Eight children spontaneously filled our home for breakfast on Sunday morning. Sharon, Alice, Vivian and Isaiah had asked for permission to leave their boarding school for the morning to come by and play with their other siblings.

Our house was loud and overflowing with life, and brothers and sisters sat side by side. There was no extra food prepared, but everything was shared and was somehow enough. There was laughter and joy, and my heart was filled with wonder. I love these little and not-so-little people so much and I want only good for them. I understand that their sitting within my home is somehow a reminder of what has been lost. A mom and dad. A place of full belonging that represents home. In some ways, an unpredictable future. But I also pray our home and love represents that they are not alone, that they have not been forgotten. And what the enemy has meant for evil, God is working for their good and for His glory. We cannot see it all but trust that it is truth.

Within the mix are two little boys cured of their disease, and a beautiful young girl still struggling with hers.

There are great hopes and dreams and also uncountable losses and challenges filling the room. I am aware that God is our midst, and I am grateful that all these brothers and sisters are still in the same room…

How this has become our life and family still astounds me… I am pondering it all.