everything comes to an end.

first, i wanna thank all of you lovely friends who have been diligently praying for my time at the somali center. your prayers have clearly been heard and they have produced much fruit. i really have had a hard time balancing my time between loving & disciplining those kids. if you look back to one of my previous blogs, you'll see that my first two weeks were indeed a battle. i mean.. i almost got stoned by one boy. [aka. a rock was launched at my head followed by some profanity]. there was alot of spiritual warfare going on to say the least.

their were days i left in tears just doubting my ability to love anyone well. of course, Christ was faithful to encourage my heart. but, i wasn't sure if i would have much of a chance to showcase my love for them clearly. i was worn out most days. but, as the days went on, slowly but surely i was being accepted by the children. they really grew used to my presence there. into the third week, i really was able to bond with the kids and most were expressing their love for me. expect for the "stoner" child. he really was battling with me daily. but, i prayed everyday that i could love him well despite his crazy antics. now, it's the end and i can look back & say God answered my prayers.

thursday [july 19] was our last day at the somali education center. God was just gracious to me. i really felt as if there was closure there in so many ways. all of the children who had previously been so difficult for me were so loving and compassionate. i was so surprised to see their response to our final hours together. i don't think their was a minute when a kid wasn't attached to me. this response was such a gift from the Lord. the boy who tried to stone me totally was joking with me at times/he was smiling! i mean, i was shocked to say the least. but, his response really let me with a much needed peace. i know i really needed their love in those moments. it was as if God was saying, "becca your labor was not in vain." i just desired to love them well & be jesus to them. i feel as if i can look back in confidence & say i was able to do this. man, im so thankful for my time at the center. i really learned alot about my role as a teacher/someone in authority. also, i learned a great deal about the somali culture. i really have grown to love the somali people. i pray that i would be open to the Lord increasing my love for these people who so desperately need jesus.

so, continue to pray for our interactions with somali's these last few weeks. pray that we can just love them as Christ would.

grace & peace.