So I am pretty confident that I am called to adopt kids one day. I’m also pretty confident that I’m going to have a lot of kids. However, these past couple of days, have made me question my desires.
As you know, I am in Peru. I am working with a church here, one which houses Compassion International (a program for underprivileged kids). So every morning, we play with the kids and then help feed them lunch. The first couple of days was normal and smooth. The kids were sweet and respectful. Then Friday came…
I’m not sure what happened on Friday, but it was like someone brought 200 more kids, gave them 5 tons of sugar, and set them free. I have never been so overwhelmed in my life. Until today that is…
We get to the church this morning, and I immediately find a classroom to join. The room is packed wall to wall with kids. It’s burning hot, there’s one teacher, and the kids are more than excited that I am there. I begin to get pulled in all different directions because they each want me at their table. One little girl finally wins the fight and I find myself in a tiny blue chair with scissors in one hand and craft paper in the other. I begin to help them with their projects, but no, that wasn’t enough… They wanted me to BE the project.
The little girl who thrust me into the chair, took the scissors from my hand and began stroking the end of my braid. She the proceeded to hold the scissors, in the open position, near my hair and looked at me with a devilish grin. Before I could find the words to say in Spanish, she was cutting off the end of my hair.
While I still hadn’t got over the shock of what had just happened, a little boy with a paper streamer, covered in glue, thought is was a good idea to put it on my head. In doing so, got glue on my hat and in my braid. Shortly after this, a little girl came over and used the scarf I was wearing around my neck to blow her nose on. I sat there, in awe of the events taking place… And honestly, I had to laugh.
My day today reminds me of the time when Jesus was trying to get away from the crowds, and got in boat. He and His disciples were tired, because they had been followed, pushed around by the crowds, and were hungry. Jesus really just wanted to pray… But He loved His people too much to leave them alone. So when He was followed, He not only let them come, but fed them as well.
Maybe Jesus didn’t have His hair cut, but I know there were those who were reaching through the crowds to touch Him (woman with excessive bleeding). Who’s to say that no one cut off part of His clothing to keep, just because it was the Saviors’?
If Jesus can handle all those crowds, I can handle a few “creative” kids. I am thankful for my time here. Those kids are being fed, taught, and above all, loved. They have a place to go that is safe and healthy. They have place to go where the name of Jesus is spoken. I am thankful to be a part of that place. Glory to Him.
If you have ever thought about sponsoring a kid through an organization such as Holt, Compassion, etc, you should! I have seen first hand where the money goes and it is beautiful. Little lives are being changed for only 30 bucks a month. That’s nothing for us in the States… It’s everything to them here.
I love you all,
Catalina
Video to come!!! 🙂
Here is the chica that cut my hair… Get this, her name is Giuliana (aka, Julianna, my sisters name)
