I have been here in El Salvador for over three months. That is one quarter of the time I planned to spend here. I feel like I just landed a few weeks ago. Time is slipping by faster and faster the longer I stay here.

My dad came to help lead a team last week. I had such a great time visiting with him, but I wish I could have had some more time. I had a good time spending the week with the team, but I am so happy to be back at work and into my routine. Some of the kids that I love have left the centers that we work in. Some have left for better lives, and some are starting another sad chapter in their lives. This has really been hard on me, but I am learning to appreciate the time I have with these kids. Since I see them so often, I feel like we are a constant in each other's lives. This week has been a great reminder that I only have limited time to show Christ's love to these kiddos.

I have two new "daughters" now. That gives me six girls, plus two bonus daughters. Sometimes, this house feels very small for 10 females. Sometimes, I think we need more space, more storage, and another bathroom. Most days, though, our little house is perfect. Last night, I went to sleep first. I had the pleasure of wandering around the house and kissing each daughter (and bonus daughters) good night and telling them that I love them. When I prayed for them at night, it was mostly a prayer that everyone stays moving in the right direction. Occasionally I pray that their hearts will change or they will understand their actions better. Right now, I am so proud of each of them. We are continuing to grow as a family, and every member is making better decisions. The grades are improving, reports from work are improving, and we even have an employee of the month!

Thank you for all your prayers and support. They are really paying off!

Many days, being a missionary means going to bed tired, going to bed thinking about all of the blessings you see, and going to bed thinking about all of the people you were able to help. You wake up refreshed and ready to tackle anything thrown your way. 

Some days, being a missionary rends your heart in two. You go to bed thinking of the ones you could not help, the ones on the streets hungry, and the ones in the cribs in the orphanages. Only by the grace of God are we able to wake up, smile, and keep trying. I am So blessed here. I have friends, and I have "family" too. I have countless support from my people back in the states. Without God giving me these people, I would never make it.

Luckily for me, I have MANY more good days than bad. I am able to focus on the small successes. I can rejoice in my running water, the smiles on my girls, and my morning coffee. Occasionally, though, I literally count the hours until I can crawl back into my bed and hide for a while.

Thank you all for your love and support. Encouraging messages and prayers go SO FAR to keep me going. 

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Kimberly serves in El Salvador with Sus Hijos Ministry.  To learn more click here or visit her blog here!