Dear Jovia,
I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but you have given me a great gift this month. Through constant hand holding, dozens of kisses on the cheek, and your long snuggly hugs, you’ve captured my heart. You’ve become my favorite part of your beloved country. I’ve never had a seven year old for a best friend, but somehow even with a language barrier you’ve become just that. Of course I look forward to seeing you everyday, and there’s always a spot for you on my lap, but it’s not just you that’s captured my heart: it’s our Savior who’s image you reflect so clearly that has drawn me to you. I see the unconditional love that our Father has for us, through you.
For us, it was love at first sight. Ever since that short walk home one day, I became your buddy and you were mine. I don’t even think we said a word. But you loved me. You loved me because I was there. You didn’t ask for anything from me, you just wanted to be with me. You don’t ask me to perform for you. You are perfectly happy hugging me for ten minutes while we watch the others play. We don’t have to do anything, as long as we’re together.
You remind me that God doesn’t want a performance, rather he just wants me. He just wants me to be there so he can hold me. He wants me to feel his love as I rest in his presence. He loves me, no strings attached. Before I was made he loved me. Before I was thought of, he died for me. And before you knew my name, you loved me.
Whenever you sprint to greet me, you remind me of his pursuit of my tired heart. Whenever you take ten minutes to say goodbye to me, you remind me that he never wants me to leave his presence. And whenever you smile up at me, holding my waist, you remind me of the delight he takes in me. Jovia, these past few weeks you’ve shown me Jesus. You’ve shown me the reality of how he feels about me by the way that you love me.
The problem is, I was supposed to do that for you. I’m supposed to show you his love for you, and I’m supposed to tell you how truly amazing the both of us think you are. But you’ve done that for me this month. You’ve brought me back to God’s heart and that’s a gift I never expected, nor could I ever repay. We’re leaving on Friday, and though I may never see you again, I most certainly will never forget you nor the wonderful gift you’ve given me. And it seems like a consolation prize, but know that I will be praying for you for the rest of my life.
My prayer for you is that you come to realize the very thing you’ve shown me. Your God is incredible for sure. He is gracious just as much as he is glorious. He is forgiving and loving with an unconditional love that you can only catch glimpses of. He pursues you, and chases after you faster than you can run. He delights in you and dances over you. You are his treasure, and he will stop at nothing to have you. So let him have you. Be snuggled, kissed, and hugged my your Maker. Hold his hand in the same way we do when we walk the red roads of this village. He is real, my dear, and I pray you experience this more and more with every passing year.
Thank you, Jovia. You truly love people like Jesus, and I hope to be just like you when I grow up.
All My Love,
Your Muzungu
