This month has been full of adventures in Ecuador, one of which was going to the dentist with Nichole weekly for her molar issues. This week as Nichole and I walked into the dentist’s office for her thirtieth visit, we were greeted by a group of adorable kids all under the age of five. I was amazed by their silence and stillness as they patiently awaited their teeth cleaning. I sat down on a little leather couch with four of them, stirring curious stares from their cute little faces. After hearing several screams from the other side of the wall, I realized silence was due to fear. Half of the kids had tears in their eyes as they listened to their classmates get fluoride treatments. Instead of reading my book quietly, I attempted to make them giggle or at least smile. It was a tough crowd, but I managed to get some laughs from this crowd.
Then walked in Samuel. My little friends each had their turn, and now the five year olds walked in. Immediately, Samuel marched up to me and asked me my name. He plopped right next to me and began speaking Spanish at me, not realizing I had no clue what he was saying. His teacher soon realized I hardly knew any Spanish and began giving Samuel and his friends basic English phrases to ask me. Pulling from my limited vocabulary, we got into a lengthy discussion/drawing contest about our favorite animals. Kids are amazing because they are little psychos that you can be the most ridiculous version of yourself with. Also, they almost automatically love you before you do anything.
Just a month ago I was too fearful to even try to speak Spanish to any person. I know it may seem silly, but I see victory in how the Lord has transformed my confidence, even if it is something small like attempting Spanish and making a fool of myself around five year olds. Jesus broke down language barriers with kids in a dentist office today. I got to help alleviate the fears of three year olds but also receive so much joy and love from the kids, like Samuel.
As the last kid walked out from his appointment, Samuel and the gang all jumped on me, hugged me, kissed me and started shouting that they loved me. I walked into that room earlier expecting to have a day of reading and writing, but instead got so much more. He shows up, even in the littlest of things like dentist appointments!
