Breathe deeply

This evening, after spending a full day visiting the school, the Mother Ellen Harley Children's home, and several churches, we made a list of adjectives describing our trip so far. Here are some:

Overwhelming
Exhausting
Hot and sticky
Discouraging
Infuriating
Heartbreaking
Hopeful
Purposeful

A cloud filled sky, a hazy heat, and yet wisps of brilliant sunlight breaking through the weight of the air. This is how Liberia feels to me. I have spent the evening retreating into the make believe world of a novel, and in that escape I have found the air to breathe freely again. To face all those beautiful children, look into their bright eyes and find hope. To recognize progress made, and not feel paralyzed with all that remains.

God is good, "and I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in [Liberia] will carry it on to completion" (Phil 1:6).

I am thankful to have been able to participate, even for a moment, in that process.