Who would have known that 5 months later I would still have the same passion and burden for that city. It's amazing the rush of emotion I felt as the skyline came into view. I had had time to reflect on everything the summer had taught and now, about 70 degrees cooler, I was back.
My first thoughts were my kids. Would they remember me? Would they want to see me? Had I had nearly the impact on them as they had on me? What would it be like to walk the streets of club Guernsey once more? All these thoughts bombarded my mind as I began my drive to meet my dear friend Erica who lives in a suburb really close to Memphis.
The next day I got the opportunity to go back to the church that I had worked with all summer. It was amazing to be greeted with so many hugs and smiles on the faces of the people of the congregation. To be there felt completely like home and like it was exactly where I belonged.
That afternoon I began the trek to see my kids. Emotions were high, and I could not help but be completely anxious. It had been 5 months. 5 months since the last time I had held them in my arms and looked at their beautiful faces and heard their precious laughter. 5 months. And 5 months in which I learned a whole lot.
As I saw the first group of kids came pouring out of the house I realized that this is exactly where I belong. In this moment in time, being on those streets and at those houses could not have felt more right. I was greeted by, "you're really here! You came back! Miss Emily is here, Miss Emily is here!!" Their excitement and looks of shock were enough to make you want to cry. They thought I had made their day. They had made mine.
My babies. I got to hug and hold my babies one more time. God granted my wish to let me see them again. When I left Memphis, I told God that I would trust Him to keep and protect them. And He has. In more ways than I could ever comprehend.
The next day, we went back to see more of the kids that weren't home. One of my little ones informed me of how much he has missed me, and his sister asked if she could come with me to the church to do Bible Club. How I longed for the chance to take them all with me. However, I just feel blessed that I got the chance to see them once more.
I don't know what all the future holds for me. I know that my life is an open book, and I am ready for God to write my story page-by-page. I am ready to free-fall into the unknown because He has a plan and purpose for me. I will continue to surrender my wants and desires to be His wants and His desires. I want to be back in Memphis, TN, and if God opens the door, I will happily take it. However, wherever He leads I will follow. If I have learned nothing else it is to not take any opportunity for granted. God gives us many, and I want to take each one He gives.
I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful and precious babies that they are.
Love you guys,
Em
