The month had begun with a lot of focus on research. We were all getting restless. Our first visit with a contact did not go as expected, and while I was overjoyed to be visiting another orphanage I told my self not to build too many expectations.
As we pulled into the gate of House of Blessings it was an instantaneous feeling of refuge. There was so much joy and laughter. This atmosphere was very much so alive.
Within minutes of playing with the kids a little girl, with a blue top and salmon shorts, had her arm around my side. She looked up at me with beautiful round brown eyes. She quickly turned her head away to giggle, never letting go.
I am a connoisseur of good hugs. I can share with you stories of my favorite hugs, both the awkward ones and the ones that you never want to let go. I can tell you who are above shoulder huggers, below shoulder huggers, split huggers, bro huggers, or side huggers. I can tell you who hugs to the point that you can’t breathe, and who hugs so soft that it is as if they are afraid of breaking you. You can read how someone is feeling by how they hug: if they seek to hold on or if they push to let go.
This young girl had the best of hugs; a hug that just wants to share joy, a hug that can lead into a sporadic dance party or a moment of deep conversation, a hug that embraces an instantaneous trust and begins a friendship. Her hug was one that told a story, her story, God’s story.
Throughout the evening this girl would continue to show up at my side. Whether it was touring the girls’ dorm, exploring the new church, or taking in the smells of the mess hall, she was there behind a door, around the next corner or waiting on the porch outside. While our friend Katty was turned the opposite direction, the little girl would come up give me a big hug and “slyly” walk away giggling.
“Thank God” for these beautiful encounters with his children, and a much-needed reminder that while I might seek out opportunities to share his love; his love is always freely given.
Prayer: For the beautiful children of House of Blessing that they might continue to grow in the heart of Christ, and for all those who are called to love Christ’s children in this way that they might take up that calling.
