Orphan Sunday

I write this post with a heavy heart yet completely overwhelmed with gratitude. Today was Orphan Sunday at church, perhaps my favorite day of the year aside from Easter Sunday. We had the most beautiful service that destroyed me in a good way. It was the perfect "last Sunday" before traveling to South Africa.

The statistics can be overwhelming. What I love is as I'm looking at the speaker that is giving statistics and scriptures, I see past him to familiar faces that I know from the Village or elsewhere that have stood in the gap for the faces that represent the easy-to-forget statistics. They've sacrificed so much to have adopted, fostered, or advocated for these children. They have been my heroes who have made themselves available and transparent to answer my questions for my own journey. 

I thought about my own journey and how I do not know the steps, but I know that I am obedient and am walking with purpose. It makes me wonder if my heart is heavier today because "Shorty" is out there already and our stories are being written but have not yet merged. Sometimes I feel crazy but at times, I pray that if "Shorty" IS out there, then he/she is protected and safe as possible at this time and that he/she feels hope that circumstances will change.

As service ended, I checked my phone to see that a family I love dearly had donated to South Africa with the EXACT message I needed to hear at that moment: We love and support you.

After service, I wanted to hide in my car in fear of the "ugly cry" erupting as thoughts from service swirled and emotions stirred. Instead, my cup overflowed more and I had people to see. I met up with a friend who passed on her PECS book for me to share and donate in South Africa. I collected a trunk full of recycling from another friend (and South Africa alum). I grabbed 7-8 requested items to purchase for a child in foster care for Christmas on behalf of my friends who choose to love children in need. As soon as I got in the car, huge tears of joy flooded.

Today, love was tangible. It was heavy. It's not Monday yet but I already have a love hangover.

Thank you for a cup that continually overflows,

Danielle