“Subeme” “Subeme” is something we hear a lot at Guachpita. All the kids want to be picked up and held. They show us lots of love and need it in return. The kids are in need of lots of attention. Many of these kids likely don’t get it at home. You see small children carrying around and taking care of their younger siblings. We don’t see a lot of parent involvement. What we have heard from the parents is a lot of yelling. The behavior we see from the kids is evidence that they have likely been physically abused. The kids are very violent with each other – hitting with fists, rocks, branches or pushing others into giant holes that have trash, glass, and who knows what else in it. You can see the anger in their faces. Then you see the fear/concern of the girl who was pushed in the hole that she is going home dirty. She is not upset that she was pushed in the hole she is upset she is “sucio” and futilely tries to get the mud off her pants before she gets home. My guess is she is afraid what might happen when she shows up with dirty clothes.
I’m reminded of what we were told before we started our ministry – pick 2 kids to really pour life into and show love to. We can’t reach everybody but if we put quality time into a few we can change their lives. If we can change a few lives and get them plugged in with our contacts to continue that after we leave, they in turn can have an impact on their own community and so on and so forth which will eventually lead to a change in the culture and community there.
But HOW do we love these kids when they are fighting, not listening, and turning on us? It can be difficult to show love when we are full of FRUSTRATION. We (as a team) are like these children asking God to pick us up. We can’t do this on our own. We need him to carry us. We need strength, patience, and endurance. God continues to love us even though we are dirty and continue to do things that we shouldn’t. I am LEARNING to see as God sees and to love as God loves. God loves these children more than I ever could but he is allowing me to be one of those that can tangibly show these children that they are truly loved no matter what is going on at home or in their community. I can’t do anything to help these children but God can. I can PRAY for these kids, as well as, show them God’s love.
