The Quest for JOY

I am Laren Lewis traveling with Buckner from Samford University!

This past week and a half has been overwhelming. Most mornings we do bible lessons with our different age groups. SO much fun. I love spending time in the word and doing crafts with my seven and eight year olds. It is so special to me. In the afternoon, we really have time to play and talk with the kids. I am trying my best to get them to understand my broken Spanish.

So, I probably have you asking yourself what is so overwhelming about that? So many emotions have been running through my mind this week. Love and lack of understanding are the emotions that have led the way.

The highlight of my trip thus far is getting to tuck the kids in. I got to tuck in 8 year old Maria Alejandra. I sat on the edge of her bed and just stroked her hair. It made me think about my daddy, and how he still sits on the edge of my bed and strokes my hair as I go to sleep...even as a 19 year old when I come home from college. As I was watching her fight her sleep so she could spend more time with me loving on her, that is all I could think of. She does not have someone to do this every night. I take so many things forgranted.

I do not understand why things have to be the way they are. Why don't these kids have parents who can take care of them and supply their needs? Then I realize, they have a Daddy who does. God has placed them here for a purpose. We are ALL HIS. Looking into the eyes of the kids, I see that they receive love here. They are taken care of. The have such PURE joy in things that seem so simple. Like new shoes or someone to sit and love on them. These kids have made me think about joy in a new way. I feel challenged to seek JOY in my life like never before.

I am so thankful to be here. I am looking forward to what God has yet to do in these sweet kids!

"You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you, O Lord, will keep me safe." Psalm 4:7-8

Thank you for your support and prayers.