On Day 19 when we woke up the hotel was a buzz with frantic packing and logistics questions. AP and I were a buzz with the crazy miraculous day that we got to witness on day 18.
Pastor Gladys came to the hotel to see us. She said that she talked it over with her husband the night before, and then with God. She let us know that God had laid it on her heart to care for Gloria, Precious, Gonte, and Brandon monthly forever. She actully said it with that much certainty. Forever. Then, Gladys showed us a text message that Gloria had sent that morning, just after Gladys said "amen". Gloria thanked her and asked if she would have us call before we left for the US. Gladys took that as confirmation that she was to care for them as her own children.
Gladys said she would get them food, check up on their schooling, get them shoes, give them a ride to church on Sundays, and put Gloria's family at the top of the list for a new house next year. AMEN!
We did talk to Gloria and each of the other children on the phone before leaving for the airport. They sounded entergetic, even happy -- and full of hope. And, they should be. They have a family now -- in the US and in South Africa people care about them who can make a difference. And we will.
Travel from JoBurg back to the US took about 35 hours. I slept most of it. I cried a little on the way home, but not out of regret. I feel like this trip was much better for me than the last one. I know, that's saying a lot. I feel like God challenged me in ways I didn't think that I was ready for. And then, He answered my prayers in ways I wasn't ready for either.
2 comments:
WHOA. Every story you have told the last three weeks has been amazing, but this business about sweet Brandon and his family tops them all. This trip has been LIFE CHANGING for you, AP, Brandon, Precious, Gonte, Gloria, Gladys, Cecil, Maureen...and those are just the ones I know about. God's hand was surely at work with you in Mamelodi - what a success! Can't wait for our reunion tonight!!!!
Baby Precious, you have changed right here on the page before us and opened your heart to let us witness that change. You and AP were wonderful just as you were and now you have been changed and challenged. Tempered in the fire.
Love,Mom
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