Back in Liberia

After three weeks' vacation, I pulled into our orphanages this week to the chants of "Auntie Mariel com-ing, Auntie Mariel com-ing!" It brought tears to my eyes to see the kids so excited about our return. After the hugs, the questions started to fly: "Where did you go? What did you eat? How are Uncle Matt's people? Are we going to have study class today?"

Then the comments: "Your skin changed color!" (I had lost my tan). "I was missing you!"

I was missing them too, and it seemed that everywhere I turned while I was away, I saw things that reminded me of these kids. It was great to have a vacation, but the welcome back was especially precious!