In a world where some people are living the high life and the rest are fighting to survive, I find myself asking, "why?"
We spent our Saturday afternoon in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa. It started out perfect. Besides not understanding Spanish, everything was going great! We had an area to play soccer, an area to jump rope, and some space for music and other fun. There were little children, medium sized children, big children, adult children, adults that wished they could still act like children, and then there was us… the WR children. And we all have that one thing in common:
**No matter how big, or how small;
how wide, or how tall;
we are all children
of the one true
God!**
It's not always fun and games around here, though. As we have driven to and from ministry sights, I have found my heart stirring. I see the way that some people are living and I can't even begin to imagine what it's like. Shacks with no doors or windows, buildings that are falling to pieces, and some people have even taken shelter in the dumpsters around the city. All my life, I have lived in a house with running water, air conditioning, carpeted floors, electricity, etc… the basic essentials that you'd find in any first world home. And I have always taken it for granted.
Thursday was the first ministry, since I have been on the race, that my heart was truely broken. We spent the day at Heart of Christ, a home for young women who have given birth to children as a result of rape or incest. The youngest mother is only 12 years old! It took me back to when I was her age. When I was twelve, I was happy in my little La La land. I was in seventh grade. I played volleyball, I was in wrestling, and I also participated in track and soccer. I was just a child. This twelve-year-old child has a baby to take care of and love. Her childhood has been robbed. I can't help but ask "why?"
Alejandro is a 2-year-old boy who is living at Heart of Christ. His mother ran away after she had him and left him in the care of Gracie and Lee (the founders of HoC). There has been so much hurt and neglect in his little life, and yet all he can do is love. All he has to give is love and affection. A 2-year-old who was left by his mother. A 2-year-old who's dad is also his grandpa. He would cuddle up and cling to anyone and everyone who wanted to hold him. And when we left, he even gave us kisses on the cheek. And so comes another "why?" Why can't we love like Alejandro?
Alejandro (2 years old)
Me emotions have been running this entire month. It has been a month of many firsts. My first Honduran meal. My first time doing all of my laundry by hand. My first experience building a dam. My first time digging into the side of a mountain. And my first time holding a child who's father is also his grandfather. We have been on the race for 18 days– My pants are a few sizes too big, and my heart is a few sizes bigger as well. I have been humbled beyond comprehension, and my outlook on thankfulness has dramatically changed.
This is going to be an amazing year! Here we go!
