Tonight goes down in the record book. What we thought would be a simple trip out to get ice cream, turned into a blessing far greater than what I could ever convey with words. Talibe boys fill the streets of Bamako at all hours. They are often sexually abused and go without food. But tonight we were able to purchase ice cream for nine of these precious little guys, and I don't know that I have ever seen, or experienced so much joy. After giving them their frozen scoops, us girls sat down to finish our own.. It only took seconds for us to decide that we did not want to be sitting inside, but would much rather go sit outside with all of our new friends. After doing so and spending a few moments the boys, it was time for us to get a taxi.. Which the boys all called for us themselves. They then proceeded to open our doors, and secure that we were all inside. I'll never forget the smiling faces, and the care that was shown to us in return. I'm so thankful for nights like these.. And I am truly learning to love this place.

Wednesday's are one of my favorite days of the week, simply because it means that I get to visit all my precious babies at the orphanage. Today, I was able to sit and use what little Bambara that I know with a little girl named Fanna. Her mother works at the orphanage, and she therefore has to tag along and help do whatever needs to be done. She is only five years old and already knows so much about caring for infants. I got to help her do the chores that to me seem so great for such a small child, and after we braided the hair of a baby doll. You can immediately tell who did what braid, as mine are thick and lumpy, and hers seem to be flawless. (African's are incredible at braiding hair.) I am so encouraged to learn the language, so that I can better communicate the love of Jesus to the children of Bamako. Pray for Fanna, Assatou, and Awa.. All incredible little girls, with incredible purpose ahead of them.

I continue to be affected by the amount of satisfaction found by those that seemingly have nothing to be satisfied with.  Yesterday, as I was leaving lunch.. A little girl ran up to us. Her tiny palms were stretched out and open, asking without words to not be left empty handed. I then proceeded to give her a  half empty water bottle.  The biggest  smile stretched across her face and she began to jump and to giggle. I stood amazed that something of no value could mean so much to someone.  We went back there again today, and she ran up to us with that same smile already embracing her soft face. She remembered us. This may seem like an insignificant experience.. But as I search for the Lord’s purpose in being here,  I choose, just like a small girl, to be satisfied with those small things. It is, after all, the small things that make a big difference.

I'm just gonna give a shout out to Jesus right now, just because He's the best. For about the past week, my parents and I have been going back and forth discussing a possible trip for them to come to Mali and visit me, and then for us to travel together to Ghana, for my dad to preach at a youth conference for Bishop Emmanuel. Of course, we all wanted this to happen. However, as the story goes.. Much money is required to make such a trip possible. It brings me so much joy to tell you that today, someone who knew nothing of this trip, came and donated one thousand dollars for my parents to go to Ghana. Jesus hears those prayers that  I whisper while falling asleep at night. He is already providing, and proving that He is more than enough. I will get to see my parents this year, and travel to a country that I have wanted to visit for years. God is so, so faithful. And I know that He will continue to be. I can't wait for August.