So power is on past 10 pm and I can't go to bed and waste that. I might as well sit here and listen to Christmas music and try to write down what I've been thinking about. Honestly, I think I and many others have a misguided view of "ministry work." My actual work here isn't as simple as "feed this baby because no one else will." What all of us do here is just live, build relationships, and go through our day looking for ways to bless someone. I guess I'm just uncomfortable getting credit for doing ministry work, when I know so many people who do so much more without anyone noticing.
Everywhere around us, in every country,there are people much more needy and hurt than even the orphaned children here. One of the girls in my family impressed me when I found out how really horribly she had been treated and how alone she really is, but she is always so full of peace and joy. So many Americans come from stable homes and comfortable lives and are chained in bitterness, resentment and loneliness. I'm not saying in any way that the work here is unnecessary; many of the kids have not found that peace yet, but New Hope is the reason they can come and find safety, love, families, and hear the truth of God's word everyday. I just wish that the American's with "orphan hearts" could find the same peace.

So this is it- my first blog entry. Except power is about to be cut off so I really can't say anything. About half of my family was baptized today. I made us a cake to celebrate that was supposed to say 'Praise God' but ended up somewhat illegible.
~Liz.