There & Back

Boa Tarde, 

Prepare yourself for my sappy emotions. 

We've been home for a little over a month now but it feels so much longer.  It's a little weird because I still haven't completely processed being home and the trip as a whole.
 We got back late on Saturday night, went home, unpacked, we both took a hot bath, and painted our toes ( Priorities. right?)
Slept in on Sunday and had a full house that night. It was a nice night of family, food, and fellowship.
 Come Monday morning we both jumped right into crazy work and basketball schedules. 
The past two or three weeks have been the hardest. I'll see little things that trigger sweet and bitter memories. I don't think it will get an easier. Brazil changed my life. These girls changed my life. I'll never be the same. Brazil will forever hold a spot in my heart. 

I miss waking up with my windows wide open, a nice breeze, and just feeling so overwhelmed.
I miss being called "Tia," even if it was being yelled at me!
I miss the frustration and confusion of not understanding the language. 
I miss sweet cuddles from my meninas. 
I miss soaking in worship. 
I miss cleaning butter off the floor.
I miss laughing so hard my stomach hurts. 
I miss Nic's Mexican food.
I miss both Billman mamas cookin'.  
I miss walking to the little store down the street.
I miss the beach. Man, I miss that beach!!
I miss my Billman families. 
I miss street church.
I miss painting fingernails and toenails. 
I miss watching TV I didn't understand.
I miss Brazilian fruit. A.K.A Papaya 
I miss Johnny's meat. Dude can grill something mean. 
I miss my Brazilian family
I even miss all the chaos. 

And the list goes on and on...

I think I've been avoiding fully processing the trip cause then I just get this achy-breaky heart feeling. I get bombarded with all sorts of emotions. 
I think about Betania on a daily basis. When I saw that they have three new girls my heart was so happy! All I wanted to do was go back and meet them! 

I've been asked so many times since we've been back what my favorite part of the trip was and honestly  I really, truly can't pick one single moment!
There were just too many moments where I was overwhelmed with love, excitement, compassion, joy, peace, understanding, forgiveness, hope, grace, and mercy.  That list is full of words that represent something good. But even a good thing can cause pain. Not the kind of pain we are used to but a kind that you can't explain. After experiencing all those things on a heightened level I now I have this painful gut feeling because I can't be there and continue to be with the girls. 
I still have those over whelming emotions for them but its just not the same as actually being there with them. Being able to scoop a little one up, squeeze her tight, and tell her you love her. Or bonding with the older ones through pictures on my phone and Google Translate. 

What baffles me the most is this question, "So, how was the trip?"

How do I even express how it was without using up hours upon hours of your time? 
I don't want to be short and sweet because the trip wasn't short and sweet. Yes, it was short... too short. But it was so much more than just sweet. I could take up 15 minutes of your time just listing off adjectives that define the trip. So just a fair warning, if you really, truly want to hear about my trip then prepare yourself. We could schedule weekly sessions to get it all in! haha. 

Back on point. The main message of all of this is for me to begin the processing stage and to express the bitter sweet. I'm home sick being home. Brazil captured my heart and built me a home. 
There has been a Brazil seed planted in my heart and it needs to be nourished. Not just Brazil but human trafficking. To truly wrap your mind around sex trafficking you have to gut up and come face to face with it. It is definitely difficult to stomach. I have only been exposed to the tip of the iceberg. A slight glimpse of this terrifying monster. 
I don't plan on calling quits and stopping here. That isn't in the Maddie Taylor nature. I'm a go get'r. Sometimes its a blessing and other times a curse! I have a tendency to jump in head first. Biting off more than I could possibly chew. I don't consider it over achieving but trying to make a difference. 
Making a change and playing part in the change. 

Figuring out how the approach is often difficult but I find a way. My secret is usually via Google!  ha. 
A great idea is the one stolen and then made your own. But in all seriousness, I want to get back to how  I lived in Brazil. I wasn't done living like that when I boarded the plane back to the states. I want to wake up with an eagerness and not knowing what the day holds. 
I want to dive into love even if it means being constantly rejected. I want my wants to become needs and my needs to become lifestyle. 

-Maddie

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission in Recife.

- http://shoresofgrace.org 

Peace & Blessings

Not really sure where to start...

  We have 4 full days left here.  

Saying that actually hurts a little.  

Ok, it hurts a lot...

  And on top of it already being sad, Maddie downloaded the sound track from the movie Spirit. So we'll both be listening to that on the plane ride home... crying. ha.

