When I first walked into Eden Handicapped Home, I was slightly caught off guard by the crossed eyes, the ear piercing shrieks, and the teenagers who should have been at the mall with friends but instead sat on the floor in front of blocks and puzzles unable even to crawl or hold a conversation.
I had never before experienced anything like what I saw before me and I wasn’t sure how to handle all the emotions I was feeling.
I awkwardly stood there for a few minutes before timidly walking across the room and asking the children if I could play.
The first day, they only allowed me to sit next to them with my legs crossed (if I uncrossed them, they would come over, pick up my leg, and cross it underneath me.)
The second day, they allowed me to play with them.
The third day, they ran up to me with hugs, and grabbed my arm as they dragged me across the room towards the games. We spent the remainder of the week playing musical chairs, putting together puzzles, coloring, dancing, and laughing together.
Every time they said my name, I lit up. Every time they smiled at me, I couldn’t help but grin back secretly thrilled at the love they had for me. I fell hard for these kids.
A week later, I stood back and surveyed the room once again. This time I looked upon these beautiful children with fresh eyes and a heart overflowing with love. They had invited me into their world and I am forever changed by the lessons they taught me.
This is Wey Shen, isn’t he adorable? He is incredibly sweet and at snack time he turns to each one of us and asks, “good?” When we say “yes,” he grins from ear to ear and gives us the thumbs up sign. His favorite game to play with us is Musical Chairs which he almost always wins. When his dad comes to visit, he waves goodbye, straps on a helmet, and jumps on the back of his dads motorcycle. He is a cool dude!
This is Mei Liang, Weng Liang, and Wey Shen. Mei Liang is a great conversationalist and speaks English very well. Weng Liang amuses us all day long with his dancing. He performs interpretive dance routines for us which keep us laughing and entertained. One day he jumped impressively high during a twirl and fell hard on his ankle which resulted in a doctor’s visit the next day. With his dancing limited due to injury, he sat on the floor and danced moving only his arms and head. He is hilarious!
Kai Lee is my little heartbreaker. He wedges himself into a corner and stares out the window for the majority of the day. When I stand near him, he slowly inches towards me until he is right next to me and allows me to place my hand on his shoulder. We don’t speak as we stand there and gaze out the window. My eyes almost always end up filling with tears as I silently pray for him. I don’t know his story but it is obvious that he is wounded. When he turns to me with his sweet smile, my heart absolutely melts.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 18:10 ESV)
