"America in Liberia"

The van was quiet. All you could hear was the rain and the sound of 9 young boys praying to God for sunshine. Not knowing whether or not the rain would stop, but we had faith. We had faith God would make it a beautiful day for the boys! Not only did we want the rain to stop, we also wanted to show the boys that God does listen to the little prayers. To the little concerns that we have on a daily basis. God can move mountains, yes. But He also can move little rocks too.

We were sitting by the pool and I have never seen these boys not talking, yelling, screaming or dancing. They just sat there admiring “America in Liberia” (or that's at least what we call it!) They were amazed at how beautiful everything was and that they were about to enjoy it all for the whole day! We ordered our food and I told the boys that if they had to use the bathroom, then to just tell me and I'll show them where it is! Rufus was the first to speak up, so I showed him where to go! About 5 minutes later he comes back out and had to ask how to flush the toilet. This was the first time these boys had EVER used a toilet that flushed by itself. So of course, as soon as Rufus came out...every other boy rushed in to flush the toilets as well. It was hysterical! They all came back with a grin on their faces like they were very proud of themselves!

We ate pizza, french fries, wings and egg rolls. Yes, not a very good combination but we had to manage with the prices! It was the first time any of them had ever tried pizza! They were also drinking water out of a glass. (something you don't see Africans doing) They were chinking their glasses together like they were very proper!

We got in the pool and they had the time of their lives! At one point I just sat there in awe of their smiles and laughter. I enjoyed every single bit of the fun that they had and I am so grateful I got to experience it with them! God has allowed me the opportunity to do life with these kids. To love on them and to just spend time with them. I believe that was the best part about taking the kids to the pool. Spending time individually with each of them, which is so hard to do at the home with 70 kids! I got to see a side to some of them I had never seen before.

Every time they would do a new trick in the pool, or down the slide they would call my name and make sure I was watching. Just like I did to my mom when I was a little girl. I pray that I can always be here when they need someone to watch them do well and to praise them for it. I know how special these boys are and I want them to know it too! I want them to know that they are loved not only by Emma, Adina and myself..but by God the most. God answered the boys simple prayers. Imagine what else He could do?