Strawberry Fanta

Yesterday started out with a moment that I NEEDED. You could say as the only female of the bunch this journey has been a bit hard for me. I guess I should say I am a lot more spoiled then I thought and coming here has made me see that. So each morning I ask GOD for the strength to get through another day with His joy. So GOD decided to send me a moment I will never forget...

We were at the pool yesterday (our ministry schedule leaves us free time in the mornings which we take advantage of to relax/recoup) and there were some Indonesian children from a nearby village that had snuck into the pool. They were swimming in their clothes and enjoying every moment of being in a swimming pool. I wasn't going to say a word. Why steal that joy from them? The Lord prompted me to buy them each a Strawberry Fanta. I walked towards them with these little treats and they looked at me with such sad eyes; they must have thought they were all for Brooklyn. To their delight I handed each one of them what I thought was a small treat. To my amazement they LEAPED out of their chairs and ran across the pool screaming and laughing with the purest joy. By their reaction (that I wish you could've seen) I don't think they had ever had such a treat. The moment melted my heart and the Lord kindly reminded me that He had a purpose for us in Batam that went much further than eating spaghetti for dinner every night.

I lay in my chair for a while thanking God for His peace and His grace, when I heard some movement next to me. I sat up and there they were, all 4 children, sitting in the chair next to me with big beautiful smiles on their faces. At that moment I asked God to keep them, direct them, protect them, and love them for the rest of their lives. It says in Ephesians that God will do exceedingly above all that we could ask or think and I know He began to work at that moment.

The day ended with a service at Marlena's church. This is a newer, smaller church that we have recently become connected to. It was in her village and it was the cutest little church (all pink, which I liked) and there was so much love in the building that it was hard not to cry. There were about 10 adults and 6 children there.

The service began with praise and worship, which Brooklyn loved. He stood up in the front row, clapped, said Hallelujah, and did whatever everyone else did. He didn't seem to mind that the music was merely and electronic keyboard and 1 vocalist. The music was anointed and so was the preaching. Brandon shared a message on the simple love of God. These people hung on every word and JUMPED at the opportunity to get prayed for at the end of the service. Brandon asked them if he could give them each a hug at the end. He got a bit choked up as he explained to them that we considered them family and loved them all deeply. The people clung to his genuine affection. I wish I could've been up there, but was definitely content keeping an eye on Brooklyn while he played (and I believe ministered) in the back outside of the church with all the children. I loved loving them and sharing Brooklyn's toys with them.

Thank you GOD for beginning and ending this day with your deep love and compassion. Thank you for sending so many laborers to love and support us so that we could experience these moments!