I held a little baby today, he fell asleep on my chest. As I stood in the sand holding the sleeping baby, colors faded away. I didn't feel white and the baby wasn't black. We danced with the kids today...danced like crazy. We all sweat the same, we all laughed the same, we all smiled the same. It is an amazing thing to feel unified with a demographic that is so far from mine. But that is what happens when you love, and hold nothing back. You become equal for a few minutes. Money doesn't matter, clothes don't matter, not even food matters...
I know these blogs have been long, but they are only a small portion of what my heart and head are overflowing with...
I saw a little girl today. She was carrying her baby brother on her back. This isn't uncommon. Children big enough to walk, carry their younger siblings on their backs. But I looked again and noticed something different. This baby was sick, he couldn't hold up his head. One of our leaders, Carol and I started talking to her. The "baby" is three years old, he is completely crippled or paralyzed. He can't talk or move... His name is hard to pronounce in Xangong, but it means "plentiful"or "replentishing". Later when I got back to the hotel, i balled my eyes out in the shower. So many of these children suffer from sickness and disease we don't even think twice about in America.
Well, anyway - sorry to depress you! The good news is that we have had the wonderful privilege to love these children. And also, to share in their joy. They have something I, and I dare to say, WE don't have. And that is complete joy, satisfaction, friendship, and companionship.
Until later...
8 comments:
Katherine, Your blog moved me so much - I can't imagine being able to experience these things you write of...until I read your blogs! You keep doing what you are called to do...believe it or not you are making a difference, you are making memories in these childrens lives, you are "walking into your calling!" I'm proud of you and the team! Love, Momma Moose
thanks so much for sharing what's going on there. I'm getting more excited about going to Thailand, so all the stuff you're saying just reminds me how moving and life-changing mission trips are. I'm praying for you, and can't wait to see you again!
That's my favorite part about mission trips.
When i went to romania, the only thing that mattered was if you knew how to love.
Languages, clothes, locations-- none of that mattered and none of it was even noticed.
Just continue LOVING the people over there Katherine! God's so good!
Katherine, I love reading your blog! Loving on kids is the best gift you could ever give them. I wish I was there to help you guys with that job!
By the way, tell everyone I am officially a grandmother. Baby Miley got her yesterday afternoon! I cannot wait to see all of you and hear all of the incredible stories! Journal, journal, journal!!!!!!
My Kate - Hi Beautiful. I am so proud of you. My heart has always been for Africa and with you there pouring out the love of Jesus somehow I feel it is an extension of my heart. Jesus is smiling - "Let the little children come to me."
I love you,
Mom
What a blessing and amazing experience to truly be the hands and feet of God. Jesus is looking down with all of His angels and is smiling and dancing with you.
Can't wait to hear more!
Love, Kristin
The girl has the chance to experience Jesus. She has a chance to grow up in a church. Yes, life will be tough but she will know Jesus...and how much more precious is that than anything else. Thanks for bringing encouragement, a servant heart and the Spirit of Jesus to Nkobe. I know God has blessed you because of it.
Just reading your blog reminds me of our days in Peru and it just brings tears to my eyes to think of all you are seeing right now. I'm so jealous that I can't be doing what you are doing, but I'm doing what God has in store for me right now, and I think missions will have its place in the future. Let me know what I can do to support you besides praying for you, of course. Much love & prayer!
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