First day at the orphanage

Today was our first day at the orphanage after a long journey from Atlanta to Frankfurt to Zagreb and finally to our destination- Skopje. We were all filled with excitement and joy as we drove into the 25th of May orphanage. To our delight, we were greeted by smiling faces of little ones who were curious to meet their anticipated guests. One of the very first kids we met was Ramche who had the most contagious smile I had ever seen. He was so warm and affectionate, it was impossible not to like him.

We quickly walked over to the field behind the orphanage where the kids were already outside and in a matter of minutes what seemed like a natural chemistry developed between the team and the children. It was an emotional sight to see as the children lit up with ecstacy when they welcomed Stephanie and Sheyna with long embraces I later had the privilege of experiencing. As the day progressed, we all did what children do best- play. The children welcomed us with open hearts and hands allowing us to enter their lives. Despite the language barrier, the children interacted with us not like the strangers we were, but like brothers and sisters who had returned to them.

It was by God's grace we were able to bond with these children who have experienced so much rejection and pain. Leaving was one of the hardest things we had to do with pressed palms on windows, watching the children chase after the van as though they would never see us again. My heart ached.

Tomorrow is another day, another chance to love on these children just as God intended. Stay tuned!