  What? It's really moving, okay?

  To fill you in on the past few days.  We haven't been at Betania as much as we were the first few weeks.  Between girls moving and running away and some being at school and after school programs, there hasn't been as much to do. We've been resting.  One morning I woke up to Nic worshiping on the porch so I just sat on my balcony and soaked it in and listened to the wind in the trees and enjoyed the early morning sunshine!
   
  Tuesday night was street church.  The place they've been meeting at didn't have any one there when we showed up.  So we went to the very first place that they started their street church.  We split up into groups, went and prayed for people then invited them over to join us for worship.  We also had paper and crayons and some nail polish.  Raissa, the oldest girl in the house right now, came with us.  It was so cool to see her painting girls nails and laughing.  She is so sweet.

 It was fun hanging out with people, it was a gorgeous night and the weather was perfect.  The building architecture is absolutely beautiful.  We were across the street from this really old Catholic Church and Maddie sneakily took this picture on her iPhone.

I was off taking pictures and talking with someone else, when I came back over to where everyone was Maddie tells me "Oh, you just missed it.  There was this baby and I got to hold her. Oh my gosh she was so cute!" 4 month old baby Victoria was there with, I'm assuming, her grandmother.  Her mother is seventeen years old and wasn't around.  So we were more than happy to hold her for a while!!
Basically, I fell in love for those few minutes that I got to love on her and she gave me lot of little baby kisses! She was so perfect and beautiful, an absolute doll. 

  Wednesday night was the Father's Love Banquet that they put on once a month!  So we spent some time helping them get ready for it!  Gi and Gláucia, the 2 staff girls who put it on and did all the decorations, are so super crafty! I love it.  They did such a wonderful job, and everything was absolutely beautiful!  Normally the rent out a space and have it catered, this time they did it at the base and Nic and Johnny cooked out.

Unfortunately, no one came.  There were many variables of why though; It was a a different day, a different setting and location and the power was out all afternoon. So even though none of the girls came, God turned it into a beautiful celebration of each other and we had such a sweet time of peaceful worship in His presence. And then we spent the rest of the night in fellowship and laughter and everyone ate unhealthy portions of the most amazing steak and garlic bread ever. Thank you Jonathan Costa!   

I know Maddie posted this in her blog too, but, be praying for Rafa.  She's 12 and literally the cutest and the funniest little girl I have ever met.  And we probably will do one post just for her :)
  She has/will be leaving because she's from a different city and the judges have to agree on letting her stay at Betania and one of them has said no.  She has definitely touched my heart in a deep and special way and it's just not fair that she has to leave.  Most likely she'll go back to the place she ran away from. So she'll probably leave there again.  If this all happens please pray for God's protection to be all around her every moment of every day.  Pray that she knows that and that he reaches down into her heart so she knows his love and feels his presence.  Or, better yet, pray for God to touch that one judges heart so she'll be able to stay under the protection of people who love her so much.  

Rafa is on the right

  Being here has been the most amazing thing ever.  The things that I have seen, done, felt and experienced here physically, emotionally and spiritually are some what indescribable.   Words just really don't cover it. My heart has been broken every single day, but never is lacking in love or joy.  Being with these girls has revealed a much deeper understanding of the Fathers love for me.  I have learned so many lessons from the girl, and from the staff.  These things I am thankful for. They will never be forgotten. I am forever changed and these girls will always have a very special place in my heart. 


I love Brazil and I cannot wait for my return.


-Mallory 


Also, Nic and Luke leave in the morning for a 2 week tour in the states.  Pray for them as they travel and pray that God would touch the hearts of everyone that they meet.  That financial blessings would just rain down upon them! 



Follow us on Instagram
-mntaylor
-littledisonmae

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission here in Recife.

- http://shoresofgrace.org 

Sad Songs & Sweet Moments

Oi!

My goodness, where do I even begin? We have four full days left in this beautiful place. It is very bittersweet. I certainly do not want to leave but I'm definitely missing home. These girls have captured my heart and will always have a place in it. 

And on top of it being incredibly heart-breaking to think about leaving here, I just downloaded the entire soundtrack from the movie Spirit. So when the song "I Will Always Return" comes on, I will bawl like a baby.  

I'll just give you a recap from the past few days. I know I haven't posted in awhile. I was sick for a full week and just didn't feel like it. 

The girls would come up to my room and kiss me on the forehead. It was the sweetest thing. 

