Nairobi, Kenya
A squad mate of mine had surgery. Thanks to her mother’s reward points, we’ve been able to stay at the Hilton the last two nights.
A bathtub? Haven’t had a bath in nine months.
CNN? So much happening in the US that I didn’t know about.
White sheets? For once, my feet aren’t stained with red dirt.
Room service? Something other than beans, rice, and ugali.
Carpet? No packed dirt floors in sight.
But I look out the window and take in a different world. Out there, Jacqueline is pacing back and forth in front of a string of restaurants. She holds a cup between two fingers, hoping that strangers will drop a few coins in. People rush by, but Jacqueline’s steps are slow and only possible because of the crutches propped under her arms. A wide gash runs from the top of her foot, around her ankle and to her heel. It isn’t bleeding, but white with seeping infection.
Two different worlds.
I am overwhelmed.
My heart seems so full and tears fall as I sit in my air conditioned room. How can my heart feel so full in this room, yet twelve flights down it is a different story. Standing on the sidewalk, surrounded by humanity…surrounded by need, the love I have to offer seems so insignificant. I don’t have the money and I don’t have the time to care for all these people the way they should be cared for. The love I have to offer seems like such a small thing in light of their great need. How did you do it, Jesus? How?
“Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”
Jacqueline’s foot is so swollen and hot to the touch as I bend to pray for her. She bends down too and I can smell the alcohol on her breath as she speaks. “Everybody is passing by and wondering what this muzungu is doing talking to me.” I smile and am filled with such a love for Jacqueline. I look up into her eyes and I know that it is Jesus’ love that she sees in my own.
She is so lovable.
Because I have received his love freely, I give it freely. As I give, I remember the power of Jesus’ love in my life. It is in no way insignificant.
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”
It’s the most important thing we have to give.
