This beautiful exchange

In July 2004, Tony and I joined a team that went to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. Our purpose there was basically to spend all of our time loving on the children. We played. We hugged. We laughed. It was amazing. They were amazing. I was looking through some of our pictures this morning and was caught up again in how beautiful they (children) are and how much I miss them. The orphanage is run by a woman who is native to the DR, but was living in Pennsylvania when the Lord asked her to move there and begin an orphanage for girls. So, she packed up, left her husband behind, because he was unwilling to go, and started the orphanage. She started with only one girl and now has over 100 children under her care. (The Dominican Republic can be a very dangerous place for young children, especially girls.) We were amazed at the complete change of atmosphere that you feel once you step foot onto the grounds of the orphanage. Nevermind that it is guarded by tall cement walls and the iron gate is gaurded at all times. The children are beautiful. They all know that Sonya goes out to find them because Jesus loves them. She rescues them from some of the most dangerous circumstances. I was amazed at her faith and her determination. (By the way, her husband has since become a Christian and has joined her.) We went there to give and to serve but we came back with so much more than we ever had to offer.