“He’s not very smart. He can’t read. He can’t write. He doesn’t know any English. He needs a lot of work…” and on it went.
As this precious little boy stood getting mocked in front of his entire class by his teacher, every single dig she took made me love this child even more. The shaming went on for what seemed like hours (I know it was only minutes), all the more drawing me to him. I knew right then: I wanted to spend my month in South Africa loving on him.
His name is Sintle* and I cannot explain the amount of love the Lord gave me for this precious child.
The next few weeks were some of the most challenging, but beautiful weeks of my Race. The teacher was right, there was a lot of work that needed to be done.
Sintle* couldn’t even write his name. All of the letters he wrote were either upside down or sideways. The only English he knew came from phrases the class repeated daily: “Good morning.” “How are you?” “I’m fine. Thank you.” And my favorite, “Present, miss,” in response to the morning attendance.
But instead of constantly pointing out his shortcomings, we celebrated the small victories. Every time he pointed to the right number or letter, I told him “Good job!” (Yet another phrase for him to learn”) The excitement in my voice was matched by his enthusiasm as he learned to ask for a high five or a hug every time he conquered a new assignment.
The Lord gave me such compassion for this child starting day one of our friendship. I was determined for him to feel loved, instead of embarrassed and shamed as usual.
It was quickly apparent how much this child needed positive attention. It broke my heart knowing that the compliments I gave him may be the only ones he ever receives.
The more time I spent with Sintle* the more the Lord showed me that we are designed to be in a loving community. There was something so beautiful about knowing that I was able to give Sintle* the love he so needed because of the love the Father had instilled in me.
The Lord taught me so many beautiful lessons through my friendship with Sintle* this month. He showed me what it looks like to love the ones left behind. He showed me how much small, simple gestures can mean to those who need it the most.
He showed me that there is beauty in the broken.
As I left school on our final day, my heart was heavy. But the Lord reminded me that He was the one who allowed me to love Sintle* so well, and that he would continue to love Sintle* long after I was gone.
And as I prepared to leave that day, I knew that Sintle* had felt loved as he blew a kiss my way and he whispered a new English phrase he had learned: “I love you!”
*The name has been changed for the protection of the individual.
I have been so blessed by the opportunity to love people like Sintle throughout this journey. Thank you all so much for making this possible for me. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does with the next five months of the Race, but I need your help to stay here. I am still in need of $900 to stay on the Race. If you would like to be a part of helping me be fully funded, you can do so by clicking on the support me tab.
