So at El Shaddai each member of the squad had one or two kids as buddies. It was easier for some than for others. Some of the kids, especially the older ones seemed to be over the buddy system. And sometimes the younger kids would actually run away from their buddies.
I had one buddy. His name is Madida. He is 8 years old. He loves to play soccer. He likes to joke and trick people. One time he tried to trick people into drinking salt water by saying it was sugar water. He loves playing cards, especially speed. Speed is my favorite game, and both of us like the color blue best. Seemed like a good start to me.
Buddy time would be from 3-5, but I was usually up there more than that. Being there more helped me get close to just about everybody, but this sometimes made it difficult for me to spend time with just Madida.
But I still made sure I spent time with him everyday.
I would tell him I love him all the time. He never said it back.
I taught him the “I love you” and “I really love you” signs. And sometimes he would do those back to me.
The other day I was hanging out with him. Just watching him and a couple of the kids use the mini skateboards some of them got for Christmas. He asked why I was there, and I told him “I’m here, because I want to spend time with you.” He asked me why. I said, “Because we’re friends.” And he told me, “No, we aren’t.” And I responded with, “Well we’re buddies.” And he said, “We’re buddies, but we aren’t friends.”
And it really hurt me, because I spent a lot of time with him and did my best to show him love and care. Honestly, I don’t know if he meant it or not.
But I’ve come to realize God didn’t call me to El Shaddai and to be Madida’s buddy for Madida to show me love. God called me there to show Madida and everybody the love I have from Jesus.
And even though there were some tough moments like what Madida said and also him and other kids just wanting to use my phone, I showed love. And it’s helped me grow a lot.
I mean it’s difficult to invest so much time and care into anyone when they don’t seem interested. It’s not easy pursuing someone when they aren’t pursuing you back.
But it’s worth it. And it will teach you a lot about how God pursues us and loves us even when we aren’t interested or we say things, which cause God pain.
Much love!
