So, it is a little known fact that racers talk about poop, a lot. Usually in regards to their own bowel movements, but don’t worry, we’re not at that point yet. 😉
My first couple of days in Ecuador have been AMAZING. I am constantly asking myself, “Is this real life?” No, I promise that I have not been sniffing the laughing gas. I am just so in love with my life right now, and I feel like it’s a dream. I have been able to explore this beautiful country, including walking the equator, and meet so many amazing people.
My team is working with two ministries this month, Camp Hope and Iglesia La Luz. Camp Hope is a day camp that works with kids (mostly orphans) with disabilities. At Iglesia La Luz, we will be teaching English classes as an outreach to bring people to the church.
So how does love and poop fit into my first 3 days of ministry? Well, let me introduce you to a boy named Ronald who has stolen my heart (yes, mom, you knew this would happen). Ronald is 13 years old, has beautiful brown eyes, loves music, loves to be outside, and is severely handicapped. Just to name a few of his disabilities, he has a cleft lip and palate, cerebral palsy, and a trach. He requires intensive one on one care all the time. They believe he has psychological issues because a couple of times a day, he will get into these fits of rage where he kind of thrashes about and is completely inconsolable. So, although Ronald can’t speak or do very much on his own, we do know that he absolutely loves to be held bear hug style. So, I usually spend my mornings holding him, carrying him around, and praying over him.
Today was a good day for Ronald; he was pretty calm all morning… except when Ronald had a major blow out. Yup, my sweet boy had diarrhea all up in his pants. This was no inconspicuous poop in the pants incident, poor Ronald got it all over the floor of the dining room, his pants, shirt, and himself. So, two of the ladies that work there started cleaning it up and gave me a pair of gloves. I call myself lucky that they entrusted myself with the task of keeping Ronald still and semi-calm while they cleaned him up and the huge mess all over the place. With that being said, even though Ronald maybe weighs 50 pounds, he is STRONG. And seeing how the poop was on his shirt, a little did get on my arms.
In that moment, I was on the verge of gagging, but that quickly subsided as I started to think how Ronald must feel. I don’t blame him for being upset during this moment. I wouldn’t be too happy either if I sharted in my pants and had to be stripped down in front of everyone and cleaned up by other people.
Poop happens, but love runs deep. God has commanded me to love freely and generously, and that includes when poop is smeared on my arm.