Street church on Tuesday was really good and refreshing. We went to the normal spot by the bank but no one was there. Which isn't normal. So we went to their original spot for street church. 

We started by splitting into groups and praying for people and inviting them over to join us. 

Mallory was praying for this woman's leg when an elderly man came up to me. He needed help washing his hands. He had a large bottle filled with water and asked me to pour it for him. As I poured the water out he washed away the layer of dirt on his hands. This may not mean much to other people But I really enjoyed that moment.

We joined up with everyone else and drew pictures and painted fingernails. Raissa, the oldest girl at Betania, came with us. It was so touching to see her paint the street girls nails. I had a little 7 year-old come up to me and just plop down in my lap. Her name was Adessa and was so cute! I love how the children just don't care.

I was sitting on the sidewalk watching Adessa color when this elderly woman walked up with a baby and just stood in front of me. I held my arms out and she handed me 4 month-old Victoria. I was overjoyed to hold this beautiful little girl. Victoria's mother is seventeen and wasn't around so her Grandmother was taking care of her. I sat there and just "oooh'd" and "aww'd" over the perfection of this child. She was an absolute doll. Her Grandmother walked off so I got a good deal of time to admire this sweet baby. I have to admit, I had this "You don't have to come back...I'll just take her home with me," thought. How could I not? Look at that face. 

Words cannot express my emotional and spiritual experiences while being here. Wednesday night we had a really good time of worship and then chowed down on some amazing food.  Like seriously, we had a feast! Unhealthy portions of food were consumed that night.

Rafa is on the left. 

My heart has been so heavy today. Due to Political issues sweet Rafa has to go to a different house. Most likely government run and just not a good environment. She has improved so much and has such a strong yet tender spirit. She has made me laugh and cry. She never fails to bring joy to everyone she comes in contact with. Mallory and I could literally dedicate an entire post just to her! 

I don't believe her story is over. God is still working on her. Pray for a hedge of protection around her and that the right people are put into her life. Or better yet, pray for a miracle to bring her back to Project Bethany. She has people who love and adore her here and treat her like family. 

I can't wait to come back. It feels so much like home. My heart is so full. 

Thcau for now!

-Maddie

Follow us on Instagram
-mntaylor
-littledisonmae

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission here in Recife.

- http://shoresofgrace.org 

Origami & Ballerinas

Oh goodness, I don't know where to begin!

  Maddie has been the one to keep this updated.  We wrote one together, but I have yet to write a full blog post about what we've been doing since being here.  So here it goes!

  Thursday marked 2 weeks of being here, today marks the beginning of the 2 weeks that we have left.  Which makes me sad and I'm praying it goes by as slowly as possible!!  I think we've already said this, but it feels like we have been here for a long time.  This place feels like home.  I'm so in love with Brazil, with the girls at Betania and with everyone at Shores of Grace and all of the work they're doing.  I've absolutely loved getting to hang out with the Billman's and their kiddos.  I think that's why it feels like home, because they feel just like family to me and I have 7 little siblings to play with!

  I feel like our blog posts are and will be somewhat repetitive, talking about the girls struggles and praising their improvements and accomplishments and comparing it to the Father's love for us.  But it is so true and, for us, it creates this beautiful hands on parallel.  It is something we get to see and experience every day that we're here.  I guess we knew what we were gonna see, we were "prepared".  I guess I just didn't realize how eye opening it would be.  I'm experiencing love on such a deeper level.  Giving and receiving.
  It's not my place to share with you their life stories.  But they all have come from a place of verbal, physical and or sexual abuse.  From ages 5-15 these girls have all been through something horribly dark and disgusting.  Something that no one should ever have to go through.  As I look into their lives, my own life and the lives of my sisters who are the same ages, my heart breaks for them.  There have been several nights here that I lay in bed praying for them and crying for them.  The big sister in me wants to take away all of the hurt and the pain.



  Besides being at Betania from day to day, going to street church on Tuesday nights has been really eye opening too.  I love that everyone there recognizes the Shores of Grace team!  They're not some church group that drops off some food and leaves and then maybe shows up the next week.  They are the ones who sit down and color with the kids and paint the nails of the women and girls that are there. The smell of glue is pretty strong.  A majority of them sniff it.  Some people are so completely high at times that they just sort of look right past you.  You can't help but wonder what sort of hurt they have been through that puts them there.
  When you sing or pray the words "God, break my heart for what breaks yours.  Open up my eyes to the things unseen.  Show me how to love like you have loved me" You better get ready for what it really means.  I've only seen and felt a fraction of it here.  It's incredible.
  One night - a while ago, way before Maddie and I showed up - Nic had a vision and a word from the Lord and He told Nic that the holes in his hands were big enough to swallow all the hurt on these streets.  In the vision, Jesus held up his hand and Nic looked through the nail scars and saw doctors, lawyers, dancers, cures for diseases, etc.  When we look at people the way Jesus sees them and we change our perspective, we can see so much more beauty around us.

