I am not a crier. It is rare for me to cry, and I hate to do it. But here in Romania I have cried buckets.

I have cried at night as I pray for the children we are working with. I have cried at my computer as I read the loving words others have written. I have cried in front of my team as we left the village for the last time. I have cried when my phone rang and I finally got through to my husband.

I have experienced tears of joy, grief, hope, gratitude and empathy. And I have realized that there is beauty in these tears. They refresh the soul, and express emotions far too deep for words. And in my tears, I have felt my Father's loving arms enfold me, rejoicing with me over the outpouring of love and generosity, weeping with me for the pain of His children.

I will never again hold back my tears. They are beautiful.