Why I Heart Dirty Babies

The past week or so has found us blissfully at home; resting, reflecting, and preparing for the weeks ahead. It has been a busy summer, and although our schedules have been full, I'd have to say my heart has been even fuller.

I recently have begun working on the felt need aspects of what our team does here. Our team has done a variety of medical clinics, nutrition/sanitation trainings, etc. for many years, but this was my first opportunity to participate. I had my first trip "out" at the end of last week, and absolutely loved it. Our transportation during the three days looked somewhat like this: large interstate bus, to small/throw on any paying personal or animal 'round the mountain bus, hiking, back end of a large tobacco-leaf hauling truck, motorcycles, more hiking, small bus, back to big bus home. Baxter would tell you going three days without a shower isn't quite a stretch for me, but nonetheless after all that sweating and traveling a shower was the first thing I did upon arriving home.

In some ways, my time out in the villages was completely overwhelming. Seeing how difficult to reach these people were, how many untouched villages there were, trying to understand their local dialect OR their minority language, and the extent of their needs sent my mind and heart reeling. And yet, being able to have a minuscule part of providing clothes, building relationships, and training in the Word absolutely brought my heart to life.

We spent time with one family, where an elderly couple was raising their great-great grandchildren. (The in-between generations typically leave village life for work in often far away cities). Their home was modest and bodies frail, but it was apparent they gave these children the best they could.  As we removed a dirty, threadbare garment from a previously bare-bottomed little girl and gave her a new outfit, my eyes couldn't help but well up with tears. It was if in that moment, my heart knew this was what I was made for. This is why I came.

For me, it's opportunities and places like these that help me feel near to Jesus, and make my very soul come alive. And that feeling is absolutely intoxicating. It's being in those situations that I realize how truly little I have to offer, and yet am able to clearly see how He is enough for my inadequacy and their need. I am so thankful for this new season in my work here, and am already filled with ideas and excitement of how to proceed. Call me a crazy, dirty-baby lovin' fool - but I absolutely can not wait!