Rough Couple of Days

It is safe to say that it has been a tough week for everyone on our team.  Jennifer (who has been sick) was not getting better.  From advice from doctors, parents, Buckner, etc, it was best that she went home now instead of getting worse.  We of course were devastated.  We are a little family and selfishly did not want that to change.  Yesterday during lunch, it was decided that she must go home.  We spent the rest of the afternoon at the doctor waiting for her to be cleared to fly.  Everything happened so quickly.  I will say that I would trust Luis and Karla to handle anything.  They were absolutely incredible through the whole process.  That evening, we all went out to dinner at Chilis, sat outside, and celebrated our time together.

Waiting at the doctor's office

Celebration dinner with VIP treatment at Chili's

 This morning we went to the CTC for Jennifer to say goodbye to her class, then it was off to the airport.  It is all so surreal.  We spent the afternoon in the orphanage with the Buckner group in town.  (A group from Mesquite, Vivien's home church, came this week to help at the CTC and the orphanage.  We have been helping them with whatever they need.  Viv sent this awesome package with yummy cookies, a much-needed letter, and some supplies for the CTC.  What a blessing!) 

The orphanage today was draining.  We have good days, and we have bad days.  Isn't that life?  Today it seemed like everyone was crying or upset.  One boy had to wait for his turn on the swing, a little girl hit another little girl, and no one is able to share.  It just seemed like an uphill battle today.  The orphanage fosters a survival mentality.  Look out for yourself and fight for what you want.  It is heartbreaking.  Yes, a smile and a hug may relieve some temporary pain, but each of these children has deep wounds.  May I be able to show them the only one who lasts....