It is no secret that I love working with kids. Kids are my comfort zone. That’s why when it was revealed that my team’s ministry for the month of India would be working at a special needs orphanage, something I have done multiple times before, I was really excited. That was my thing…or so I thought.
I thought that I would walk in and immediately fall in love with all the children. That it would be easy. That is why I was so shocked the day I actually met them. Because, much to my dismay, my attitude contradicted that thought completely. The first room I entered housed multiple boys diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. And rather than being excited, I was overwhelmed; I was intimidated; and I was completely out of my comfort zone. I left the room feeling heartless and was honestly convinced that I would not be able to do it.
So needless to say, the next day when the time came to voice our preferences for which kids we would like to take care of for the month, this group of boys did not make the top of my list. But God is funny sometimes, you know. Because instead of getting my top choice like everyone else, I found my name written in blue crayon right next to “Faith downstairs”- the room housing the older cerebral palsy boys.
Of course.
To say that I was crazy that first day would be the understatement of the year. Because as I nervously entered the boys’ room, I immediately fell in love with each and every one of them. So much that three hours later when a squad mate of mine asked me to switch rooms with her, I could not find it in my heart to agree. I had to be with these boys.
My love for them grows more every day. I miss them when I’m not there, I’m protective of them, and I tear up every day when I have to leave them- I really do feel like they are my own children. Watching each of them grow and become happier every day has been such a blessing to me. Each of their huge smiles and laughs, the way they clearly love one another despite not being able to verbally communicate, and their overwhelming happiness despite their situation, are the most perfect portrayals of God’s love and joy. And they constantly remind me how these two things are what life is all about. They each embody characteristics that inspire me to grow as a person and I am a better just for having them in my life.
David is the man of the house. He is 15 and even has a few chin hairs. He is the most interactive of the five boys. David is the purest definition of love; he is so full of love. His constant affection toward others and his protectiveness over his brothers exemplifies the way God has called us to love one another. His presence just lights up the room. David is also extremely smart. And caring. And sweet. And just good. He reminds me of how much God loves each of us, despite the circumstances we may be in.
Jasper is one of the most fun kids I have ever met. He is 14, very interactive, and observant of everything around him. And he has the absolute best smile and laugh. Jasper constantly portrays God’s love and joy. He is always so happy and so full of love. I don’t even know what to say because I love him so much. Jasper reminded me of the good in the world. And that we each have a purpose. And how faithful and beautiful God really is. He reminded me of how much God loves me. And he reminded me to be attentive to the world around me. To take it all in. And to appreciate everything- even simple things just as sitting at the park. I have never seen a kid more excited in my whole life than him the day I took him to the park.
Joshua– the thinker of only good thoughts. Joshua is also 14, even though he looks older than my grandpa. It is impossible not to adore Joshua because he grasps everyone’s hearts immediately upon meeting him. You can have the best time just sitting next to him because just being around him is fun. Joshua illustrates God’s joy. Pure and genuine joy that pours out of him at all times. And he has the most innocent heart. I was unable to look at him smiling and not smile or hear him laugh and not laugh. And I mean really laugh.
Nathan is 11 and how much his responsiveness improved over the month was remarkable. Nathan has the most gentle of hearts- he is so gentle and sweet. And pure. He is full of peace and exemplified God’s kindness. He would always just hold my hand and I never heard him cry or whine one single time- even when he was sick. Nathan is really quiet but in a way that makes you appreciate and love him even more. He reminded me of the importance of being peaceful and slowing down to appreciate everyday life.
Sam is 10—the baby of the family. Sam is so incredibly handsome and super fun to be around because he is such a punk. His smile and laugh are the cutest, especially when being thrown up into the air. He is completely full of emotion and you could not help but love him, even if you tried. Sam reminded me how we are made strong through God. How without him I am weak. But with him, anything is possible. He exemplified God’s power. And God’s strength. And his love for each and every one of us.
I just love them. I really, really love them.
I came on this trip and entered that house with the motive of showing these boys Christ’s love. However, they actually are the ones who showed me. Through them, I learned what it really means to be a servant. And how to better love others. I was reminded of how beautiful each of us is. And strong. And how we each have things to offer and each have a purpose. I was reminded how the joy of the Lord is my strength and how much each of us is loved. They demonstrated how important the simple things in life are- such as love and joy. I witnessed God’s beauty, his power, and his strength. I learned how I must die to my flesh every day. And how I cannot do life alone.
I am so thankful that I do not always get what I think I want. I am so thankful that I got to take care of these boys. And I am so thankful that God knows what I need so much more than I do. It has reminded me of how the greatest gift are often where you least expect them. And how life begins where your comfort zone ends.
