A place of hardship. A place of desperation. A place where hunger is known much too well.

We came, bringing hope partially in the form of some food that would alleviate this pain, at least for a bit. Lives were touched by food, and smiles, and His love through us. But not theirs only – mine was one touched as well, in fact quite deeply. As I smiled and exchanged a word or two while punching a card for another person in the food line, my heart was gripped by the weight of all this humanity in such need. And beyond the need of material things, for they have seen their land war-ravaged, had hopes dashed, lost so much…

Then the children. Always the children, reaching for all the love they can grasp. Becoming our friends in instants… All the connections overall that were formed in moments, through smiles, gestures, and the few words we knew in each others’ languages. My heart strings are tugged as I leave them behind for yet the need remains. And I’m leaving them for my life that holds more than I have asked for. But I am grateful that we have had the opportunity to come to this place, and share glimpses of hope. Some seeds of love. And I pray they will bring forth fruit.