There are so many things I want to remember about India.
There are so many faces I don’t want to forget.
The way Roni (17) lights up went you smile at her, the way she falls into a hug, the confidence she has when she dances, and the way she joyfully winks to say I love you. I love how she tries to talk to me in Telugu, knowing I don’t understand…and I do the same with English. I love how she tells me she loves me and is so humbled when I tell her I love her. I try to explain how much God loves her, that He created her with a purpose, and that she is perfect. I know she doesn’t understand, but I hope the truth is understood.
The way Amulya giggles with delight and loses control of her body when you tickle her.
The way Ramnya’s face shines with joy when dancing or doing action songs. And the almost saucy little smirk she makes when you give her a serious look when she gets a little crazy. I can’t not smile at that face.
The way Sameera (10) shyly smiles when I tell her she is beautiful. It breaks my heart she doesn’t believe me. I wish I could tell her every day. I love the way she gets excited for me when I get tokens in when we play carron. I don’t want to forget the way she picked me 3 little tiny flowers when I was leaving on our last day.
Santhi’s embarrassed laugh when I pick her up and spin her around, but how she comes back for more every time and tries to get the other older girls to do it too. And another teenager’s gleeful face when I would spin her around, lifting her feet off the ground, then hug and kiss me in delight, and say “oh thank you sister”.
The way Mercy (14) lights up when I see her. I love how we don’t need to talk, sometimes sitting there together is enough. I can’t even articulate what draws me to her, but she is so precious to me, and I am sad our short friendship has ended.
There are so many pieces of my heart that are left behind. I didn’t let myself fall in love with these faces by accident (although I think it was unavoidable). I fell in love with these girl’s because it’s worth it, even if it is only for a short period of time, even if it is hard to say goodbye.I am blessed to have met them, to have loved them, and to have memories to cherish.
I am so blessed by my time in India. Currently we are in Thailand and again are so blessed in our ministry! As usual, I have limited internet access, but I will be checking a couple times a week. I’d love to hear from you, either in a private message or in the comments! Thank you for all your prayer and support.
