As I write this (originally I wrote this in my journal, I typed
it up later) I am sitting on the porch at the boys’ home, watching them play on
the throw throw field (throw throw is a very fun dodgeball-type game). I’m
sweating (because it’s India, it’s a given) and probably don’t smell the best.
Other than that, life is pretty good. I know all of the boys by name, and they
me. I have seen them cry and laugh. God has given me the gift of truly being
content with this place, these boys, and this gift I have to focus solely on
loving them well. However, I can’t help but have in the back of my mind a
little count down of how much time we have left together. How many more games
of throw throw, how many more devotions, how many more days of studying and
learning English. How many more times I get to just hold a boy, or laugh with
him, or comfort him while he cries. We have 16 more days left with the boys
(subtracting for days off and travel). Just 16 days. A month or two from now
I’ll be back in Eden Prairie or Madison. I’ll be back in school or working,
back with family and friends. This whole experience that I looked forward to,
asked for support for, prayed about and prepared for, will all be over.
But it won’t. Not really.
There are so many ways in which this experience and its impact
will not be over.
– The
petitions and prayers we have sent to God will have eternal impact. We have
prayed and interceded for many in faith and the impact of our prayers will long
outlast our time here.
– The
outside relationships that our team has with many neighbors and members of this
community are ones in which we have shown them the love of Christ through
showing them His love.
– The
words of truth spoken by our team at devotionals each night and church on
Sunday morning have (we pray) helped the boys to better understand the
character of God and what it means to live our life for Him.
– The
heaviness of this place will surely not leave us easily. The impact of being in
a place where most of the people will not be spending eternity with God is
heavy and will not leave us easily.
– The
change in us spiritually. Specifically for me, the way I’ve grown in listening
to and following the Spirit in obedience, and the increased desire to serve
others and my God. What is happening here will affect my relationship with God
and how I live for His kingdom from here on out. I pray this has eternal impact
for many.
– The
ways we are showing and telling the boys about the love of Christ are impacting
their spiritual lives. They are growing up as an army for Christ, being
strengthened to go out and change eternity for many people in India.
There is still much time left. But as time is winding down here,
I am more determined to increase our impact here and growing in my trust in God
that He is taking what we are doing and using it for His glory for years to
come.
And know that those of you who have supported us financially and
who are praying for us have not just given two months to us and the boys. You
have and are giving so much more. Your prayer and your money long outlast how long you took to speak it or the time it took to earn it. Thank you. And thanks be to God that through His ability to do more than we ask or imagine, all that happens here will have lasting impact.
Much love,
Tay
