A sea of children stood before me. Each one waiting for the signal to run with all their might. Their eyes glittered with expectation and mischievousness. It was a stampede waiting to happen. I stood there, knees bent, arms spread out, ready to catch anyone who came my way.
And then there was chaos. 60 children streamed around me and the other “sharks” as we tried to tag them before they reached the other side in safety. These “minnows” were quite slippery and we found it difficult to catch more than just a few each round. It took several rounds to convert them all to sharks. And that was more than ok with me. I could play with these tykes all day long.
As I looked into their eyes I felt the most profound joy. Maybe I didn’t know any of their names and they didn’t know mine. Maybe we couldn’t speak the same language. Maybe someday we’ll even forget what each others faces look like, becoming white blobs in the vaguest of memories.
But that’s ok. Because right now I’m enjoying playing a game with a bunch of precious little munchkins. Right now we’re laughing and smiling and I’m doing my best to let them know that they’re loved by someone. I can’t think of a better way to spend a couple hours of my afternoon.
This afternoon was actually different from our usual ministry here. Most days we’re involved with college students, teaching English, playing sports, and the occasional Book study. This is certainly different from what I’m used to. It’s been challenging as someone who doesn’t excel in athletics and am not so great at English myself.
It’s been cool though. I don’t have a usual style or method- since it’s something new. So I get to form new ones and experiment. And I managed to shoot a few baskets successfully the other night too.
So why am I sharing this story that isn’t what I’ve been doing?
This moment was when Laos became clear for me.
There’s a moment in every country when it feels like home. This was my moment this month. It’s that second in time when I feel what the country feels like and start to really take everything in. It’s the moment that the month’s ministry really starts for me.
And it’s the moment I become ok with staying here for as long as Dad wants me to, whether that’s 2 days or 2 years. I don’t necessarily think He will but it’s a lovely feeling of peace.
So I hope you all are enjoying where you’re at today. I know I am. 🙂
Love always,
Katie
