“God, are we really into our LAST WEEK OF MINISTRY IN INDIA!?!?! How can it be?!?! I DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE!”
Those were the words I prayed this morning to ABBA while I laid awake in my tent, listening to the rain hit the side here in India. I realized that the harder I fought coming to India, the harder God would whisper into my ear, “Nikki, open your eyes, learn to see my Children of India, the way I see them. Beauty in the Broken”
The kids that, Team Refined (my team) and Team Changes, have had the privilege of working with this month, have taught me more than I think I will ever know and realize. These are kids who really have nothing to smile about or give thanks to God about…yet they do.
The way Jenny (one of the foster moms) girls have taken to us. The way ZINNIA, with syndactyly joined toes and fingers, reaches up to be picked up and hugged. TO simply be touched and hugged. GENEVIEVE and her spunky personality. Seeing her colour and laugh and simply ‘be a kid’ in a society that deems her “untouchable” because of a cyst in her right eye. Nora and all her sass…God only knows the horrors she has gone through this life already and she is only 10 or 11. This is a girl, who remembers her parents and life with them, contracted HIV through a hospital in a nearby city. Yet now, she is a totally normal kid who is just wanting/needing love and grace. Seeing her each day, is always a joy. God is not done with her yet. She is His Daughter. She is a His Princess. The authority that she carries, is far greater than most will ever know.
I remember the first day of ministry when Kiana, Lacey and I walked into that second floor room. I think we were all slightly terrified as we had no idea what we were in for. I remember thinking to myself, “I can’t do this. God I can’t do this. Not me, not here”. Yet you know what? God really does give us the strength and power we need. I wouldn’t have traded this month for anything. From walking in with fear that first day, to walking in now each day with an anticipation as we wait for the girls to greet us with open arms and warm smiles. The way they reach for our hands and look up at us with their big brown eyes is priceless. My life is forever changed. I cannot go back and be the person who I was back at home. I can’t.
Let me introduce you to a young lady who has changed MY perspective on life.
Meet Wendy. She is 23 years old. Cerebral Palsy (CP) has consumed her entire right side. Epilepsy and in intellectual disability also consumes her earthly body. She has been through more in her lifetime, then I ever will. Society in India, has left her for nothing. She has been abused and broken time and time again, yet this isn’t what I will remember her for. She doesn’t know this, but she has changed the world for GOOD.
From the first day that I met her, I will always remember her beautiful big brown eyes. I am not sure what it was, but something ‘intrigued’ me about her. At this point, I didn’t know her ‘back story’ but there was something different about her and, although she doesn’t say much (other than “Atah” which translate to “sister”), her smile says more than words ever could. Through my life, I have never met a person as happy as Wendy is.
Wendy, even though you don’t know this, thank you for changing my life. Thank you for the many smiles and hugs that you have given me. Yes there were days I didn’t want to receive them, but seeing your eyes light up each time, softened my heart every time. Wendy, through you, God showed me how to love differently this month. He has shown me how to love deeper and stronger through you my dear girl.
Wendy, you don’t know this…but you share the same name as my Aunt Wendy at home. A Might women of God, who went from having full mobility and being totally healthy, to losing almost ALL movement overnight, yet her courage and strength, reminds me of yours my dear girl! The different trials you have both gone through, have forever changed you both, yet your love hasn’t changed. I see a lot of similarities in the both of you. You have both blessed and encouraged me in a way very few can! Wendy, it is because of you, that I am now able to know to love my Aunt Wendy better. Through you Wendy, God has taught me to not be afraid of the ‘unknown’ when it comes to people with special needs/disabilities.
Wendy, your story, is a story that needs to be told. Allow me, to tell your story for you through this blog, and to the people I meet. It is a story that many people around this world, share. Even in Canada, even among my own friends and family. Thank you for reminding me the power behind your story. God isn’t done with you yet and I fully believe that God WILL heal you this side of Heaven.
To my Aunt Wendy, I am so very proud of you! Thank you so very much, for the love, support and encouragement that YOU have been to me throughout my life. Watching you wrestle with God, ask questions and simply humble yourself to allow others to care for you (which I know was hard for you initially), has humbled me. Thank you for your constant prayers and support you have shown me, not only on this trip, but in general as well. God is constantly showing me just how truly blessed I am. Aunty Wendy, I love you and I am honoured to be your niece and to be able to share Jesus with girls like Wendy, because of you. I am looking forward to catching up with you when I get home. Keep encouraged and know that you God is not done with you yet either. You have a story to tell! So go out, share it and see how God continues to use you and bless you!!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to come to India. I was scared of it. I was scared at how God would break me. I knew deep down He would…He always does and each time, it shakes me to the very core of who I am. Now that I have seen I am responsible. I want the world to know. I want the world to see the beauty in the broken.
**Wendy still needs one or two more sponsors…if you feel called to help change the life of this young lady…click HERE and follow the directions. Trust me, you will NOT regret it!
Also, check out this PAGE for other girls like Wendy, who also need sponsors. You will also find the other girls I mentioned in this blog, on this site!!**
