The streets of Antigua are covered with adults and children trying to sell homemade goods to “the gringos” (the white people).So many times I turn my head away and say “no gracias” (no thank you) before they even have a chance to ask.
But, this time I didn’t.
This time I said no thank you, but I also continued to have a conversation with the girl.
I found out she is 10. (Do you want to buy a bracelet? No thank you) Her favorite color is purple. (Do you want this blanket for your home in the US? No thank you). She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. (Do you want to buy this purse my mom made? No thank you). And she LOVES airplanes even though she’s never been on one. (A chicken for me?… You want a chicken?).
As I talked to this girl my heart broke for her and all the others in similar situations.
In the USA childhood is generally seen as carefree, fun, joyful, and innocent.
But as I looked into the eyes of this child I saw desperation and a burden greater than anything I’ve ever felt.
I introduced her to more of my friends and when I said goodbye she pulled me down to her height and asked once again “A chicken for me?”. My heart broke.
As I walked away I felt helpless. I couldn’t give her a chicken. I couldn’t wave a magic wand and make her life perfect.
I felt angry that God gave me this new burden. It was easier to look away and say no thank you than to actually have to learn about these people.
But that’s what they are. They are people. People with Stories. People with dreams.
When I came to Guatemala I prayed that God would continue to break my heart for what break’s his.
As I look into these people’s eyes I feel my heart breaking but I also feel hope.
God’s plans are greater than anything I could ever imagine. If he’s breaking my heart for this there is a reason.
A song we’ve been singing during worship says “Pull me a little closer, Take me a little deeper, I want to know your heart, I want to know your heart…”
As my heart breaks for what breaks God’s I’m drawing nearer to him and realizing that Psalms 34:18 is oh, so accurate- “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Dios te Bendiga,
Kelly
