After reading a blog post tonight, I am finally compelled to write again.

The post told of the author reading the following quote in an airplane magazine:

“How many things have you done in your life that you know, with absolute certainty, you will remember for the rest of your life?”

I can honestly say that my trip to Mexico qualifies.

I just returned from Mexico yesterday. I spent 12 days at an orphanage, living with children who have been rescued from desperate situations: parents in prison, parents living on the streets, parents who abused or neglected them or passed them from one relative to another, no parents at all.... I heard testimony after testimony of children whose lives had been radically different from what they are now. Before, they had been sexually abused, physically abused, abandoned, forced to take drugs, you name it, it had happened in one form or another.

But now....now, they have a home...safety....shelter....food and clothing...love and nurturing...and they have parents who teach them about a Savior who came for them....for THEM....who rescued them from their danger...giving them new life...new purpose.....joy....life. These parents model for them what it means to be a Jesus-follower, a Jesus-lover, a Jesus-worshiper. These parents are real....their word is for real....their love is for real.

I marveled as these children, who work more hours than they play, cleaning and maintaining their living complex, taught me about contentment, acceptance, joy that goes beyond circumstances, and genuine love. Their gratitude abounds. Their friendship is authentic.

I went, hoping to give.... and ended up being the recipient.

I went, wanting to serve....and ended up being served over and over.

I went, hoping to teach them of God... and returned, having been the student, day after day, in my own little private school. I didn't realize I had even enrolled....

I am humbled by faith that simply trusts...because You ask them to.

I am humbled by love that gives so freely...over and over and over.

I am humbled by precious souls who have known such hurt in their lives....telling me that my prayers with them are helping them to walk in forgiveness instead of bitterness...because they are trusting that God is changing their hearts.

Lord, You are amazing. Your work continues in your children.

Keep teaching me, Lord.

I have so much still to learn.

Thank you for Mexico, 2009. I pray this is only the beginning of our relationship with these little ones--that we will see many turning to You in the prisons...on the streets....in the community of El Salto.