Ever since my first missions trip, I’ve always had a passion for serving in 3rd world countries. More specifically, I really felt drawn to serving in villages where the people are in their native environment. I never felt called to serve in an orphanage or women’s home. When I found out that I was going to be living and serving at a refuge home for abused children and women for 2 months this summer, I was taken back a little bit. That wasn’t what the description for the trip said and it wasn’t what I wanted at all. However, I knew that God was going to use me and my team in mighty ways despite where we were. I tried to keep a positive attitude about it and trust that amazing things were going to happen this summer (even though I was about to be doing exactly the opposite of what I’ve always been drawn to). Let’s just say, GOD IS FAITHFUL. I am having the time of my life here. I am so so so happy. I go to bed looking forward to waking up and walking downstairs to hug the sleepy children good morning. Every time a baby falls asleep on me, my heart melts because I know they trust me and feel safe in my arms. I love hearing the children say “Halston” no matter how much it doesn’t actually sound like Halston. Seeing the smiles and laughter that comes across their faces when you tickle them is absolutely priceless. We are literally doing life with these kids. It’s been one week, and I already feel like we’ve been here for months. It’s amazing how God has softened my heart for where I serve. I don’t know why I ever doubted Him, because He is always faithful. I know I am EXACTLY where I need to be this summer. James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
