Children’s Home

I love how God stretches and grows us almost daily.  I have been through this most days of the trip and being awkward is a daily part of my life.  It seems like daily, I am laughed at or I have no clue what is going on.   The language barrier and the fact that I look completely American does not help my case.

 Today was a stretching day for me.  This afternoon, I truly wanted a nap.  I will not lie.  I was lying down thinking, I do not want to go and do our activity.  I complained a little to other people, but went reluctantly.  The activity was going to a children’s home, just 100 meters down the road, to play with the children outside.  When I got there, I felt out of place.  Feeling out of place around a bunch of children is not new to me.  I am fine playing with them, but I would rather not.  I just sat there for a long time, just watching.  Every few minutes I would get up and walk around.  This is a great way to pretend you are doing something. 

 

While walking around I got thirsty and had to go into the house.  I found out that they needed help setting up chairs and I was relieved.  Finally, something I feel comfortable doing.  I helped set up the chairs and proceeded to sit down.  I did not sit down in the middle of the chairs, but in the back row.  It was a perfect opportunity for a child, I think her name is Morgan, to grab me.  I was then pulled toward the other children.  Morgan decided to grab my hand in a way that there was no escaping.  The hard part about the start of our friendships is that Morgan understands English, but will only speak Tagalog, the official Filipino language.  I was dragged to a tree house and then the swings.  It was announced that the program was starting in minutes. 

Now starts my stepping out of my comfort zone, that I call my bubble.  I was dragged to the front of the crowd. I looked around to see all of my World Race friends in the back.  I sat down on the ground having 8 children crowd around me.  All of a sudden, two chairs in the direct center opened up.  Of course Morgan thought that it was an ideal place for us to sit.  So now I am in the direct center of the whole crowd.  Great.  My niece’s favorite song, the na na song, was being started and I knew I was in trouble.  I stood up to be the only person that is above 3 feet tall.  I stuck out like a sore thumb.  I acted out the actions and was definitely seen.  After the song was done, the two chairs turned into one.  I reluctantly picked up Morgan and placed her on my lap.  I got to sit there with Morgan on my lap for a good 30 minutes.

I was blessed today.  God reminded me of my niece, Harriet, whom I miss so very much.  Harriet is two years old and getting to do actions to her favorite song was great.  I wish she could have been here to dance with me.   God blessed me with Morgan, whom I hope to meet again.  Morgan showed me love without knowing it.  She was willing to just show love without realizing how great it is sometimes to do the simplest things as holding a person’s hand.  I am always amazed at how God shows up when I want to be in a place the least amount.