Kigali, Rwanda
Everdine has stolen my heart. 
I watched as she stood on her tip toes so she could lift her nose above the windowsill and see the worship team dance inside. Her flip flops were two different styles and sizes, but somehow, it was the most precious thing I had ever seen.
It was her big brown eyes that first caught my attention. She was watching everyone and everything and I could only imagine the thoughts that were playing behind those bright eyes. When she noticed me watching, the widest, most beautiful grin instantly spread across her face.
“Hello. My name is Everdine.”
That was as far as her English went.
“Maraho. Nitwa Mae Mae.”
That was as far as my Kinyarwanda went.
We stood in the dust and stared at each other. The only light came from the window of the church and we listened as the music continued to blare. It seemed the entire congregation had joined the worship team on stage and they were all dancing, jumping and cheering together.
“Do you like to dance, Everdine?”
I moved to show her what I meant. The wide grin returned as she immediately imitated my motions. We continued to dance alone in the dark, kicking up dust and giggling as we copied each other’s movements.
I stopped and pointed to the door. “You know, Everdine, you can come inside.”
The smile fell away as she looked down at her dust covered dress and mismatched flip flops. She looked up at me and sadly shook her head. Then I followed her gaze through the window to see the people dancing on stage. Every man in a suit and every woman in a clean dress.
I knew she couldn’t understand me, but I crouched down, looked her straight in the eyes and said, “You belong there too, Everdine. Let’s go dance for Jesus.” We walked hand in hand through the door and right up to the stage. It was crowded, but they made room for little Everdine and her big smile.
It was crowded. It was dusty. It was hot. Yet, the room seemed to fall away as Everdine and I praised Jesus together.
Everdine has stolen my heart. And I pray that Jesus has stolen hers.
