Joy

Joy is seeing the relieved look on a tired house parent's face when you show up.

Joy is playing as South Africa in an impromptu two on two miniature indoor World Cup tournament and never knowing if you won or not.

Joy is watching a young boy look at every place that his injured friend says hurts and telling him that it will be ok.

Joy is holding a little boy in your lap as you watch slow-motion videos of Chameleons shooting their tongues at insects.

Joy is being as completely awestruck by God's creation as the kids watching the show.

Joy is playing soccer on a misty evening in a tiny orphanage field that may as well be the center stadium in Johannesburg.

Joy is learning their names, slowly.

Joy is knowing that although I will one day struggle to remember those names and beautiful faces, God will still love them and hold them.

Joy is believing that because this orphanage exists to show them the love of Christ I will one day be able to see these kids again even if I never return.

Joy is being alive in a place that gives life.

-Mateo