As I hang the laundry out on the line this cool morning, I get a closer look at the tatters and holes in their clothes. It’s the end of winter here and many of their pants, jackets and shirts are frayed and their shoes are worn-down. However, the state of their clothing is not what I saw when I met these 26 children here at Lesotho Save the Children a week ago. The brightest thing they wear is their smile, accessorized with infectious laughter.
Despite their circumstance, despite their stories they choose joy.
My heart was broken after hearing what some of these kids have endured. The youngest little girl, a one year old, was found abandoned at a bus stop with a just a bag a few weeks ago. A toddler boy had a mother who died from AIDS and was found a few days after her passing still trying to breastfeed from her body. Another boy was forced to grow up too fast when he and his little sister were left at an abandoned house – he took care of her by digging up frogs and killing birds to eat.
Here, there is no more digging or killing for him and his sister.
These stories crush me to even write about, but I want to make it clear that despite these hard truths – they. choose. joy. There is so much hope here in Maseru at Save the Children. The children have captured my heart – Giggles, songs, hugs, tickle fights. Most of the kids don’t speak much English, but words aren’t needed to communicate love. Just as God doesn’t have to use words to communicate His love – He uses His creation – His people.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that God is working even in the small things. He uses the little things – the handshake you made up with the little girl, the sing-a-long songs, the futbol games.
God is clearly at work here. I was talking to some of the older girls that speak some broken English and was trying to tell them why we’re here. I told them we were going to be doing a Vacation Bible School to help them learn more about God. One of the girls said that they pray a lot – before meals and on Sundays when they have someone come in to do church with them. I told her that we prayed a lot too, and praying a lot is what got us here.
Our hope is that we can build on their foundation of faith and bring hope for the future. God doesn’t see the tatters and holes in their clothes – just as God doesn’t see any of the tatters of mistakes and holes of sin in any of our lives – No, he doesn’t see any of that. He sees His children.
Let us choose joy.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE: I’m just under $700 away from being fully funded! Praise the Lord!! Thank you again to everyone for the prayers and support.
Video below by my amazing teammate, Chandler.
