Not Goodbye..:Only, See You Later!
I always come away from spending time with the children with the same thought and feeling…”It wasn’t long enough.”
No matter how exhausting, no matter how much it breaks my heart to see the dire circumstances with which they’re living under…all the time we spend together is never enough; today was no exception. We visited our children from the village of Gbartala for the last time and it was so hard to say goodbye, so I only said "I'll see you again soon!" I smiled through tears though when I remembered that, Lord willing, the next time we’re with the children, they will be moving into our orphanage. I can’t wait for that day.
I can’t wait until they have comfortable beds to sleep in at night, safe water to drink everyday, and a place where they won’t have to worry where their next meal is coming from. I can’t wait to see them thriving, not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well.
These children are such precious gifts from God and I so wish I could bring each and everyone of you here to meet them. I can do my best to describe it to you but words can not compare with the feeling of a small hand shyly slipping into yours, receiving a bright smile, or hearing the sound of their laughter as they play. You look into their eyes, hungry for love and attention, and it makes you want to move the world for them. This is the heart of Hope 4 Liberia and the reason that I (Ashley) can’t help but keep coming back.

I pray that God continues to move through each one of you to make a difference in the lives of these beautiful children, like little Rita pictured above. ☺️