We arrived at our living location in India and were briefed about our ministry for the month. We were given a list of 15 children who often get overlooked by teams, volunteers, and caretakers and who need some extra attention and love. We were told to pray and pick the one we felt called to buddy up with. I couldn't choose. I looked at my good friends, Emily and Drianna and said, “You guys want to practice your prophesy skills? Here's your chance. Pick me a child.” They prayed and came to me several minutes later to tell me they'd chosen a 14 year old girl with cerebral palsy and a big smile for me. We didn't know that night how perfect of a choice they had made and how blessed I would be during the next few weeks getting to know and care for sweet Glory.
When I first met Glory she was sitting in a chair in a schoolroom at Sarah Covenant Home's Victory House. There were at least 15 other children in the room and I realize now how overwhelmed both she and I probably were. We locked eyes and immediately I knew we'd be friends and that I'd enjoy my time with her. I spent the first hour just sitting next to her and watching her – taking in her dark braided hair, bright eyes, frail fingers, and huge smile. I knew that she had cerebral palsy and I didn't know how mobile she was. I wasn't sure how to help her, what she needed from me, or how we were going to fill our time everyday. I've since learned more about her physical condition: she has cerebral palsy, osteoporosis, epilepsy, and mild mental retardation. I asked her caretaker if I could take her out for a walk and Glory rose slowly with a firm grasp on my hand. I assumed she'd need a lot of help and she did take her time maneuvering through the room and out into the open hallway but, I learned that first day how capable she is. During the next hour we walked hand in hand, I was shown how to help her stretch her legs, and we set a goal of her walking mostly without my assistance.
These last few weeks I've really gotten to know the wonderful, gentle, determined girl that Glory is. She always greets me with a large smile. She loves to have her hair brushed and braided. She has such a sweet demeanor and genuinely cares for the other children. Often she reaches for them to help them stand up, reach something, or walk. Glory isn't verbal but, I have heard her make a few noises, mostly giggles. She communicates by gesturing, signing, or leading you in the direction of whatever or wherever she wants and gives you a big grin. Glory is very smart and we've been working on her fine motor skills through drawing and finger-spelling. She also loves flipping through books and touching the pictures. Every morning after I greet her she gladly leads me to the table where we do her leg strengthening stretches. She walks mostly holding onto my hand or the wall but, she's also doing great walking without any help at all. Glory is very observant and enjoys watching her peers. I believe she often gets overlooked because she is so quiet and seems content (which she often is) but, she's also determined to push further and to achieve the things she sets her mind too. Kind of like myself.
On the Sunday that we went to the beach I introduced her to members of the other race team we're working with as my “newest best friend” and I meant it. I realized that Glory was mimicking my movements while we were riding in the jeep and that she was making faces at me, which was hilarious. I've gotten “feedback” recurring times that my teammates admire our relationship and interactions, like how I talk constantly to her like I would to any of my friends. I was talking to an ICM volunteer about Glory and she made the comment that we're the perfect pair. It sounds cliché' but she brings out the best in me. She reminds me to slow down and enjoy the little things… and she likes to point out the dirt underneath my fingernails. 😉
Spending time with Glory is absolutely refreshing. She is so caring and sweet that you can't help but love her and want to protect her and help her become as independent as possible. I believe that she will reach all of her personal goals and she'll touch many people's lives – including the children she lives with. I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to get to know her, support her, and that I've let her work her way into my heart.
Glory also needs financial support (Sarah's Covenant Homes are run purely on donations) and is available for monthly sponsorship. If you are willing to invest in her life and future by giving financially please let me know and you can look at the www.schindia.com website for more information! 🙂
