Stand out

I want to be the one to stand out.

I want to be the one to represent.

To be the one who sits in the front row because I'm eager to learn.

To be the one who is expressive during worship and doesn't care who sees.

Who knows people are watching, and embraces it, not shies away from it.

To talk to new people and lets them know that they're welcome.

The one who prays out loud when it's quiet and speaks my mind,

wanting to be taught more about my God.

I don't want to be quiet!

I want to be the light to a dark and broken world.

I want to serve my God.

I want people to look at me and they see Jesus.

They see love, to my God and to everyone around me.

Compassion and care to the least of these ALL over the world.

I want people to be touched when they hear me speak,

and they know,

beyond a shadow of a doubt,

that I am a Christ-follower,

that I belong to him and speak his name.

I want to be different.

I want to stand out.

Letters to my loves {Witness}

Dear Witness,

How are you, love?

I remember last October, when you would stay by my side, hold my hand, and hug me.

I remember the way you would say quietly "Will you take me to America with you?"

 I remember it breaking my heart every time you asked that, whispering back "I wish I could"

I remember the day we left, you were one or the only kids around, hugging you tight and saying "I'm gonna miss you so much", and trying not to cry.

Coming very close when you said quietly "I'm gonna miss you too"

I remember the first time we pulled in to Sascu just a few months ago, you were there, hugging you tight as soon as I saw you.

You're not much for talking, not that I think you could say much in English if you were.

You're shy, but one of the sweetest little girls I know.

I remember the time I saw you sitting by the rail, painting.

You're eight years old, love, you didn't have to do that, but you did anyway.

I love your smile, Witness. Bright, shining smile that makes me want to smile back. 

I miss your sweet, shy, quiet, loving personality.

I miss your hugs and playing games that you taught me.

I even miss you laughing at me when I did it wrong ;)

I love you, Witness, I can't wait to see you again.

Letters to my loves {Angel}

Dear Angel,

Oh, where to begin with you, my love?

I so very clearly remember the first day I met you, you held my hand, followed me around, sat in my lap, and stole my heart, even Harry said he'd take you home in a heartbeat.

You were a sweet and sassy little thing, and you and Shanita made quite the pair!

Flash forward to three months later and I see you again.

You spent days with us at Innocent's house, you added so much laughter and smiles and sweetness to our everyday.

I remember hearing you and Edrine chattering away in some language I didn't understand.

I'm pretty sure you two were plotting.

I remember the day Edrine was throwing a fit, so I turned on my laptop and we took selfies for half an hour.

You were there through some pretty tough days.

You are an adorable, sassy, sweet little girl.

I so wanted to see you in August, but we never did.

I hope you're happy at home, love. I know you're where you need to be.

I adore you, baby girl, I miss you oh so very much.

Letters to my loves {the twins}

Dear Sophie,

How are you, my little firecracker?

Probably as smart as always, which is about as smart as a 6 year old can be.

I mean really, how many Ugandans are there that skip a grade, and 6 year olds whose handwriting is better than mine??? Okay, so maybe it doesn't take much, but still.

I miss your shy smile, misleading as it may be, 

because once we got you talking, you did not stop!

You amazed us with bilingual talent, translating for kids nearly twice your age? That's about as impressive as it gets!

You were always by my side, and I loved every second of it, my precious girl.

You were our go-to girl when we had a question, you knew it all!

I miss your hugs, and the way you would sit next to us all day everyday,

 I miss your quiet voice, asking questions all day long, 

I love you sweet girl, I miss you so.

***

Dear Wasswa,

Hey little buddy, what's up?

Fastest kid I know, and about as athletic as it gets.

My shy little friend, getting you to warm up to me took a few days, but it was sooo worth it.

You are shy, so I might have never noticed, but you must be pretty darn smart too, since you skipped a grade too.

I miss watching you play football [soccer], you're fast, and so talented.

You ran everywhere, you flipped and jumped, getting you to stop moving wasn't easy.

I'd catch you, and get few words out of you before you were off again.

You weren't much for talking.

I miss your smile and your laugh, I hadn't seen those much before,

I miss the way you'd run over and grab my hand, I asked "Are you my buddy?" 

and your smile as you whispered "yes!"

I love you little buddy, I can't wait to see you again. 

***

smiles

Few things make me happier than making someone smile,

So when I see my loves smiling at me, it's one of the best feelings in the world

To know that I can make them smile, that my being there makes them happy...

It's the most amazing thing I've ever experienced.

Do you love their smiles as much as I do?

Their smiles make my world go round ♥