It was relentlessly, suffocatingly hot at Bangla Hope, where I volunteer in Bangladesh. I sat among the staff and students gathered for worship under ceiling fans that futilely attempted to dry our sweat. Then, a friend leaned over and whispered, “Bailey, the wind has come!”

I didn’t understand what she meant until a cool breeze brushed my face. “Cooler weather is coming,” she added eagerly. “And rain!”

Excitement rippled through the crowd. Everyone could hardly wait to get outside. As soon as worship ended, the kids charged out the door.

I climbed up to the balcony of the apartment complex to watch the scene unfold below. Children were running and screaming with joy—rejoicing in the wind. Some flew kites made of newspaper. Others carefully tucked their pet pigeons away in preparation for the rain. Most, however, waited beneath the mango trees, hoping for fruit to fall. They aren’t allowed to eat the mangos unless they fall naturally, so the wind is a most welcome event.

I couldn’t help but thank God for this simple thing that brought such delight. Tears welled up in my eyes. My time in Bangladesh hadn’t been easy. But in that moment, it wasn’t the challenges that made me emotional. I was overwhelmed by gratitude—for all the little moments that had made the difficulties worthwhile.

I thought of all the love I’d received since I first arrived. The second I walked through the gate of Bangla Hope, I was surrounded by kids who hugged me and wanted to talk. Wherever I walked, a child clung to my waist on each side, and two more held each of my hands. When they saw me across campus, they’d scream my name and run to me. I didn’t feel like I deserved their love, but I thanked God every time a small hand reached for mine.

I remembered the day I felt so discouraged that I wanted to go home. Four little preschoolers came running, shouting my name on my way to breakfast. When they reached me, they exclaimed, “Bailey, you will be the mom, and we will be your babies!” I held back tears as I thanked God for this beautiful encouragement.

I thought of all the times a child would knock on my door to give me one bite of a cookie or a piece of chocolate. I knew it might be the only treat they’d get for a long time, but they loved me and brought it anyway.

I remembered a boy who borrowed money from me to give to a poor villager in need. Later, he repaid me with his Christmas money. That act of selflessness warmed my heart.

I recalled when one child got angry and slammed the door into me. The whole scene left me feeling sad. But soon after, one of the boys who usually came to eat my food, while fiercely guarding his, brought me his cotton candy to cheer me up. That gesture meant the world to me.

I thought of the time I walked into my most rowdy class with dread, only to discover they had brought me a bouquet and a banana because they knew it was my favorite fruit.

As I stood on the balcony, reflecting on the many ways God had shown me kindness through these children, the sky darkened, and the rain began to fall.

I went inside with a contented heart, knowing that no matter how hard life gets, there is still so much goodness to be found. Little moments of grace and beauty, falling into our lives like life-giving rain.