This month in Bulgaria, we had the opportunity to help a mentally disabled children's home and I learned maybe one of the biggest lessons yet on my race. (Funny how I signed up for this race to help others… but they always end up teaching me something!) Before we went to the house, our contact warned us that these kids had severe mental disabilities and it would be alright if some of our team was not comfortable and needed to stay back. I briefly considered this, because if I'm honest with myself, I've never worked with children like that, and it is out of my comfort zone. But I quickly threw that thought away; I want all that God is trying to give me.
Walking in the house, I was instantly at ease and filled with excitement to play with these children that don't get that much love. They were abandoned by their parents at birth and taken in by this house that is paid for by the government. They attend a school for a couple hours every day and then spend the rest of their time in the house. Their caretakers are wonderful and so kind to them, but there are only three of them for eight children. These kids deserve all the love in the world, and I'm glad we could bring some of Christ's love for them that day.
It was, without a doubt, one of the greatest days of ministry for me on my race so far. I twirled and danced to a Bob Dylan (my favorite) song with the sweetest girl who had down's syndrome and I almost cried I was so happy.
I held a child with no eyes. She had no idea who I was, yet still clung to me with abundant tender love. She rested her cute little head on my chest as I hummed songs in her ear and prayed for her.
It hurts my heart that I have been missing out on this my whole life because I let a lie tell me that only certain people have a "gift" of working with kids with mental disabilities. I thought you had to have a degree, or born with special characteristics to be able to care for them. That is such a lie.
All we need is Jesus. With Him, we can literally do anything.
We need to have faith like the child with no eyes. She trusted in me even though she could not see me, and did not recognize my voice. She still chose to love me, and trust that I would not harm her.
We all can do anything God calls us to do. I am not special for going on this 11-month mission trip. I do not have the "right qualities" to be able to live out of a backpack for almost a year, or the "perfect personality" to be able to trust in God for our plan everyday and live in constant community with people. Nope, I am just an average gal, learning to be a woman of great faith, and living it out everyday, just like you.
God saves us, changes us, and uses us for His glory – if we let him. If we choose to trust in Him, blindly, He will show us a beautiful life with Him.
Thank you supporters for allowing me to continue with this journey. As I stretch into this last part of my fundraising, I would so appreciate any prayers, donations, or just love in general.
Love love,
Alexandra
