Beauty.

This weekend, I was reminded of beauty and strength.

More and more kids have come into my heart. They fill my dreams, and I can hardly think or focus on anything else. There is nothing as special as them.

For people to see our vision and want to partake is an amazing thing. For Nicole to come with 5 adults and no other youth... It seemed amazing at first. May God draw her there for His purposes. May He strengthen her and teach her obedience and humility. May He teach us all.... For Dan and Jodi to come and love on the kids, especially the "harder to handle yet still easy to love" ones. For them supporting us and sharing their wisdom when we were faced with difficult situations.

We got to experience church with them. It was amazing. To see the more rebellious ones and the really hurt ones scream their praises with everything they have... To hear their voices, as Michelle simply stated, "they're voices are so beautiful". To hear their silence as they listen to Manuel teach. Silence and attentiveness that I have never experienced in any church service before. They love their God. So many ask, "Are you a Christian".

I have begun to wonder if Ramon from March's trip was an angel. Now, I've met Macario and Angel who seem just as angelic. Is God sending His angel's and children to bless us? to bless the other children? Will we ever know if they are angels or humans?

This time I was able and blessed to hang out with the teen boys a little more. I've always embraced the 10-12 year old boys with ease, but to love the 14-16 year old ones... I thought it would be hard. It's not. They are just as amazing. Adrian, who has been to 3 orphanages and did not take any candy at first because he wanted the little ones to get more. Eduardo, who played the guitar for the worship service. Ramon, who is a humble, meek boy that has so much joy... I was blessed to play basketball with them and talk to them. We all were.

I also got to hang out with the older girls. Just me and Nicole were there, everyone else was getting things for their birthday party. I just sat there and hung out with them. Not understanding a thing they said. Just being there. It was all I could do. All I wanted to do. They all seemed to get along so well at first, until I saw Emilia's facial expression drop and show all of the feelings she was trying to hide.

Beauty.

These children.
That place.

is saturated with beauty.