Until next time...

I've been trying to start this post for almost a week now, but I really haven't known what to say.

I'm still trying to come to grips with the dichotomy that exists when you go to Aljaba...that conflict in your heart of wanting to go home yet never wanting to leave. When I'm asked how the trip was, all I can muster up is, "It was great. Thanks for asking." How lame is that?

But, truth be told, when I try to say more I get a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat. I've yet to look at these pictures without my eyes welling up with tears. Just one more time I long to hug their necks and tell them again that they are loved.

I am so grateful my journey with the Lord led me to La Aljaba, and Lord willing, it will again soon.

For now, a quick recap of our last day in Leticia and our travels home.

We started our day with Lucy sharing her testimony of how
she came to La Aljaba. Lucy is such a diligent, faithful
servant of the Lord. Please continue to pray for her.

Walking in on the last day just stinks. The kids are excited you're there, so you just pretend like the inevitable departure isn't looming overhead and try enjoy the last hour.

The children were so sweet and had written thank you notes to each of our team members. Most thanked us for coming and prayed that the Lord would bless us and our families. What a special treasure!

 

Then, all too quickly, our hour had passed and Chad and Lucy had to drop the hammer telling everyone it was time for us to leave. He thanked the kids for allowing us to come, told them how much we loved them, and prayed that the Lord might allow us to return soon.

Cue the waterworks...which I wasn't prepared for! Last year I didn't struggle as much to leave because I had an 8 month old baby at home that I'd never been away from. But after this second trip, some special bonds that were created, Chad's speech, and the thank you notes from the kids...we were a hot mess! 

After leaving La Aljaba we immediately loaded up all our luggage and flew out to Bogota for the night. It's an incredible treat to take the cable car to the top of Monserrate and behold the beauty of God's Creation.

I am so incredibly thankful for and proud of this team. It is likely in our everyday lives that many of our paths wouldn't cross, but for such a time as this the Lord orchestrated all the details so we could serve together, establish new friendships, and become like family.

And then finally, it was time to cross over to the other side, to make that switch from wanting to stay to wanting to go. The trip home started at 4:30 a.m., and after a lengthy process of checking in at the airport, we were on our way home.

Saying good-bye to our new friend, Monique. She is worth
her weight in gold, and I haven't any idea how we
would have survived without her help.
Thank you, Monique! We'll see you soon!

 

 Reunited, and it feels so good! :-)

Thank you for following our journey, praying for us, and supporting us financially. I never cease to be amazed at the plans God has for us. What an honor it is to be part of God's Big Story.

Loving the generations...
Sarah

My Favorite Day

What a sweet day Thursday was in Colombia. We had no set plans since VBS was over, so we got to spend the majority of the day at Aljaba hanging with the kids and helping out around the property.

Jhonathon helping BJ manage the Colombian heat!

The suitcases brought in were full of clothes
that had been donated to Aljaba. Thank you to
everyone who gave!

 

One of my favorite things on Thursday was getting to watch some of the children receive gifts from their sponsor families. I can't describe the joy each one had as they held new backpacks, opened fresh boxes of crayons, admired new clothes, and clutched the family photo albums and personalized notes.

What surprised me most was how excited the other kids were for the one receiving the gift and how willing the receiver was to share their new things with their friends. Within seconds one of the little girls had given away every piece of her new pack of chewing gum (that is one hot commodity!). No one had even asked her for it. She just offered it up so that the others could share in the joy.

Y'all...the harsh reality is that some of the kids don't ever get to experience this kind of love because not everyone has a sponsor. Yes, their most basic (and I mean basic) needs are taken care of by La Aljaba. But beyond that they're not getting anything extra. Even my three year old knows she can anticipate new toys at her birthday or mail from her Grammy. What a luxury. Oh God, please! Break our hearts for what breaks yours!

Whether you have been to La Aljaba or not, please prayerfully consider how you might be able to partner with this incredible ministry. Maybe it's going on a short term mission trip, donating to the operating fund, actively praying, or sponsoring a child. You would be utterly amazed at what they are able to do with what money they have, but how much more amazing it would be if we could increase their funds in order to care for more children.

For more information on how you can be part of the Aljaba story visit www.laaljaba.org. You can also email julie@orphanos.org.

Michael and his sweet sponsor child.

Dagiana had just received a gift from her sponsor family,
and she was thrilled to show all her friends!

No matter where you're from,
every teenage girl loves emojis!

Nancy and Heidi sharing in the joy.

Jana and Paolo were playing a game where you had to pass a
piece of candy from one straw to the next without using hands.

Thursday night was a joyful time as we got to celebrate with the Aljaba staff and other friends all that God has been doing and continues to do in Leticia. Lucy and her team do an incredible job and spend countless hours pouring all that they have into the children. I'm sure it isn't often they all get a night off, so it was fun to watch them laugh and interact with one another. They are co-workers. They are friends. They are family.

To the Aljaba staff, if any of you happen to read this, please know that you are loved and valued. Your work has not gone unnoticed. You are faithful servants fulfilling a high calling, and on the days when it feels like you can't go another day, remember that our God is El Roi - the God who sees. He sees every drop of sweat, every tear, every heartache. He sees your patience and the love you have for La Aljaba. He sees you. And He loves you. Press on, dear friends. Your reward is coming!

Lucy and Pastor Julio expressing their gratitude to the team.

Chad and Lucy planning and dreaming.

We hadn't celebrated quite enough, so we thought we'd throw in a birthday party too! Sweet Rachel Daniel celebrated her 18th birthday on Thursday. How cool is that? And, of course, no birthday is complete without a cake!

Happy Birthday, Rachel! It was a pleasure to serve alongside you this week. You have such a sweet and gentle spirit. I pray the Lord will bless you in a special way this year!

Please pray for La Aljaba staff by name. They are a precious, selfless team.

Pictured left to right:
Nancy, Sulay (sp?), Elenid, Yessenia, Anna, Arles, Lucy, Franco, Isolina

Only one more night in Leticia!

Loving the generations...
Sarah