We fit.

It's days like today I remember exactly why the Lord has me here.

It's never pretty. It's always messy.

They're always snotty. They're always filthy. They're always crying, desperate, lonely, and broken. But they're always beautiful.

Today I had the privilege of taking three of my missionary friends to the home where Natasha came from. I was full of excitement, anticipating the beautiful sight of watching Megan, Chase, and Stephanie with Natasha's brothers and sisters. I simply couldn't wait to see them become Jesus to these children, thankful that there were three more laps, three more intercessors to stand in the gap, and three more sets of holy hands to hold these precious babes.

As I watched them, it was like the greatest sense of holy pride flooded my heart. I felt such a peace, such a desperate thankfulness to the Lord, for allowing me to see this. I was overwhelmed at the fact to see three more precious hearts, giving what they could today, to show these children Jesus. And though it wasn't much, it was everything.

Megan, so preciously held a little boy, broken and deserted, confused and afraid. His loneliness ceased for a short while, taking refuge in the comfort of her embrace. I saw her eyes, every so often making contact with mine- she fit. Right there. And so did he.

To my left was Chase. Squatting up against a brick wall, children surrounded him. Two children clung to each of his arms, and one wrapped right around the front of him. I watched four little girls and one little boy, manifest their longing for an earthly father, as well as their longing for their heavenly father. And I saw Chase fit. Right there. So did they.

And straight ahead, I watched Stephanie. In her arms a child with sores covering her mouth. I watched as Stephanie spoke life into her, with the look in her eyes believing in God's mercy for this sweet girl. I saw her look beyond the sickness and brokenness and find treasure. And I saw this baby girl, resting ever so lightly in her arms. She fit. Right there, in Stephanie's arms. And Stephanie fit there too.

When I sat down tonight, I had no idea what would "come out" in this blog attempt, but now I understand why the Lord is having me write what I have. Megan, Chase and Stephanie- they are beautiful people. They are normal people. They are family to me. And this blog I want to be my "thank you" to them.

Thank you, for living out the gospel.

Thank you, for loving these children, the one's the world labels as filth.

Thank you, for sharing in the joy I have when I am with these children--my daughters' best friends--and the treasures of my heart.

Thank you, for carrying the burden with me- the heavy, overwhelming cry for these children to be placed in families--for the Lord's faithfulness to manifest in their little lives..

And thank you, for being the hands and feet of Jesus, so that I could see him today.

I surely saw him.

I don't always know why the Lord has me in Zambia, and quite frankly, most days I don't "feel" like this is the perfect fit. But today, it was. Today, I fit.

Thank you for sharing today with me.