"If you find yourself here, on my side of town I pray that you'd come to my door."

She ran to the door, and jumped into his arms. Like she had known him for her entire four years of life.  And he felt the same way. 

photo by Shannon Conner

She held tightly to his shoulder, as he spoke with her mother about her battle with AIDS. Her mother will not live much longer, but this beautiful child is too young to know the depth her illness. So she clings to life, because that is what children do. And the moment that she is forced to stare death in the face, she will cease to be a child. 

So upon hearing this story, I quickly hoped that this beautiful child would be returning with Thomas on the plane so she could remain a child...at least for a little while longer. And then I had to stop and ask myself, "what would she receive here as a child of God that she will not receive there?" She is a CHILD OF GOD, and His love is as vast as the ocean. 

I got this picture last night at 2:30am and was immediately taken by the only legible word that seemed to bridge the space between Thomas and Jordanna (I believe this is her name). LOVE. 

He said he had to leave her yesterday. He sounded a bit defeated, maybe a little wounded. But still hopeful. He has the heart of Christ so I know that love will carry him home as it continues to bridge the space between. 

love deeply.