This past month began with an evening ferry across from San Jorge to Ometepe, a volcano island in Nicaragua. There was a storm and lightning as we took the boat across the lake. It was quite a site to be out there as the waves tossed our boat around and we saw lightning fill the sky over the water. In that moment, I was somewhat afraid of the sheer power of the waves and lightning and I imagined a moment such as this when Jesus came walking on the water to speak peace to the winds and the waves.
As we arrived at the port of Moyogalpa, we were picked up on an old broken down bus, by our ministry host, Helen. We drove into the town and picked up the boys. As they waited to get on the bus, they were jumping up and down with joy. As they came on the bus I was reminded of the book, “Where the Wild Things Are”. The boys rushed on the bus donning little crowns on their heads, just as the boy Max wears throughout the story. They were as little kings. Once on the bus they immediately started running around giving us hugs, welcoming us. The bus ride to Cicrin, the orphanage we were staying at was filled with so excitement. They began putting crowns on our heads, as they took their liberty of sitting all over us. With this incredible welcome and crowns on our heads it felt as a royal welcome.
The scene as we arrived at Cicrin was no different. There the girls were lined in the driveway anticipating our arrival. Upon exiting the bus, the girls gave us hugs and were also so happy to welcome us.
This welcome was something that will not be easily forgotten. I began to consider how Christians should be the most welcoming people in the world. We should welcome people into our lives, our homes, and our hearts without reservation. While these children had little to nothing in the eyes of the world, they welcomed us with what they did have, their love.