  There are two boys on the street, Mateus and Lucas, who know how to do origami.  Not like airplanes, it's like boats and birds and boxes and stuff.  They're 6 and 7 and have the cutest little laughs and smiles.  The first week we went was really slow so we pretty much just hung out with them the whole time.  This past week we had quite a few people join us from another church so there were several volunteers and it was a little crowded, but it was neat and Mateus recognized me and gave me a hug!
  Obviously, the language barrier stinks.  I understand what people are saying a little bit better, but I don't know how to reply so trying to find someone to translate every time somebody asks me a question gets a little annoying.  I'll learn in time.

Kaline, she ran away from the house.  Keep her in your prayers.

Painting nails

  

  
  So Thursday, I took my camera over to Betania.  (I'm trying to get as many non-iPhone photos of them and with them as possible haha!) 
  A friend of one of the girls that works for Shores came to visit and talk with the girls (I'll have to ask for more info on who she is then I'll update this!)  She shared her testimony and from the few words I know and from what someone translated for me, she struggled with drugs and sex.  Her father didn't like her and so she sought that attention else where.  Then God got a hold of her.  Now she's married and she is a ballerina!  
  After she shared with them, she played a game.  She had some encouraging words written on a piece of paper.  They each got one, then rolled it up real tiny and stuck it in a balloon.  Then they all threw the balloons up in the air and had to keep them off the ground.  After a few minuets, they each grabbed one and popped it and read whatever that piece of paper said.  Then she taught the girls some stretches and positions and then she danced for them.  It was so beautiful. I think it was really good for the girls to meet her and hear what she had to say!  It was so cute to see them all dancing around and trying to do some of the stretches.  
  And I got to show off my ballet skills.  I took classes for a few years forever ago and still remembered the basics and I'm still flexible enough to do the stretches haha.  I think they were impressed...

  

- Mallory

Follow us on Instagram
-mntaylor
-littledisonmae

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission here in Recife.

- http://shoresofgrace.org 

Maddie & More Maddie

My late night blog! 

I'm just going to get really vain and sappy here real fast. I have a great life. I love my life. I have a loving family and a boyfriend who support me in all that I do.  I have beautiful house, never had to go through anything that was  too hard to swallow, I have some amazing friends, a lovable pooch ( I miss my Tink. #foreveradogperson), and the list could go on and on. My life is good. I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot more to look forward to. 

But I have to admit I feel a little guilty for how good I've had it. Everyday some of the girls are looking through the pictures on my phone. Every time they slide to the next image they see more happiness. Happiness that they've never known. 

My Father has never beaten or raped me. I've never had to sell my body to survive. I have always had a house and don't know the first thing about living on the streets. I was able to grow up being a child. I did child-like things and didn't have to think about the unthinkable.  I've never sniffed glue to numb the pain. The pain from the beatings. Pain from hunger. Pain from vulgar words that have become my identity. The pain of being in this dark cycle forever.

I can't even wrap my mind around what these girls have lived through. The ages in the house range from 5-15 years old. I can't help but think about what I did during those years of my life. I was a kid. I did things kids do. Most people who knew me then know that I probably had on overalls that were accompanied by some sort of critter. I enjoyed being outdoors and didn't wear dresses until my mom made me. I had mostly guy friends cause I couldn't stand girl drama and glitter!

Little sister, Clara, on the left and me on the right. Overalls and worms! I was adorable! 

Me and the faithful Golden Retriever! Again, overalls!

(WARNING: boyfriend brag) My parents were never for dating at a young age. We had rules and, honestly, I was okay with them. I didn't want a relationship until I was ready for one. And then came Kyle. We met at a christian conference when a I was twelve. I was the girl who sat in the corner and doodled. Over the years we became best friends. I can't imagine how my life would be without him. He is apart of everything I do even though we have always been long-distance. He is really great. My family loves him and I love his family. He has always cherished me and has never taken advantage of me. The foundation of our relationship is God. No, we aren't perfect. I know, right? Shocker. We have our disagreements but we work through them. Our love is evident.

