As my last fundraising deadline approaches, I have been doing everything I can to reach out to supporters. Sharing with them what we are doing, how we are making a difference, and why they should donate. But, somedays, I feel like I’m not making a difference. Somedays, I’m like Lord why did you call me here? And, today was one of those days for me.
The last four weeks, we’ve been working in a local special needs school in Chile. This special needs school also accepts students who have been removed from other local schools for behavior problems. Since there is not an alternative school in this community, this is the only hope those children have for an education.
My class of eighth graders at the school consists of both students with special needs and students with behavior problems. Most days, it is a difficult mix. Two of the girls in my class, Camilla and Francesca, get into a fight everyday. Camilla has behavior problems, and Francesca has severe OCD. So somedays, like today, Camilla will put her food crumbs all over their shared desk, or move something out of line, sending Francesca into a frantic state. Most of the time it’s something concerning Francesca’s OCD, other times she will go as far as to just reach over and hit Francesca in the head. Today when that happened, I started praying. I was like Lord what do I do? I tell Camilla to stop, but she’s already finished doing what she wanted to do. I tell Francesca I’m sorry, but Camilla never gets punished. I asked that question, the why am I here question. And, the Lord was like Cheree you are here to do this. To see a need and pray for it. You can’t change Camilla. You can’t help Francesca. Only I can do that. But, you can pray for them. For their feelings, their hearts, their home lives. You can pray for the root of the problem even though you can’t alleviate the problem.
You show Camilla what being loved by me looks like. You braid her hair, and correct her mistakes gently like I do yours. Your first day at the school, she was so stand-offish, and rolled her eyes at you. Now, when you get to school she runs up to you to give you a hug. She colors with you. She calls you tia (aunt). You have impacted her. I have made a difference here through you. I have you right where I need you.
The day after I wrote this blog, I was leaving the school when I heard someone call my name. When I turned around, Camilla ran out of the gate, and told me she was walking home too. So, she literally wrapped her arm around me, walked with me, and chatted with me in Spanish. The Lord just whispered those same words over me. That He has called me here for a reason, and that I am making a difference.
He has you right where He needs you, too. Keep being His vessel. Keep praying for people, and loving them well. He’s doing something even if you can’t always see it.
If you would like to support my journey, and help me keep making a difference, you can donate to my race here on my blog. If you go to my blog home screen, there is a donate button. When you click it, it will lead you through the easy process of donating, and give you a receipt for your taxes! All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for all of your blog comments, emails, prayers, and donations thus far! I couldn’t be here without your support!
