Thankful || Kayla - April 09

Thankfulness gushes out of a heart that has experienced the goodness of God. This week was an incredible taste of His kindness.I expected to visit an orphanage located in a country with 2-5% Christians. I expected to expend a good deal of love and energy. I did not expect to meet children who represented Him in every part of their little lives. I did not expect to experience His love in a way I did not know existed.On day one He used these little ones to melt my hardened heart and shower me with unexpected affection. It is easy to avoid spending time with the Lord or disregard wise prompts to seek Him. But, how do you ignore children running to greet you with hugs and smiles?On day two He reminded me that He still uses silliness to bring laughter, laughter to cause joy, and joy to draw hearts into His saving grace. That day I had the privilege to watch 25 children wholeheartedly surrender their hearts to Christ!On day three and four He bonded our hearts in friendship. I saw Christ in the eyes of these kids. I experienced His love through their smiles, their hugs, and their willingness to share their food, clothes, and lives.On day five I witnessed these little eyes well up with tears as they attempted to sing the Burmese version of the hymn "Give Thanks." We struggled to sing because we could not control the sobs.Some girls gathered around me as we hugged and wept. The recognition of the love that they felt from us and we felt from them was overwhelming.I  did not expect God to use us that deeply in their lives. But He did. I did not expect such an outpouring of love and kindness. And, yet, "because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise you!" Psalm 63:3Tonight, I can scarcely speak for the tears, but I am thankful. Thankful to serve a sovereign God. Thankful to live for a good God. Thankful to love a kind God. And, especially thankful for five days to see His love through the eyes of these extraordinary kids.