Dear Ruthie,
About two weeks ago I arrived in India, and honestly, I began to question my decision to travel the world as a missionary. I saw the trash filled streets, wild animals roaming the roads, and took in the over powering smell of India, and told myself that this just wasn’t for me. My first day at your home found me feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I wasn’t sure exactly what to do and I definitely wasn’t sure how to interact with you. But a couple of days in something inside me changed. I wish I could tell you that it was something I had done or some inner strength that I had stumbled upon, but the reality is that It was you, sweet girl, who changed me. Every time I walk through the door, you are there to greet me with a smile that melts away my anxiety and a hug that makes me feel the love and connection that I so desperately miss from home. Even when I am second guessing my abilities to connect with you, there is never any hesitation in the way you grab my hand to come show me anything and everything. Even though I am here to help you, I have quickly realized that you have helped me way more. You see my needs and you do everything to meet them. You see my hands covered in rust from working outside, and you immediately drag me to the sink to wash them. You see my empty water bottle and you carry it over to the water filter. If my face is not happy you take your fingers and gently push my lips into a smile. You call me Akka (sister) and treat me like I am. There are so many things I love about you, but I think one of my favorite things is watching you pray. Not one of us can understand what you are saying, but watching you place your hand on our heads to pray over us is breathtaking. With you there is no language barrier, because the only language that matters to you is what is said and done in love. I look at you and see so much joy in your eyes. I look at you and feel anger toward the parents who left you behind. I look at you and see a beautiful and precious child of God, whom I have grown to love fiercely. I look at you and know that there will not be a day that goes by that I don’t pray for you and for your future. Thank you for bringing a little extra laughter to my day. Thank you for forming a love for India in my heart. Thank you for loving me in this incredibly amazing way. Thank you for being a perfect example of how God has created each of us for a purpose. Thank you for not letting the bad in this world lead you to be bitter, but instead letting it lead you to being better. I don’t know if we will ever meet again in this lifetime, but I do know that you have changed me for good.
XOXO,
Maddie
Dear Reader,
This precious little girl lives at SCH in Hyderabad, India where she is taken care of, loved on and supported. In order to continue to provide all of the medical and living needs to Ruthie, SCH relies on donations and sponsors for each child. Would you consider donating to help support Ruthie? She still needs 300 dollars a month in order to meet all of these needs! If 30 of my readers donated just $10 a month, we would be at her goal! Prayers are also always needed and appreciated!
Link: schindia.com
XOXO,
Maddie