When the girls see a picture of him they get all giddy. Some of them will spout something off but I don't just want to agree cause I don't know what I'm saying yes to! haha. They make kissy noises and ooh and aw over him. I want so bad to just tell them what love looks like. 

I can't wait for the day when they see their true identity. When love isn't defined by some guy that just wants to have sex with them and doesn't want to pay. When their worth isn't a price tag for the next scumbag. The day when they realize that they are princesses and their prince is waiting for them. 

 There are a lot of deep wounds and memories scarred into their minds. Sharp edges and broken pieces to be smoothed and mended. They are diamonds in the rough. But all of that can be done. It may take a little or a long time. Be praying for healing and restoration for these sweet little hearts. 

Rafaela, Maddie, and Amanda.

-Amanda has been gone for a few days, keep her in your prayers! 

Love these gems!
-Rafaela, Thayanara, Tayana, Amanda, Ryssa, Me, and Ingrid. 

My heart aches for this one. She has run away three times since I've been here and this past time didn't go very well.  Be praying hard for her! She definitely has a sweet spot in my heart! 

Got the ogre under the bridge going. 

-Maddie 
Once again, we are posting pictures pretty often on our instagram profiles.  Go check us out! 

-littledisonmae

-mntaylor

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission here in Recife.

- http://shoresofgrace.org 

Parks & Rainbows

Bom Dia!

I don't even know where to start with this post cause so much has happened in the past few days. 

Do this for me. Think of a middle school aged girl. Now add in all the drama and emotions that comes with that girl. Consider now, all the horrible things that have been done to her, then add the fact that she has never had to follow authority! Good? Do you have a mental idea of what that would be like? 
Now, multiply that by ten girls and put them all under one roof where they have to obey rules and follow certain guide lines.
It is very... hectic. 

Yet it is still beautiful. In the midst of all the fighting and craziness there is still improvement. Whether that is a smile instead of a frown or a simple "I'm sorry!" or "Thank you!" 

You can't expect 10 girls to completely change in three weeks! It's not an overnight change, it's not a three week change, it's not a 3 month change.  Heck, it may take some of them 3 years to change!  I'm not saying that God can't change them in less time.  He totally could!  But this whole thing is a process and we're getting to watch the very early, beginning stages of it all. It is unrealistic to think it'll be all glitter and rainbows and butterflies when the worst of the worst has happened in their lives. But every night that they are here, though bed time is usually a struggle and there is always some degree of "fighting", it's another night that they are not on the streets selling their bodies and placing their identity and their value in drugs and boys.  
Every fight, every temper tantrum, and every burst of outrage is just another piece and another beautiful chapter to every single one of their testimonies.  

Being here, as we have expressed multiple times, it is so incredibly humbling! Even though we've been called "Babuina" more times than we can count! Haha I don't know that we have ever been called a baboon before but hey, there is a first time for everything! 

Mama Rachael with her girls.

We took all the girls to the park Friday to get them out of the house and run off some energy! Which by the way America needs to up their parks cause this was freakin' awesome! Coolest. Park. Ever. Hands down! Granted it was right next to the beach and stuff, but, whatever. Anyways, one of the little girls accidentally hurt the other and she said "desculpe(sorry)" without anyone telling her she 
had to! That is something to celebrate! 

           

We absolutely enjoyed seeing all of them run around and being kids, having fun and laughing a lot. Shoot, we totally felt like kids too!

Seriously, she's the cutest thing ever!

When we first got there, Maddie and I ran over to the swings with the 3 youngest girls. I took out my camera to grab a few shots real quick, and not 5 minutes later they're running off again.  so I start chasing after them when I hear "Mallory! Mallory, come here real quick!" And I look back and Maddie is pushing Rapha in the swing!  Y'all, Rapha is the cutest, most hilarious 12 year old girl and I wish everyone could meet her and give her a hug.  They call her the "big baby" and she keeps everyone at the house laughing.  So to look back and see Maddie pushing her in the swing was too cute. It doesn't help that she has a t-shirt with a teddy bear holding a fuzzy heart. I mean come on, you have to rub it!  




There was some sort of martial arts group that was practicing under a bridge/covering thing!  Some of the older girls walked over to watch and were talking to the instructor, and he asked if they would like to join them.  So everyone else in the class sat down while he showed the girls a few simple moves.  It was so cool to watch them laugh at themselves while trying to do what he showed them.  These are the kinds of moments that God sets up for these girls.  Moments to try things that they never would have been able to.

