As I was sat with the group of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, aunts, stepdads and sisters, at our family meeting, my last family meeting, I felt a sadness and also a greatfulness well up in me. I realized just how much I really love these families. As we shared what we were grateful for in our lives, I could say with deep conviction that I am grateful to God for the privilege of knowing these families.
In each and every one of them I can see something of God. I see men and women who are warriors in their own way. Every day they are faced with struggles and battles; "where will the next meal come from", " my husband just left me", " my 12-year old is starting to go to the streets", yet they keep going, and don't give up. And each one had something to be thankful for. I feel privileged to know them and I feel privileged to be considered someone important in their lives.
Spending time with them today gave me a small glimpse of how being here, and allowing God to love them through me, has made a difference... in my life.