Almost home

Sitting in the DC airport trying to think over all that has happened over the past few weeks. Kenya seems like a lifetime ago and yet I can still hear their little voices.

Poline and jackline at Fiwago leading me to the lake, singing hymns the whole way. 

Precious at haven of hope looking at me through her completely trusting 3 month old eyes.

Daniel learning through the men on our team what it means to be a Godly man and seeing his heart break for his unsaved wife.

At return in Uganda having Babra cling to me as if no one had ever given her the time of day.

Working with 60feet at M2 and seeing kids in a hopeless situation crying out to God despite it all.

Going to the baby cottage and picking up 2 month old Alice. To the women who work there she is just one crying voice among many. But I see a life worth saving. She is precious to me and more than anything I longed to take her away from that place, to give her the love and affection she deserves. Not to see her in pain because no one saw the hair wrapped around her finger that was cutting off the circulation to 3 fingers and I'm positive it would have caused permanent damage. My heart breaks to know she lays there day after day only picked up to be fed and changed.

Going to M3 with 60feet and seeing the most hopeless situation I have ever encountered. A special needs girl urinate all over herself and to see no one care. To know she is in a place where her needs will never be met and she might never escape.

Traveling to Canaan to be greeted with the most joyful children. Spending days with Esther, Jane, Sarah, Patience, Topiska, and so many others. It gave me so much hope for what one person who cares can do.

Going to visit the Karamajong and having the least if the least present us with gifts. The most humbling thing I have ever experienced.

Going to Serving His Children and holding a 2 year old who weighed 10 lbs because of malnutrition and see mothers who simply didn't care.

And finally at Amazima seeing children so grateful for 1 bowl of food.

These are the things I don't understand as I sit in American luxury. What do you do looking into the face if such a huge need? How do you fight through the tears and rejoin normal life?!

until all have heard,
lauren michelle gross

Not enough words to express...

As I sit outside on a beautiful night in Uganda, I cannot find any words to describe what I have seen and done in the past week and a half.

I have seen hundreds if not thousands of hurting children in Africa. From the best to the worst and I am asking God what is my part? How do I put my drop in the bucket of the orphan crisis around the world?

And yet I am reminded that my God is faithful and just. He know what He us doing and He will always show me my part (even if it is only one step at a time.)

But for now I will tell you that my heart is overflowing with love for these kids and these people. When I return I will post some of the details of what I have done and what God has done in me.

until all have heard
lauren michelle gross

So.... Tomorrow is the Day

Tomorrow at 10am I will begin the 2 day journey to Kenya. Today has been a day filled with stress and frustration, but God has proved faithful to provide a way.

Special thanks to Katelyn Young who will be driving me to Dallas (that was majorly a last minute decision ). I am so excited about what God is about to do in and through me in the next 2 weeks.

My bags are packed, my stuff is ready and I can't wait to get on that plane.

Please be praying for no sickness, no stress, and for the knowledge of God's will to be abundant.

I will post again when I return!

Africa, here I come!

until the whole world hears,
lauren michelle gross