Journey

We arrive at the temporary overnight shelter the next morning to pick up the kids and begin the long drive south to the rehabilitation center. The children are running around playing, drawing up water from a courtyard well, and bathing. It's another day in life for them, and I am amazed at their instant adaptation. They care for each other – the oldest making sure the youngest bathe and are ready for the day. As we wait for a travel permit and to give the children breakfast, there is so much dancing and laughter, I can hardly believe my eyes. In less than 24 hours, they are already being transformed; their longing to simply "be a child" is realized, and they are soaking it up drop for drop…
as are we.

I'm bouncing around in a bus full of excited children as we make the 8-hour drive down. The children have been amazing travelers – sleeping, smiling, laughing, and soaking it all in – with never a complaint. They are no doubt teaching me more than I could ever teach them. With merely a glance in my direction, they fill me with hope.