Dear David,
It is 12:35 p.m. in Dakar right now. Lunch time. Maybe. Last year, food was often late. Never once, however, did a single student complain. They had made a student-initiated pact at the beginning of the trip to not whine about anything. Although they were pushed to their spiritual, emotional, and physical limits, they kept that agreement. This trip changes students, matures them, gives them a view of the world outside of our safe Colorado bubble. Incredible.
As I imagine the medical outreach going on today, I picture you right in the thick of things, playing soccer with the street boys, handing out candy to little ones, holding babies, checking on all of your high school students. I pray that the second doctor was able to clear his schedule and aid in today’s relief efforts. Hurts are plentiful, but medicines and tender care are hard to come by.
Your email update yesterday meant so much to me. I sat and reveled in the sound of your words, flowing off the page and wrapping themselves like so much dark chocolate around my heart. I miss you. But, more than that, I am so proud of you. Proud of the teacher and leader that you are. Proud of the man of God that you are. Proud of the daddy that you will one day become. I’ve dreamed about taking home a street baby. Who knows what God has planned for our future? But, I’m ready to welcome it with you with open arms. Yours wrapped around mine, holding on, holding up.
Yogurt and granola has disappeared from my bowl, and the clock tells me that I must dress for school. But, let me pray over you before I log off. I love you soooooo much. You are owed a ton of kisses when you return. Better yet, you owe me even more 🙂
“Father God,
Surround David and his team with songs of deliverance. May their hands minister your love today. Provide for them and for the outreaches when man says it is impossible. Protect them from sickness and supercharge their sleep-deprived bodies. Give students a glimpse of Your heart today – how You see the destitute and forgotten. You’ve called them chosen as well. Birth ministers, missionaries, mothers, and fathers out of today’s outreach.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
I love you, Beloved.
Your Crazy Girl,
Lauren
acupofbliss 
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