   

Yes, we are aware that we look like rough travelers. But it was such a beautiful view!
(& you can still kind of see the rainbow!)

We feel so at home here and we are loving every single moment of it!

- Mallory & Maddie






Once again, we are posting pictures pretty often on our instagram profiles.  Go check us out! 

-littledisonmae

-mntaylor

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission here in Recife.

- http://shoresofgrace.org 

Unconditional & Conditional

Boa Tarde!

Love is the most beautiful thing that has ever been and that will ever be. It never fails. Knows no wrong. It is not easily angered. Keeps no record of wrong. Love is perfect! Pure beauty.

Our world has twisted the meaning of love and has made it conditional. Some how it became an over used word that is only temporary. Love has been bogged down by conditions and is used lightly. People fear love because it has been so tampered with that they don't understand what it really is.  

con•di•tion•al (kənˈdɪʃ ə nl) 

adj.

1. imposing, containing, subject to, or depending on a condition; not absolute

The definition of unconditional love is what the Father has for us. No matter how far we run or how much we screw up he still loves us. His love is unchanging and knows know limits or conditions. 

un·con·di·tion·al  (nkn-dsh-nl)

adj.

Without conditions or limitations; absolute

These girls have never known real, true love. They have only known the tampered with version of love. It is incredibly hard for them to trust or love because of what has been done to them. 

They have been beaten, bruised, scarred, taken advantage of, raped, verbally abused, and bogged down by so much darkness! 

It is absolutely heart breaking. 

All you want to do is embrace them and tell you how much you love them and how much the Father loves them. 

You can shower them with love and compliments but they don't believe you. They don't believe because all of their life they have been told different. You can tell they hunger for happiness and love but there is fear. Fear of change. Fear of being hurt and disappointed. They need love more than anything. 

The beautiful side to all of this is that God is working up something strong. We are his vessels. He is softening their calloused hearts bit by bit. His love is unfailing.

Yesterday Mallory and I went over the Bethany house to hang out with the girls before we left for street church. A fight started  (as it does often) between two of the younger girls. One of the older girls came over to break it up and gave a pretty good beat down on the one of them. 

Again, discipline is a completely different story because of what has been done to them. The concept of discipline out of love is so foreign.

Sweet Rafaela:)

I scooped her up and carried her to the kitchen. She was mad and hurting. She didn't want any kind of affection from me. I followed her as she ran up the stairs crying. Still not wanting me there she ran back down to the kitchen and sunk down in the corner. Head on her knees and whimpering. My heart was literally broken. 

I looked at her and said, (probably very poor Portuguese)"Are you okay?" She shook her head and cried. I sat there a few more minutes but still nothing. So I stood up and kissed her on the head. She looked up, with tears in her eyes, and said, "Tia!" 

She has the most amazing eyes. 

I almost started crying as I picked her up and squeezed her tight. She wouldn't let go. 

I walked around outside and kept telling her I loved her. I knew how to say "I delight in you." So I just sang it over her. 

Her grip never relented and she slowly fell asleep as we walked around. 

My arm went numb pretty fast but I didn't care. She was heavy but I didn't care. She was sweaty but I didn't care. I was what she needed and I wasn't going to let go. 

Luke and Johnny came to pick Mallory and I up for the streets so I took her inside and laid her on the couch. I sat there for a few minutes but every time I tried to move she would grab a fistful of my  shirt and not let go! 

I was so humbled and felt so much love for her. I told her again that I loved her and I had to go but I would be back tomorrow! 

She opened her eyes, smiled, and said "Tchau Tia!" 

My heart is still so heavy from that moment. She pushed me away and pushed me away and then finally realized I wasn't going to leave. I can't even begin to imagine what love the Father has for us. Words cannot even explain the love that he pours on us. Even when we reject him and reject him he just keeps pursuing us. 

He used me to be His love to this sweet child. 

I was used to bless her but truth is, she blessed me immensely! 

A little Holy Spirit switcheroo took place and I am so overwhelmed. 

Sure, it might have been just a small moment. But its the small things that build bigger things. 

Always love extravagantly and never pass up a moment to love someone. Make love known. Real, true love. 

-Maddie

 Mal and I are posting pictures pretty often on our instagrams. 

-littledisonmae
-mntaylor

You can also check out the Shores Of Grace website to find out more about the mission here in Recife.
- http://shoresofgrace.org 

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. ~Mother Teresa