Meet some littles I will never forget.
I knew I loved kids, but these months have shown me, kids light up my life! I feel the love of Papa just radiate toward them. When we walk somewhere, I find myself searching for a kid to wave to and feel massively loved when they wave back and a smile fills their face.
WHAT JOY!
Kids have such pure joy. It shines out from their very being.
Kids leak joy.
Joy from a child is contagious.
The most pure form of joy exudes from a child.
// I have not had much opportunity to be with kiddos during these 4 months, it’s been foreign since before hand I was with kids 5 days a week for nearly 8 hours. Moments with them I have treasured.
Four of those moments happened in month 2.
A couple more in month 3.
Again a sweet moment just a couple weeks ago.
The moments have been few and far between; I treasure them and Papa loves me to bring the interaction and laughter. [I’m so glad he knows my heart!]
I can see why Jesus said, “let the children come to me”.
They get joy.
They get love.
They receive and give it away so freely.
Each of these moments I have had with kiddos, they have loved me without even knowing me.
In Thailand, my first interaction was being hugged by a few littles! They had literally not known my name or anything about me, yet they greeted me with the best thing- a hug that squeezed me and showed me the love of the Father.
I came to play sports/games with them on a Saturday morning and they greeted me with unhindered, unreserved love!
How often do I greet individuals this way upon the very first interaction?
My affection is typically reserved, given freely to those I am getting to know and spend quality time with day after day.
Instant friend. They grabbed my hands and brought me into their world. They brought me into their game and though language separated our conversation, they immediately wanted to know my name. They spoke in their language, we giggled.
Laughter
Joy
Invitation
Love
Affection
I sat there feeling loved.
I felt at home.
Be like a child.
A little over a week later I am warmly greeted again. I get to eat lunch with them after church. One of the littles finds me after service and doesn’t leave my side. After we eat and he shows me a swing, it’s time for us to leave, and time for his nap. 15-20 minutes earlier, all the other kids go to rest, this little wanted to linger.
Papa thank you for loving me so perfectly.
Thank you that your love lingers and wants to be holding my hand and sitting in my lap.
Teach me to be like a child with you, in your lap and holding your hand.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
Weeks later another little, shy at first, invites me in.
This girl wants to braid my hair.
I learned last year, letting a little girl play with my hair [no matter how messy & tangled it may get] fills her with pure joy. Me giving up the need to look a certain way for a little to feel loved by doing my hair, brings loads of joy & laughter. I found too, if brings me so much laughter & sweet memories to smile back upon.
This little girl, also finds flowers to put in my braid.
Let me lavish my love and beauty on you.
Giggles exit both our mouths and her face is lit up. She is radiating love and pure joy.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
Less than 2 weeks ago, my team is asked to walk up a hill [steep and at least ¼-½ of a mile] and pray for a man that has cancer. He can’t make it to church.
I assume this man is older.
Come to find out he is only 30 years young.
He has 3 children under the age of 5.
My heart is filled with more compassion.
To see this man lying down and unable to play with his children makes my heart ache a little.
We are able to come back to this family 2 more times.
We see Papa take away his pain the first day.
We see joy fill his wife.
We see the man feel strong enough to get up from his mat and move to the other side of the room.
We see his children curious and wide eyed.
As we return the second day, I am wanting to play with the kiddos.
They are not to be seen upon our arrival. I peak out the door every so often, anxious to play. Less than a half hour later, the two oldest are present. They are timid and reserved at first. They’d seen my face the day before, but were unsure of this blonde, white girl in their house.
It doesn’t take long for them to warm up.
It all started with a tickle.
Soon their dad says something, I see he wants them to play outside, so I go outside with them and we play little games. Language is no hinderance to either of us.
Soon enough I am spinning them around and getting dizzy [me of course as I do all the spinning].
Laughter
Joy
Their faces are lit up.
I assume their mom and dad are feeling loved as they hear their children giggle.
Children’s laughter has this contagious factor.
It’s pure.
It’s innocent.
It’s infectious.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
5 May 2016
We wait for our micro bus for an 8 hour journey from Jiri to Kathmandu. We wait on the one lane road with our packs on the ground. We have snapped a few photos with our generous, incredible hosts. Nepali time can mean anywhere from on time, to a half hour to an hour late. We wait in this small village, surrounded by mountains [yes the Himalayas, though if they have no snow on them, they are considered hills, not mountains. Despite our elevation being at 7,000 ft.]
I hear a little girl across the road say “hello” in perfect English. She is standing in her driveway with her friend. Waving and a smile shining bright on her face.
Minutes later she is asking, “What is your name?” as she peaks through the gate.
Curious
Unashamed
Unafraid
Minutes later she motions me to, “Come. Come here!” The brightest face greets me with such unreserved joy & love & interest. We end up giggling, somehow naming body parts [when we get to foot, toes are “foot fingers” baha!] We giggle and I just spend time with her and her friend because, what else will I do waiting for our bus.
Our bus arrives and I walk across the road. She says at least 10 times, “I will miss you, okay.” She does a kart-wheel, I do one bag. We make silly faces and do silly dances across the road.
Waves and blowing kisses.
Pure joy
Unreserved happiness
Unhindered love
Radiant
Be like a child.
Love courageously
Give freely
Be yourself without reservation
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
Not only do I feel outrageously loved by kids, but I am continuing to learn what it means to be like a child.
Be a friend. Give away your love. Give away your joy. Kids are unashamed. They are pure & innocent. Untainted. Unashamed. Not timid. Courageous and brave.
