A small group of boys has stolen my heart. They want to run, jump and play like little boys but are unable to with the pain and struggle that is Polio. Instead they walk with metal braces and crutches. They ride in carts where they pedal with their arms to get around campus and are constantly working to do simple task. They are filled with so much joy as we play in the afternoon but inside are hurt when they tell me they hate to be lame.
This last week doctors from South India come to do pro-Bono surgeries on their legs. To turn them around so they can learn to walk again. These boys sit in the hospital prep room scared and alone. The family they know is lying in the next bed over waiting for the same thing. After the surgery they are in great pain and cry out all through the night. We go to visit, sit and pray begging on their behalf for the pain to be gone and joy to come. Pray for the joy that they now have new legs to do the things they have dreamed of doing. Joy that they have the opportunity to get this surgery in the first place.
At the end of the week when its time for us to leave these boys we rejoice. We rejoice in the fact that through the pain that has only just begun they are smiling and begging for our prayers. Rejoicing that the spirit of the Lord has shown up in that dark hospital room day after day. Rejoicing that we are a part of it.
