Yesterday we had a
privileged opportunity to be led by Vera to the Roma community of Kabinant. She
led us through our town, pointing out several significant pieces of the area
and things notable to her life. Her words were filled with weight from the wisdom
she carries. It was a 40min walk that she takes up to 4 times in one day to
come to church or run other errands. As we came to a hill and then a small dirt
path we asked ourselves, “where is she taking us? Is she showing us
another part of the town before our final destination?” But sure enough as
we reached the peak of the hill, we saw the clump of homes in the midst of the
liter.
We walked the few
yards further to ascend the hill to the homes. The hillside was covered by
Kabinant’s trash and discarded items. The homes were almost camouflaged into
the hill because of the spewed out items and gathering of several pieces to
create a home. As we were coming around the corner of one home we were met with
warm child giggles. The type of giggles that make a heart melt, the sweet sound
of pure joy. We couldn’t hold in our laughter to join in with the children.
Then.
Then.
Then we realized why
they were enjoying themselves so much. They had turned toilet seat covers and
car bumpers into sleds to ride down the dirt hill. We watched them over and
over as they flew down the hill and soaked in the fun. Humbled by their giggles
and joy, I couldn’t help but jump in on the fun. The ride is one I’ll never
forget.
We went on to sit
with the mothers and Vera shared their testimonies and the warm love they
carry. They pointed out whose children were whose, they shared the stories that
had led them to believe in the God Vera had introduced them to. Vera had begun
sharing the Gospel with this community years ago and it has now grown to a
church service each Saturday. They sung a song for us and let us sing a few
before grabbing us to bring us into their homes.
Each home was filled
with tender love. In the few possessions they have you could feel the weight of
the hard life they lived. They used everything within sight to bring cover and
refuge from the cold nights. They piled mattresses, they used old banners, they
used blankets to cover the old couches and they each had a single light bulb to
illuminate their home of five or more members. They were gracious as they
welcomed us into each of their homes, continuing to share their stories. When
we arrived to one of the mother’s home Vera shared the great sorrow she was
experiencing due to her current pregnancy. Two years ago she had expressed
sadness of not being able to be pregnant and her and Vera began praying; within
three months she was pregnant. Her now son, husband and herself live in this
community but she is so grieved by the hard life she doesn’t want to bring
another child into it. However, as soon as prayer was mentioned SHE JUMPED up
and ran to be in the middle of us all to receive prayer. I was humbled by her
expectation and faith in prayer. She ran at the opportunity and emotionally
dove in with all her faith of what prayer will lead to for her life. She has
full expectancy of God listening to prayers and bringing hope and provision to
all her circumstances.
As we walked home,
humility hit me hard. In America we ask for tangible materialistic changes to
experience God. We want and we ask for things to get easier and then we will
believe. And yet, here’s this community that embraces pure joy in the fun they
create. They enjoy their community. They rely on God and have faith he is real
even when this world would say He hasn’t made any differences in their life.
Their faith taught me a great deal. As I look at their circumstances and their
eagerness to prayer, I look at my own dependence on God and changes in my life.
How often do I struggle when tangible changes don’t come my way, or things
don’t indeed get easier? These women live a powerful lesson. It’s a pure way of
demonstrating “things won’t be easy as a Christian, but it’ll be
good.” They don’t have an easy life, yet they embrace the good life. And
they know God is watching over them no matter what this world says.
I hope we all can
embrace more of the good life we have. Embrace the moments of creating fun out
of any circumstance or any materials. Embrace the community we are surrounded
by. And embrace moments of tender, honest prayer.
