I just received 3 of the sloppiest kisses of my life from 3 adorable children during a break from the English classes we're teaching in Arroyo Cano.
One child has been sick for days but I can't stop from playing hand games with him, carrying him around on my hip and kissing him.
The children share their food with us, feeding us with their tiny dirty hands and we gladly oblige. They teach us more than we teach them every day.
My teammate Chris drew an epic picture of our team. She makes us laugh all the time and we're so blessed by her humor. When drawing me she included half a dozen children hanging off of me since most days are like that for me in our little town. I am so thankful that these sweet children have been clinging by my side. I feel the Lord preparing me for motherhood and teaching me the magnitude of how powerful my influence and example can be. I'm reminded to choose daily to live as his vessel.
There is a young girl named Rosa who was the most aggressive and badly behaved child in our small town when we first arrived. She hit others, bit my teammate Chris, bossed around the other children, flipped off our cameras when we took pictures, and used inappropriate language daily. She would flinch whenever we tried to pick her up as if she thought we might harm her and seemed especially fearful around men.
My team has been spending time pouring truth into her heart and speaking life over her. I have been using the Spanish bible to find ways to translate words of encouragement into spanish for her. I write notes to her in Spanish, encouraging her to "Let her gentleness be evident to all", explaining to her how much a sweet and gentle spirit that is slow to anger pleases the Lord. My teammates have showed her so much grace when she misbehaves. Chris saw Rosa a few hours after being bit by her and didn't even hesitate to pick her up and give her a huge hug. It blows my mind to watch Rosa learn of Christ-like grace and forgiveness and I'm honored to join my teammates in blessing this little girl's life.
Today Rosa has transformed into a completely different child than the 8 year old girl we first met 2 weeks ago. When I play with her I no longer leave with bruises or a heavy heart and my teammates no longer have the indentions of teeth marks. Rosa is calm and full of a peace and tranquility that only Jesus and his truth can bring. My teammates and I constantly say "Who is this new girl- where is Rosa??" I'm so excited to continue to watch Jesus flood her life with love. Please pray for her to desire to know Him and follow Him all the days of her life!
I am consumed with so much love for these children and I see God in their smiles each day. If they want anything of mine – it's theirs. The joy in their hearts is worth so much more than me holding on to things that will turn to dust.
Papa God rocked my world the other night when he whispered "That's how I feel about you Bekah!"
He only wants to bless me, give me what I need, hold me when I'm sick, help me grow each day, and thrill me with the desires of my heart.
God is good, faithful, consistent, never failing, and constantly pursuing me, his beloved daughter.
I have always known that Jesus loves the little children of the world. But I am now feeling rocked to my core with the thought that he truly loves me individually, as if I were His only child. A well-known truth has become such a fresh new word to my soul. Surpassing earthly logic, He feels this way about ALL of US.
He watches you in the morning as you open your sleepy little eyes. He thinks to himself, "There is my sweet child. Will you spend time with me today? Talk to me, walk by my side, whatever you want is yours. Ask and it shall be given to you."
Your laughter is his favorite music.
His refrigerator has your pictures all over it. Not pictures of your accomplishments, ribbons of achievements or list of good deeds, just you smiling. Photos of you being the person he created you to be before you were in your mothers womb.
There's so much he wants to tell you. So many truth he wants to share with you and promises for your future.
He is consumed with you and jealous of your time, only wanting great things for you.
He uses the tragedy and heartache of this world and creates a beautiful masterpiece with your life- turning all things to good.
He protects you, fights, for you, consoles you.
In Him you have Victory.
***UPDATE***
The day after writing this blog I traveled to San Juan for a day. I was praying for Rosa and talking to God about her. I looked down at the ground and there was her name written in the concrete beneath my toes. Such a beautiful reminder that God hears everything and knows our hearts cry 🙂
