As another section of girls nears graduation, there is a sense of excitement and uncertainty in every conversation I have with them. The girls are realising that the joy of celebrations comes with much trepidation about returning home. Each girl's response develops uniquely, as some become clingy, others develop a melancholy disposition, and, of course, you have those who openly begin to act in defiance.
It's hard to fully comprehend what many will return to as, like all people, they live in a myriad of circumstances. There are some who transition back into loving homes and others who walk back into the nightmare equivalent to slavery. The heart yearns to send some with something extra, but wisdom reminds us that to do so would tempt tragedy as most will have their things stripped from their possession for the good of those they return to. In this, I, too, have experienced an array of emotions at their departer, often spending hours scheming in vain to develop a plan that could spare them the worst. That is usually when the hush of the Holy Spirit fills me and reminds me of God’s love for all people. That thought the world be wicked; God works all things to the good of those who love Him.
I am not the savior they need; God alone is. This ever restores my hope and confidence in the call to work in this place. My job is not to offer their girls a problem-free, comfortable future. My job is to introduce them to the love of God. A love that can carry them. To introduce them so that when the time comes, they can live securely in Him regardless of circumstance.