Day One

Day one is finally coming to a close for me and I am quite exhausted. Thanks to everybody who prayed for safe travels. Though the trip was very, very long, everything went smoothly. After getting in at around 10:00 last night my day started at 7:00 this morning. It has been a full day by any standards, no painting, but lots of bonding with the boys. We bought the paints and agreed on all of the plans for this series of projects, so in the morning I can begin scrubbing and priming the walls.

Considering that this time yesterday I didn’t exactly know where I would be staying or the people I would be living with, I would call the past 24 hours a remarkable success. The boys are loving and full of energy, and the staff are just overall wonderful. I don’t think I’ve fully realized where I am yet, but tomorrow is another day.

Funny of the day: Apparently my name is comically close to a bad word here. After some laughs with the staff and older boys, we decided to just go ahead and change my name. So for the next three weeks I’ll be going by Emelia. I’ll also answer to Maria, Poe, Artishta, Sista, and Hey You.

On the flight over I started to feel a little overwhelmed. I pulled out my Bible to read for a bit and opened it to Psalm 91. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him…” He is my refuge, my rest and my safety. Just when I start to get nervous at the waters stirring beneath my feat, He knows exactly how to calm me, and reminds me to keep my eyes on Him.