less than two weeks

I'm coming into the final stretch of my time here. Actually, I’ll be home in only 13 days. That seems so surreal to me. Time has really flown past, especially in the last few weeks. I'm looking forward to getting back and seeing my family, but I can’t imagine life without babies around all the time. I take it for granted that I can recognize the way each one cries and laughs, and that I know how to make each one happy, and why they are sad. Each child is so unique, and loved because of his/her uniqueness. I do have a ‘favorite,’ but I love every single one of them more than I ever thought was possible. It is weird to me how they’ll never remember me, but I’ll always hold memories of them in my heart. I’ll look at pictures of them for a long time to come, but within a few months (or less) of my leaving, they won’t even remember who I am, especially when they grow up

The good news is that so many of them are getting adopted. Only 3 kids that are currently in big babies will be left after September, one from small babies is leaving, and all but 3 from Starfish (special needs) are leaving. It makes it easier, to know that all of my (and God’s) precious little ones are going to a good family that will love them even more than I have been able to

I've started trying to process everything that’s happened to me over the summer, from the conflicts to the days where I didn’t think I could possibly be any happier, to the lessons God has taught me through the good and the bad. I've become so close with my roommates and those who don’t live with me, and I've gotten used to seeing them every day. The staff here is like family—everyone refers to each other as auntie or uncle, no matter how old or young the other person is. Last week the staff had to all come in at the same time for hepatitis injections, and it really was like a family reunion, with laughing and loud talking and a lot of loving. I've worked the most with Francinah, who is the house supervisor and lives here, and Brice, who is in charge of big babies, and who I always work with (by the way, Brice was reading over my shoulder as I wrote this, and he says hi). They are some of the most wonderful and giving people I've met in my entire life, and they’ve sacrificed so much (a better job, shorter hours, etc) to come here and love on the babies

Getting adjusted to ‘normal life’ is going to be hard for me. I don’t even know what to do with myself when I get back, so I’ll probably try and stay busy so I don’t have to think too much about it. I do know that I have to do something with babies, whether I get a job with them now or work in the nursery at a church or something like that. I'm crazy about that age group, which has proven to be so much more interesting, challenging, and dynamic than I ever could have imagined

I’ll write again sometime, but until then just be praying that my time here in the last couple of weeks is fruitful and memorable. Heather and I leave for Cape Town a week from tomorrow, get back on Sunday, and then leave for good on Monday. It’s definitely gonna be a whirlwind, but I'm excited! Thanks for all your prayers =)