On one of the first days we arrived in Xenacoj, Guatemala, I met Ingrid. Her family owns a small convenience store across the street from our house. It also happens to be where they live.
As I was walking into the house one day, I look over my shoulder and see this little 8 year old, watching me from her doorway. She had a paper and pen with her. I waved and with the little amount of Spanish I know, I said, “hola!”. That was about all I could say at the time. I’ve learned more Spanish since then thankfully.
I went in our house and sat at the table right next to the front door. At the time I was the only one downstairs, and I sat at the table to read. Probably about 30 minutes later, I heard the sound of someone at the door. I couldn’t see the shadow of a person through the window of the door, so I assumed it was just one of the street dogs sniffing around for food. But the noise kept persisting. I finally looked down to notice a white piece of paper being stuffed underneath the door frame. I pick up the piece of paper and turn it over to find a drawing of a girl. I walked outside to see who it was, but no one was there. But then a moment later, I see little Ingrid pop her head through the window of her house. I pointed at the picture and asked if it was for me. She smiled and giggled while nodding her head excitedly. It was one of the most precious moments I’ve experienced on the world race so far.
Since that moment, this girl has shown me more love than I could ever imagine. There have been many more pictures she has drawn for me. She watches for me to come outside the house only to exchange a few words to one another. She is always smiling and joyful.
How in the world am I going to show her that love back? What have I done to deserve this little girls’ love? We are barely able to communicate yet she shows me this unconditional love. She has shown me a glimpse of God’s love for me. Her pure and compassionate love inspires me to love this way. To love the way Jesus loves us.
