Day 7!
A surprise day!
Today we woke up and readied ourselves to go spend time with our kids! But then Tatiana received an unexpected phone call from the orphanage telling her that we could not come today because an inspection was going to happen in the afternoon. It was briefly disheartening but it was clear that God was at work and we were thankful for his protection, and to our prayer warriors at home. We will get to see the kids tomorrow and finish our week with them!!!
The thought of leaving without being able to complete our lessons and say good-bye was not a good one. Plan B was switching Friday’s schedule with Saturday’s, so we went to The Hermitage Museum, one of the two grandest art museums in the world (the Louvre in Paris is the other)! It was magnificent to say the least.
The highlight was seeing Rembrandt’s The Prodigal Son. I wish I could describe it, but it’s really more of a feeling versus a vision, and perhaps for some a personal feeling. It is larger than life and exquisite, and really, those are tiny words to describe being in its presence. One could stand in front of it for hours.
After the museum we dined together in a cozy Italian restaurant called Mama Roma. It was a perfect setting and sitting after walking for a long time, we were very hungry and the food was scrumptious. Thomas finished any and everything that was not completely consumed by the team. (I told you we were hungry 😉
Speaking of Thomas; what a great guy. He has been a gentleman through and through. Every day he lives generously. He has been very courteous and very protective of all of us. We are always in his sight even when he cannot literally see us. I hope that is a good enough description because once again, it’s a feeling that his behavior provides, not something you only see with your eyes.
Thank you everyone for your prayers; we miss you more every day!
Tracy and the team.
PS – Craig, Thank you! You made my day.
I get to reply again….so sorry your plans did not work out the way you scheduled it, but obviously God knew what was going on. WOW…what a treat for the artists. Thomas, are you taking care of Miss Anne, too? I Know the answer to that already. It has been warm and muggy here all week. Remember that you are Ambassadors for Christ…nothing can separate you from the love of God… and you are the salt and light of the earth….and regardless of what you are required to do, that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you…I am so proud of you all…but my wife has my heart…as I am sure the significant others in your lives would say the same thing with similar affection….PC
What a great place to visit! So much history. Glad Thomas is there and being such a helpful part of the team. Hope your final day goes well with the kids as you continue to impact their lives. Paul’s in the band performance tonight at the halftime of the football game. Missed seeing your smiling faces in today’s pics but awaiting your Sunday return and prayers for your safety
So sorry you couldn’t spend today with the kids, but God had a gorgeous day planned after all – looks like it turned out to be a great day. From the pictures, it looks magnificent! Thank you for kinds words of my son…yes…that’s my boy! I’m a very proud mom. Thank you ladies for watching over him too! Praying for good last day with kids – i’m sure it’ll be hard to leave those smiling faces and praying for safe return home.
There is a plan in which we are not always the decision makers. Apparently this was to be your schedule for today. So glad you were able to just switch your days. I cannot imagine how wonderful this day must have been!! May tomorrow be as blessed, if not more, seeing the faces of all the children and being able to share your love and prayers with them. As always thank you for the update.
Blessings and prayers to all.
Love you Tracy and Savannah, what a wonderful mission you have been a part of. So many lives will be forever changed.
XOXO
It’s 8:30pm – our day is winding down and time for yours to start. We just took Nana out for Portillo’s Famous chocolate cake. She loved it! Trey held out long enough to eat cake, imagine that, and he’s now zonked on the couch. Reading your description of The Prodigal Son and seeing the pic has stirred my mind and heart – it’s caused me to reflect upon the children you’re serving and the hope they must have…hope that they will all be received into open arms of a loving family. For certain, you, all, are the open arms they seek and crave in the immediate future, and what a privilege to be those that welcome them, today. Give HUGS freely today and cherish the time remaining with the children. I believe today’s turn of events was a God-incident. We send our love and eagerly await our own reunion. Jami, I’m sending you another kiss on the wind tonight. Craig XO
I have one last thought to share and that’s a song that my grandma use to sing to me…”I see the moon. The moon sees me. The moon see somebody that I want to see. God bless the moon and God bless me, and God bless that somebody I want to see.”
As soon as I start reading I realized it your writing. Tracy you truly have a gift. I am glad that you have been doing most of the writing. I feel like you are talking directly to me. I feel like I am there during your important mission. I love you. It time to come home.
Ok, Jami, I know your mind is racing about what awaits you at home so…You have NOTHING to worry about because the the floors are vacuumed, kitchen has been vacuumed and mopped, the dusting is done, the laundry is done, folded and put away; the bathrooms cleaned, the puppy has been fed, watered and walked; and last but not least, the yard has been edged and cut. Also meals are prepped and Jeff and fam are in town. Trey would like to add: “I hope you have a safe plane ride back to the airport and I hope you have a safe ride back. I love you because you’re nice. I love you so much that you’re going to have a safe trip back.” We’ll see you in just over 24 hrs. Yeah!!!! Love You. XOXOXO
Oops…I was just rereading my post and realized that I slipped up and mentioned our new puppy. Don’t let the boys know because she’s to be their surprise. LOVE YOU LOTS! Did I tell you how beautiful you are? Do you know that I love you to the moon and back? : )
Beautiful pictures! Hope your last day has been great! I’m sure as much as you want to come home it will be hard to say goodbye. Safe travels! Can’t wait to have coffee with you Bonnie and hear all about the trip! 🙂
Looking forward to all the updates and stories of God at work in and through you. So thankful for this life-changing experience for all of you. See you soon!