Just like my Sweet Glacier!

Hello my friends, first I will say I miss you all very much. Yesterday I got to talk with Glacier, Canyon and Rich and it made my heart so full. I wish they were all here with me, everyone has been asking for them. You can tell that Opa has made a true name for himself here in Rwanda. They all talk of him so much and love him so unconditionally. I am so happy they have seen what we all have known for so long. His heart is so big and he has touched so many people here. I am very PROUD! Yesterday was a special day for both Mom and I . We spent the day at The Esther Home and we introduced Esther to them. They treated her like a little sister and promised to take care of her for me. They were excited to see the namesake of the home. I had a lot of fun with the girls and laughed with them. They all are very beautiful and get along so well. Seeing all those girls that age living together as sisters and loving eachother so much teaches me to love my neighbors and friends more unconditionally. We could all benefit from these girls and their contagious kindness. Esther was very proud of the house and although shy a little, she spent some quality time with some. In the afternoon I took Barbara and Esther to the pool here at the hotel. When they walked into the hotel, Esther told Barbara..now is the time to speak our English. They were beaming and you could see the amazement in their eyes. They first got in the elevator and were a little afraid of the movement, but after the first time they could not get enough of it. They both changed into their swimsuits and were very honored to be wearing Glacier's suits. They admire her so much and felt as if it was a gift to be wearing them. They were fearful at first in the pool and my little Esther was just like Glacier and the dogs. She had me sit at the edge of the pool and hold her hand. The part of the pool she was in was no deeper than her knees, but she was so scared she did not want to go in. There are so many things that her and Glacier show a likeness. They have similar personalities and it breaks my heart when I think of what is going on. They would be wonderful friends and sisters in America and I think they would both benefit from each other. I know they would get along great and Esther would be a great big sister to her. Although Glacier would look like the older as Esther is a small little turd. I spent the day talking to her about school, her friends and life in general. Her English is outstanding and you would never imagine we could spend the whole day together without someone to interpret. She talked and talked and talked and talked. Another thing just like my sweet Glacier. At night Glacier would rather chat with me than read books. It was such a special time I had with Esther and I can see now the seed that God has planted in our life. I must say when I left to go on this trip I was trying to convince myself that I was forgiving God, but in my heart I know I really had not. Now my life is changed once again and I believe in his big plan and can see the good that has come out of this whole process. Esther has grown up so much and the love that she has been given and the family she now has is making all her dreams come true. God is so big and I see him in all he is doing.

I gave her the book that the 3rd Grade class has made her and she loves it soooooooo much. She could not wait to sit down and read all the letters they have wrote her. I was amazed today as she told me who the children where and some of what they wrote. She sat in the van and wrote a long letter to the whole class. God has put so many friends into her life and she is bursting with love for each and everyone of you. Barbara said she loves Mrs. Brookes and that she is a very pretty American woman and Esther said she looks like a great teacher. She now has 23 sisters and brothers and can not wait to meet them all. So as you can see we had a wonderful day and our trip has been so life changing. My heart still breaks at times, but I can feel it slowly healing. Seeing Esther and holding her in my arms makes my heart very full. It is going to be very hard leaving her, but I know she is being taken care of here and I have Faith God will provide.

I was so touched to see the comment from my sweet friend Becki. I knew when I left I was so fortunate to have good friends, but I consider you all family and know that you have been praying for us all. I can feel it here in Rwanda and can not wait to come home and share with you.

I will end tonight with a big GO STORM! Rich was so happy and said the team did so good. Oma and I were so sad to have missed it, but I know the girls were on fire.Great job girls and know that I am soooooooo proud of each and everyone of you! Love to all!