On thursdays after lunch we go to a place called Infa. This is a home for young girls, special needs children and babies. These girls have for the most part had very rough lives. They did not grow up hearing that they were important, loved, beautiful, or valued at all. The attention they recieve is divided among other girls in the same situation.
We went in to share testimonies, do thier nails, thier hair, sing songs and just love them. I had no idea how God was going to move or what this ministry would look like. We started with the testimonies. As one of my teammates was telling her story I decided to sit on a cold metal chair by a beautiful teenage girl. I put my arm around her. In this culture physical affection is almost expected…
Just then I thought of my mom!
I thought about the moments when my mom would be sitting by me at church or standing by me in a store. She never had to say a thing but the moment she played with my hair my little heart heard "I love you" everytime. So with our language barrier I decided to tell this girl I loved her. I ran my fingers through her hair.
The tough look melted off of her face, she looked soft and at peace. Her head rested on my shoulder. She got the message loud and clear. I love you. I learned how to tell her she was beautiful and Jesus loves her too. Tu es bonita y Jesus te ama. If thats all I ever get to say to her, I think that is enough.
I am thankful for the people God has put in my life to love me and to show me HIS love. Those who taught me how to verbally and non verbally express love. Today is also my mom's birthday and Im so glad I have her.
