I have been called many things on this race.
Depending on the county I have been in, I hear names like Americano, Blanco, Hey You, Gringo, Foreigner, Mzungu, Cha, and Teacher! Roughly translated these names mean white person and when they call out to you, they want your attention NOW!!
Within my team and squad I am called Ashley, Ash, Fugitt and the latest and most used name is Ashelle. I will pretty much answer to any of these names.
The names don't stop there. While we were in Swaziland, I was given yet another name.
One of the ministries we were involved in was working at the care points. This is like a preschool/afterschool program for kids to come Monday through Friday. In the morning they have a preschool and then in the afternoon all the school age kids come. Everyone who comes will receive a lunch and they all hang out outside. We loved being with the kids in the afternoon. If you sat down, at least 5-6 kids would swarm you, play with your hair and try to sit on your lap. Each of us soon had our little favorites that would run up and tackle us once we got there.
One girl in particular, stole my heart right away. (I know a REAL shocker right) Her name is Sarah and she is about 13 years old. Right away we hit it off and became instant friends. She didn't care who I was or what I was doing at the care point just loved that when I came I got to sit with her and just hold her hand. She loved looking at my spoon ring and playing with my hair. We would talk about what she learned at school that day and what her siblings were doing. We talked about what she wanted to be when she grows up and her dreams for the future. We talked about her favorite color and what she liked to do when she didn't have to help her family. We laughed a lot and had so much fun! I hated leaving her every time I got to see her because I desired more and more time with Sarah. I wanted to protect her and know how much she is loved.
The 2nd time that we saw each other, she ran up and told me that she had picked out a Swati name for me. She said that Swati names have strong meanings and parents are proud of the names that they give their children. She said that she wanted to give me a name so I could always remember Swaziland. Then Sarah told me that my name is SIPHESIHLE; which means a beautiful gift. She said that I am a beautiful gift because she needed a friend and God sent me to the care point to be her friend!
I was so touched. Did a 13 year old just say that? I was blown away. I wanted to cry and hold Sarah in my arms and never let go! She didn't leave my side the rest of the day and I didn't want her to leave.
I felt so honored!
As we were walking back to our house, I was thinking about my new Swati name! A BEAUTIFUL GIFT!!! I couldn't stop thinking about Sarah. She called me her beautiful gift but really this incredible girl became my beautiful gift. She never judged me or asked me to be anybody that I wasn't. She ran to me with open arms every time I saw her and treasured every minute I had with her. She longed to know when I would be back to the care point the next time so she could see me again! She loved me for me!
Then a light bulb came on!!!
God was screaming at me.
ASHLEY THIS IS WHAT I DESIRED TO HAVE WITH YOU.
He calls me His BEAUTIFUL GIFT. He longs to spend every single day with me. He desires to hold my hand and to listen to what my dreams are and what my favorite color is! He wants to play with my hair and laugh with me. He wants to tell me I am beautiful and treasure every second I have with him. He doesn't judge me or need me fix myself to spend time with Him. He hates when I don't get to spend time together. He wants to protect me and show me how much I am loved. He is running to me with open arms and can't wait to spend more time with me.
So yes I do have several names that you can call me! Names I will never get away from and some that make me laugh! I love that my name is Ashley. I think it is the perfect name for me. But knowing that my Heavenly father calls me HIS BEAUTIFUL GIFT means more to me than anything! He knew who I would become even before I was born. He bragged to the angles and told them:
See this one, Her name is Ashley watch out for her! She is going to make a difference in this world and I can't wait to show her off!
Now that is a beautiful gift!
