|
|
 |
KIDS, KIDS, KIDS!
by Emily Walker
Wow. What an amazing and intense day. It was our third day doing construction at the orphanage site. This brought its own unique blend of excitement and challenges. Being the third day, everyone felt the strain on our bodies from endlessly digging trenches for the wall foundation that will surround the orphanage. Keeping focus was definately something I struggled with today. But seeing all the kids from the houses near by playing with us and working just as hard us gave me get back in the game; they are the reason we are working, and to give them and other kids a place to learn about the love of Christ and to have hope.
For me, being at the Daycare Centre was just as hard as being at the dump. Seeing these kids who have literally nothing, and whose parents work at the dump brought tears to my eyes. These kids have so little, yet they have the biggest smiles on their faces. We spent about an hour outside the Daycare Centre just playing with the kids and having fun. They were all so huggy and wanting to take your hand, it was so humbling. I like to give hugs, and these kids were always in our arms or on our backs or holding our hands, which was amazing. The thing that struck me the most is that we didn't give them very much, just love, but that its the thing that makes the all the difference in the world. It was pure, unconditional love because its not about what we give them, its about the time we give them. I think at home sometimes I get caught up in the busyness of life and the complexity of it that I forget what real love is, or how to serve like Christ serves. Its not everyday that you can go to a daycare centre and hang out with kids that have so little, but its knowing that these are God's children to, that are wholly and dearly loved by Him. Its hard to believe that two so very different worlds can coexist. There was a little 4 year old girl that I held in my arms, and she gave me the biggest, strongest hug I have ever had. It made me realize how important and fufilling serving God really is.
After dinner, we had the opportunity to visit youth groups at the Larco Alliance Church. These groups showed us the real meaning of community. They accepted us into their cell groups, even though we had never met any of them before, and will probally never see them again. They told us that they would be praying for us and they told us that God would bless us and our families for the rest of our lives. I was amazed at how much they truly cared for us. I definitely want to take what I've learned these past few days home with me, because God is teaching me so much about myself and how He is working in the world.
Much love to my family,
God Bless
|
