I will never forget.

Come stop your crying. It’ll be alright.
Just take my hand – hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you.
I will be here, don’t you cry

For one so small you seem so strong
My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm
This bond between us can’t be broken
I will be here, don’t you cry

I'm more than a little heavy tonight .... For a few reasons - some more than others. Right now I kind of just want to sit down and cry long and hard. I've always hated goodbyes - I've always hated feeling powerless to help... like I've said before- love is a powerful and helpless thing ... not always something you can control - nor, I think something you'd WANT to control...no matter how hard it might be to carry - The thing is this....I can't give up - even if that means just praying endlessly...then so be it - I'll pray endlessly!! - The bottom line is that I know my God - the Father of the fatherless ... is sure and strong - and that He can move in ways that I can't even begin to imagine - I know Him to be a pursuer like no other... I know that He sees the big picture whereas I only see what is before me - I have to trust Him - I have to continue to hope...

I'm reminded tonight - of a deaf boy in Liberia ...who's only way of communication was to write in the sand - and you know what he said to me?

"Please don't forget me"

Please don't forget... I wonder if he knew that I'd carry that with me always - and that from that point on ...every child's eyes that I looked into whether in Liberia or Guatemala - those words come back to me ....haunting ...pleading - Please...please don't forget - this feeling of ...like desperate determination rises up in me - I love how God trains and raises up warriors on these children's behalf - how He places a fierce protective determination that spreads like fire through you until you're consumed - and I love that I get to be surrounded by those warriors everyday. I am blessed beyond blessed.

My heart hurts.

Those eyes. Each child has the unique traits about them - something that separates them from all the others - but one thing they all have in common ...their eyes are windows into their little souls - and with one look ...if you're really seeing - you can see beyond the momentary smile or tear ... you can see the emptiness...or that of a child loved - pursued or left to fight and fail on their own - the emptiness is what tears at me without fail every time - it's the one that makes you want to quit and wish you'd never seen it ... and it's the one that makes you rise up and fight no matter how hopeless the situation might seem ... fight now- think later. Practicalities go flying out the window - and you're there once again storming the gates of heaven and seeking an answer on behalf of those unsought after - "....for of such is the kingdom of heaven"

There is no way ... no possible way - that I will ever forget.