Reflection: Emma Volk

            The week is coming to an end much more quickly than I expected. When I take the time to sit back and think about everything the team has done this week, I still have trouble believing that I am actually here serving both the Lord and these beautiful kids. I have been pushed so far out of my comfort zone down here, but I could not be more thankful the opportunity. These kids, every day, make me fall in love with them more and more.

            One moment that stood out to me this week was when we went to the IDADEE orphanage. I spent my time trying to get the little boy in the corner to play with the other kids and eventually pull a smile out of his lips. At one point, some people walked up the hill to the Joshua House which houses mission teams like us when they come to visit. It was still being built, but I was taken aback to see that the house (with its marble floors and leather couches) was nicer than the orphanage the kids were staying in down the hill. It seemed like the money put into that one house for people not in need could have built two EBAC orphanages.

            Peace and Joy was a whole other experience in itself. I still do not know how to process the conditions those kids are living in. The whole team was so happy to give them that day at the beach, but knowing that they hadn’t eaten again since then showed us the reality of their condition. Dropping off enough food for them for the next week gave both us and them a little hope that they won’t be suffering like this for much longer.

            EBAC is really making me feel at home. These children feel like my brothers and sisters. I was intimidated at first by the all the children I only had a week to get to know, but they make being with and loving them so easy. The closer we get to leaving and saying goodbye, the less I want to go. I wish I could explain the sensation of helping and hanging out with these kids, but to truly understand, you would just have to come down here and see for yourself. I am pouring my heart out to these children in hopes that I can do as much for them as they are doing for me. Thank you for your prayers during this trip.