Feb. 17
I slept on our roof last night for the first time, but not my last. It was a beautiful night full of stars, constellations, and the bright of the moon. Contrary to indoors where it is musty and sweaty throughout the night, there is a cool breeze that blows throughout the night. I awoke as the sun was rising over the mountain on the far side of Gonaives. The sunrise was spectacular. It was full of reds, oranges, and pinks in all assorted depths. As I watched, I continued to think of our God’s amazing beauty, majesty, and creativity. Soon I laid back down to sleep for another hour or so. When I finally got up, I moved to the edge of the roof to read and pray. As I was sitting there, I noticed Kenley walking from his building to ours. Kenley is only three years old, and the distance from his orphanage building to ours is at least the length of a football field. He has made this journey alone a few times. He walks such a long distance to come to our building to receive the only love and comfort he knows. Kenley almost never makes any facial expressions. I heard he only smiled twice the entire time we were there. I am not sure if he is sick or heart-broken or both. But I do know he enjoyed the love he received from many of my teammates.
At three years old, Kenley does not mind initiating. He did not care that he had to walk alone so far. He wanted to be held. He wanted attention. He wanted to be special to someone. He wanted to be loved. Kenley wanted what everyone of us wants. So know I ask myself questions. Am I willing to put forth that effort to love and be loved? Am I willing to initiate? Am I willing to draw near to God? Am I willing to let go of my pride and self-centeredness to walk by faith, hope, and love?
What dedication….the steps, the faith of a child!
