One of my memories from the beginning of the month 5 was me saying 'NO' (in my head) to working with disabled children. I wanted to say it out loud. How was I supposed to work with severely disabled children for an entire day nonetheless a whole month? I honestly had no clue.
I know this sounds horrible… It is horrible.
I did have reasons. It would be awkward. I did not know how to communicate physically or verbally. I would have to be taken out of my comfort zone. What if one of them started to cry because of me?
God knew all the reasons I did not want to go. I had a thorough conversation with Him. In the end He got his way… I went. I am not going to lie. The first day was awkward. I had no idea how to communicate with the children but thank goodness I did not make any of them cry.
I did not want to go back the second day. I would of rather whitewashed or picked up rocks like month 4 in Albania. God heard my thoughts and prayers. At the beginning of the day my teammate Melanie Hairston came over to me. She said to me,
"That God is teaching her to see the kid's through His eyes."
BAM.
THAT HIT ME HARD.
Why was I sitting there searching for other ministry to do when God put these kids right in front of me? I could not ignore them.
I realized in this moment that just as much as I am a child of God so are these kids. He adores them. He sees who they truly are. He does not pay attention to what they cannot do but what they can do. He sees how they love more than anyone person can. Even though they may not be capable of walking or talking, they are mischievous (in a good way), while they laugh and play.
I could not look at them as normal children in the beginning because they are different. God has made them to be truly special to Him. Something that humans (including me) can only understand if they decide to look through God's lenses.
When I did. This is what happened…
Tota and I running underneath a vibrant parachute.
Melanie Hairston playing ball with Blogo.
Arts and crafts all day everyday!
Yes, God did answer all of my prayers… His sense of humor cracked me up as the whole team began paint fences.
Elizabeth Joy playing with Gala.
Tota, Vicky, Melanie, and I spray painting tires to create a crazy, colorful garden.
Emili Camichael tickling Tota, while they both laugh!
All the kids performed a play for us. It was about a gardener, who tried to pull out a radish. It was so big that he had to invite all of his friends. His wife, a bee, a rabbit, a turkey, a cat, a butterfly, and a mouse showed up to help. Together, they were able to pull the radish out of the ground. It ended with a beautiful dinner for all to share.
So I am not a HORRIBLE person because God carries huge grace. The lessons that we learn when we choose to give Him our lives are always the best!
Photo Credit: Melanie Hairston, Emili Carmichael, Maggie
