There are some days that feel full from beginning to end—and then there are days like today, where every moment feels like it carries something deeper.
Today began with a gift: an extra hour. Breakfast wasn’t until 8:30, which meant the option to sleep in. I didn’t actually sleep longer, but just knowing it was there felt like a small kindness.
Worship Without Words
We headed to worship, and as always, the energy in that space was alive. The students sang, prayed, and spoke with a level of engagement that is both humbling and inspiring. There is something powerful about watching young people fully lean into their faith—unfiltered, unselfconscious, and all in.
But what stayed with me most happened toward the end.
During the final prayers, something shifted. In the middle of song and movement, students began turning toward the back wall to pray. Then more joined. Before long, there were students everywhere—kneeling, standing, hands lifted, fully immersed.
At some point, without any formal transition, Matron Ange began to speak. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t structured. But she stepped into that moment and began to preach among the students. Some were already on their knees, and she called others to gather closer.
And they did.
I couldn’t understand a single word being spoken. Not one. But it didn’t matter.
Because some moments don’t require language.
The Spirit in that space was undeniable. It moved through the room in a way that transcended words, culture, and understanding. It was holy.
And I didn’t take a single picture.
There are moments that are meant to be documented—and then there are moments that are meant to be held.
Worship lasted nearly two hours, and afterward I returned to my room to prepare for the afternoon.
Backpacks and Reunions
Today was the day I would meet with my sponsored boys, my new sponsored child, and Tonya’s boys. I gathered the backpacks, filled with the items I had brought, and waited for the additional supplies the team had purchased for me.
When I didn’t hear anything further, I made my way to the Field of Dreams with five backpacks in hand.
My boys arrived first, along with their moms. Ivan is now in high school and boarding, so it was especially meaningful to see him. We sat together and talked for a while—catching up, answering questions, sharing space. At one point Ivan said, “I was in your conversation corner last week.” I told him I knew and asked him if he recognized me. He said yes. We were trying to keep my visit a surprise, but it’s hard when I have been all over campus!
Even though the rest of the items hadn’t arrived yet, I decided to go ahead and give them the backpacks. They opened them to find a Texas t-shirt and soccer ball, and their reactions were quiet but full of gratitude.
Soon after, the additional items came and we spent a few moments taking pictures together. Me with the boys. Me with the boys and their moms. And then, one by one, the moms asked for individual photos.
It was simple. Sweet. Full.
Our time was short—just 30 minutes—but meaningful in every way.
A New Beginning
As they were leaving, my new sponsored child arrived with her mother. We were upstairs, so I could see them approaching. Her mother is part of the sewing program, and her daughter—Sifa — was in need of sponsorship. When I told Devotha that I wanted her to assign me to the student in the most need of sponsorship, she saw an opportunity for an even deeper connection. As they arrived, I greeted them and knelt down. Sif walked up and gave me the sweetest hug.
She is two, turning three in July.
We sat together for a bit, and I gave her the doll and backpack I had brought. (The tennis shoes will need to be exchanged – they were just a little too small.) She held onto her doll, quietly taking it all in. We joked that she is going to be sleeping with it!
Then came the moment her mother didn’t expect.
When she was told that I would be sponsoring her daughter to attend school, she stood up, wrapped her arms around me, and held on. She rocked back and forth, kissed my cheek, and told me she loved me.
She was overwhelmed with joy.
We took photos—together, just me a Sifa, and as a group—but what I will remember most is that embrace.
Not the words. The feeling.
In a single embrace, gratitude, hope, and love spoke louder than anything words could carry.
We had to send them on their way with a “See you Tuesday”.
Connection Across Distance
After they left, Tonya’s boys arrived with their families. As we sat together, I realized that one of the older brothers—someone I had already interacted with multiple times on campus—was Eric’s older brother. That moment of recognition felt like such a small world connection in the middle of a much bigger story.
We saved their backpacks to open during a Zoom call with Tonya, but each boy carried his as we walked to the boardroom so that we could use their conference setup.
When we connected, it was the first time she was able to meet their parents. The boys were quiet, but excited to see her. Bruno’s mom asked more questions than Marc’s mom or Eric’s brother. At one point, Tonya’s cat made an appearance, which completely fascinated the boys. They wanted to see all the animals. Tonya gladly obliged.
It was joyful and light—and then, very abruptly, Zoom reminded us that I had scheduled through my free account and ended the call without warning.
No gentle countdown. Just done.
We quickly shifted to FaceTime so she could say goodbye, and then wrapped up with a group photo outside. It was a beautiful way to close that time together.
Identity and Truth
As I walked back to my room, I passed Londyn and Naomi watching the students play sports. We exchanged a few words before I continued on to prepare for Conversation Corner.
Today I had designated special time with the 7th and 8th grade girls, so I quickly pulled together a session on identity. Then I made my way over to where we were meeting.
We gathered in an open space on the first floor of the high school, chairs forming a wide circle. I asked them what they wanted to be known for—not just their names, but their characteristics. Who are you? Whose are you? What words define you?
We talked about the future—who they want to become—and how we begin writing those truths onto our hearts now. Words like strength. Courage. Kindness. Bravery.
Because when other words come—words that try to define them differently—they will already know who they are.
It was a rich conversation.
And far too short.
When they begin to name who they are with courage and truth, they build a foundation no one else can define for them.
Ending My Day
Dinner followed, with John’s spaghetti (which is truly delicious), and time spent talking with Londyn as we waited for Naomi to return and a delayed student to arrive. By the time they finally came through the gate to the dining room, it was after 9:20pm.
I greeted them, waited long enough to see them settled, and then quietly excused myself for the evening.
Now, I am back in my room.
The day was long. Full. Sacred in so many ways.
And tomorrow begins my final full week here.