Have you ever experienced an
immediate bond with someone? A bond you
knew would last and one that would grow deep? A connection you knew would not be forgotten
easily?
Well, that’s how it was when
I first walked in the ProVida orphanage in Balboa, Panama.
I knew these kids were special as soon
as I walked in the door and got mobbed by about five kids welcoming me and
hugging me. They didn’t know me, yet
they trusted me right away. There was
one girl though, that had me from the start. She actually seemed to be the shy one. She hid behind the refrigerator and poked her
head out from behind to see me; when our eyes met she backed away and hid
again. She didn’t smile but she didn’t
frown. After all the other kids had gone
she still remained curious of who I was, not sure of me, yet wanting to get to
know me. So I played peak-a-boo with her
on the other side of the fridge. And eventually
got close enough to tickle her with which I got a smile! (I rejoiced for that) She still walked around a bit shy, but was
always curious where I was at and let me give her hugs, which in turn caused
her to eventually come find me for hugs and just wrap her arms around me when
she wanted. Her name is Cherly. She has curly hair like me so we always
played a game I would pull one of her curls just enough to make it bounce and
then she would pull one of mine both making the ‘boing’ (bouncy) sound.
There are many stories for
each of the kids that I could share. When
you open your heart up and allow yourself to get close to anyone, it is always
going to be hard to leave, let go, and there is always a risk, but what you
would miss is not worth it. I’m just
going to post many pictures of the kids and let them tell more of the story.
