at BFA to support Ira, Laura, and Kaelah. Ira played the violin in the Intermediate Orchestra. Laura and Kaelah played bells in the 7th grade hand bell choir. As I sat and listened to "Over the Rainbow" on the bells and then several other pieces, I found myself delighted. I am delighted because these children have a place to play and develop their incredible musical gifts. They are so talented. My heart is glad because God chose me to be part of their lives and I consider this a great honor.

I know that these stories are only a glimpse of life at Liel (though I do wish that you could see and hear the reality of it) but I hope it still encourages you to know that God is moving, the children are well, and my heart is glad.

"REJOICE and BE GLAD, you righteous; SING, all you who are upright in heart!" Psalm 32:11