nearing the end

I can't believe I am actually leaving this place in just a couple days. It’s insane to even think about because we just got here on what feels like yesterday. This journey has been full of fun, challenges, and new friendships, and it’s hard to believe it is coming to a close.

But, here’s a quick update of stuff that is happening here:

The clinic is getting quicker. I mainly work on this one sweet boy’s head. He has major infection and the first time he came in I did “surgery” (meaning tweezers and scissors) on his head for 2 hours. The next time I worked on it, it was another 4 hours. It’s sometimes disappointing and draining to work for that long and feel like nothing is happening. But, since then, his head is getting better and better. The shortest amount of time I’ve done surgery on him was 45 minutes. (But, don’t worry. He doesn’t get bored when I do surgery on him because I taught him how to play doodle jump on my ipod). Anyways, we are all hoping that it will be all healed by the time we leave.

Another big part of this trip has been getting the mattresses in the beds. Two weeks ago, all the kids got new mattresses. But, they can’t use them until they are covered in fabric, and for the little ones, they have to have plastic over the fabric (in case they “rain” in bed). They only have two seamstresses to work on this job, so we decided to take on the job. We just got the fabric and started today. It’s a long process and the super glue all over my hands adds to the length of the process. But, the time spent is well worth it to see their faces with the new mattresses. Most of their to-be-old mattresses are about 1 inch thick and from what I assume, highly uncomfortable. So, if we have to pull an all-nighter or two to get all the fabric and things done, we are willing and able. We have finished around 50-75, so we have lots of work to do in one day.

Since I’ve been here for a long time, I have gradually learned almost all of the kids’ names. And with learning their names, I’ve made new forever friends. It’s so nice to get to talk to the kids that hardly ever get talked to. One guy here is shy and that’s why he doesn’t talk much. But, when you’re one-on-one with him, he could talk for hours. It’s been neat to hear stories and just be able to be the listening ear that some of these kids need. When I read the letters they write to me, I am amazed by how big of a difference one little thing makes. These kids just soak it all in, and so do I.

I planned on talking more about it here, but it’s past midnight already. I guess time flies when you’re having fun! So, looks like if you want to know more, we will have to talk when I get back! (and I’ll definitely have LOTS to talk about). These kids have not only stolen my heart, but they are my heart. The word “goodbye” will be the hardest word of all in the coming days. The kids keep asking me when I’m coming back after I leave and it’s hard to not have the answers to those questions. So, until then, I am just trusting in God’s plan and loving on His precious children.