There are more children here than I have ever seen
Our squad pulled up to the school in a white van and a pick-up truck filled with 30 outsiders. Down a rough dirt road, we passed a beautiful blue church, and arrived at a field filled with countless little boys and girls. We were met with distrustful stares. Some grabbed the hand of their friend as they ran in the opposite direction. Dave had told us that we were the first foreigners who had ever visited the village of Cruz Ayapan. What we later found out is that this village does not have visitors. Not only were we the first foreigners to come, but we were the first unfamiliar faces, period, that Ayapan had seen in years.
We quickly found out that the majority of the population of Ayapan is under the age of 12. As I was under strict instructions to rest my broken toe, I had decided to bring my camera and film the day. As I panned around the school, it seemed as if the children kept appearing. When I thought I had reached them all, I was continually mistaken. They weren’t coming to see us, just going back and forth from class to recess.
While our hola’s and friendly introductions were not effective in starting conversations, we found another way. Several of my squad-mates jumped onto the field and invited themselves into a game of futbol. Some climbed into trees, some did cartwheels, and others simply passed out balls and suggested a simple game of catch. Within minutes, the fear and uncertainty turned into joyous laughter and an overwhelming rush of excited, playful children. I found myself, now, fearful of being pegged in the head by one of the many balls being kicked here and there.Yet, at the same time, I was filled with joy in watching new friendships form.
Through the chaos, I noticed two little girls walking by, looking at me with skepticism. I waved, and with a huge smile greeted them… with no reply. I didn’t think much of it, as this had become the typical response, until they walked past a second time…and a third time… and finally they decided to sit down in front of me and watch the futbol game. The smallest one turned around and shyly looked my way as I proceeded to wave and smile again. She turned away, but continued to turn back to me until finally… success!… one of the most precious smiles I have ever seen paired with a giggle just as sweet. That little smile soon turned into a shy conversation, and we became friends. Sonia, her sister Juliana, and I spent the rest of our time together talking about our likes and dislikes, which then resulted in me teaching some children’s songs about Jesus.
When it was time to leave, we all piled back into the vehicles, windows down, waving, and shouting good-byes to the children who had now felt it appropriate to smile and wave in return. My new friend, Sonia, ran to the front of the group, and making eye-contact with me the entire time she excitedly waved and giggled, “Adios!”. It made my day.
After a meeting with the governor, German was granted official permission to lead groups into this village to visit widows, share, teach and play at the school. There is a violent history here, and as stated before, Ayapan does not receive visitors. This invitation is a huge blessing, and it’s incredible to be a part of this new story of Ayapan.
The days we visit Ayapan are some of my favorite days. It is quite the adventure to get there, but once I am there, I don’t want to leave. Yesterday, Sonia found me and stayed by me for the rest of the day. At one point, I had a group of children asking and answering various conversational questions, and every time I looked at Sonia, I could tell that she held admiration for me. It was heart warming to see that just a look from me made her feel special. And, I can’t wait to see that smile again.
Friendship is a beautiful gift. Some people go their whole lives without a friend. Even though my part in Ayapan is short-term, I hope that Sonia will make friends with those who come behind me, and that she will continue to feel special. My prayer is that one day soon, she will know how loved she is by her Creator.
It is humbling to realize that I am truly a part of new things happening throughout the surrounding villages of Xenacoj. The Lord is opening doors all around me, and not only do I get to watch these exciting movements unfold, but I get to walk in, speak truth, and become a part of this story.
Thank you, Lord, for bringing me here. Thank you for giving me these opportunities and providing me with boldness, joy, and a heart for your children.
