The language barrier abroad can be a tad frustrating. We have managed to form relationships with all kinds of pals without saying a single word.
I adore working with kids; I always have. From babysitting, working at High Meadows, in a nursery and being a nanny-most of my jobs have involved kids. I adore their innocence and how they have SO much joy.
Kids here in Africa find joy in the smallest things. They use anything they can as a toy. One day I saw a kid with a kite made out of a trash bag and a water bottle. Who would of thought of that?!? These kids have next to nothing, yet they still have so much joy.
Most of the team pals also enjoy working with and loving on kids, so we were so pumped when our day for children’s ministry finally arrived. Any time we walk through the village, we start a parade with kids who hold each and every finger-so gathering kids was not a problem at all. Once we gathered the parade of kiddos into the church, we began to sing songs. I’m super thankful for my experience at High Meadows, cheerleading camp and Young Life for all of the songs I know. We sang songs like Tootie Tot, Baby Shark, Banana Song, and Boom Chicka Boom. Honestly, I was thriving. Camp songs are my jam. Kids were catching on, singing along and mimicking everything we did.
The kids here are so fun. They are so easy to befriend and love on. On so many other occasions we have been able to love on these kids in Diabo in the most simple ways. We have started dance parties, high five extravaganzas, hand games, funny face competitions and so many other things to be friends without saying a word.
Their laughs are the best noises in the entire world. It is so simple to make these kids laugh and it makes my heart melt every. single. time. No matter what they are going home to, what they have and what they don’t, we are able to entertain and bring Jesus’ light into their lives.
In the song ‘Head to the Heart’ by United Pursuit the lyrics are
“you give me faith like a child
in you my heart runs wild
cause there’s no shame
in lookin like a fool
when I give you what I can’t keep to take a hold of you”
The joy in these kids. Their laughter. Their relentless pursuit to be loved on.
When you are in Jesus, you are loved on continuously, find joy in everything and learn how to live life to the fullest with what He gives you-just like these African bundles of joy. Have no shame in how Jesus made you, your situation or where you’ve been-use the talents the Lord gave ya to glorify him. It’s pretty fun to do life with Jesus when you are able to be able to have no shame in who you are.
