After a surprisingly chilly first few weeks in South Africa, the warmth of spring made an appearance on a Thursday afternoon in Avian Park. I looked forward to Thursday afternoons all week – I felt so alive in that community. I LOVED LOVED LOVED every second I spent there whether we were loving on the kids or painting faces or teaching them about the Bible or just singing praises to our King.
I saw JESUS in Avian Park.
I saw Him in the face of a girl named Angel.
Angel caught my eye first because of her absolutely stunning beauty. There was something…regal, I think, about her. She was the most refined 9 year old I've encountered to date. I watched her patiently stand in line to get her face painted and marveled at her patience while others pushed and shoved their way to get closer to the Texans who were doing the painting. I couldn't keep my eyes off her.
When it was her turn, she unwrapped her little brother from her back and made sure he was taken care of first. I saw the same humility after worship when the kids lined up for food. She handed her little brother to me to make sure he got something to eat. Now, normally I'm pretty good with kids, and by this point I had held my share of random babies (and LOVED it) so when little brother started squalling I was kind of shocked. I tried my best to console him, but Angel stood close by and eventually reached out her hands to take him. She stepped out of line to find a seat in the shade and comfort him.
Angel's patience, composure, and self sacrifice left me humbled and even more mesmerized. Here was this sweet girl who had taken on the role of a mother and continually put another in front of herself. And she was NINE! I am 23 and still find myself pushing to the front of a line in an airport or making an excuse to make sure I am taken care of first. Ridiculous. Embarrassing. Humbling. Oh Jesus, forgive me! THIS is why You said "Let the little children come to me."
Angel is just one example of many of the selfless and sacrificial love I experienced in Avian Park. I keep this picture of her on my mirror to remind me of her love and humility, because in her face, I see Jesus. And in the midst of my self-centered living, the Spirit in my heart cries out "That's it. I want to SEE Jesus."
