Story One

This past Sunday was our panel discussion for the church. I asked the team members, if they could only share one story with people, what would that story be? It got me thinking about my own one story. I don't know that I can narrow it down. But I wanted to share ONE of my stories to begin.

The team was busy serving food at the dump on Wednesday, there are hundreds of women and children waiting in line, some patiently, others not so patiently. Dogs are meandering, flies are everywhere, there are yells and screams and laughter from playing kids. I am walking around talking to the kids, showing them their pictures on the camera, just interacting. I see one boy approaching me with urgency. Before I can say anything, he wraps his arms around my waist and squeezes. I hug him back and he runs off to join his friends. He knew what he needed - a hug, a small token of love - found a way to get it. His immediate need for love was fulfilled and he could continue on with his day.

Such a small things I gave him, almost insignificant, yet did I make his week? Being able to hug someone? He didn't know me. He didn't even stick around for me to talk to him. I can't even say I got a good look at his face. And yet, I touched his world and he rocked mine.

A Shared Memory

Well, we have been back from Guatemala ten days now, and I am still having dreams each night of being there serving and working. Don't misunderstand me, this is not a bad thing. . . .it's a good thing! I do not want to forget the people nor their physical and spiritual needs. The memories instill compassion in me and create a desire to continue to pray for the people of Guatemala and to want to return each year to minister. The day we went to visit the school in the village, a large group of children showed up in no time at all! Several team members played futbol with them, some shared photos with the kids that were taken last year, some handed out candy and gum, some handed out "body stickers", but we all just loved on the kids. It was incredible! After a while some of the children began to leave, as it was getting late in the day. I was standing alone at the rear of our small bus and I noticed a small boy who was heading back to his "home" by himself. I estimate this little fellow to be about 5 or 6 years old. As I watched him go up the dirt road, he was running, but what struck my heart was that every few strides he would begin to skip! Kids only skip when they are happy and content. I watched him until he was out of sight as I was thinking many things to myself. Here is a little boy who, according to what we in the USA consider standard, has NOTHING, and he is happy and content and has joy in his heart. A handful of Americanos shared some candy, gum, time, and love for a little while, and God blessed this little guy in ways I could never have imagined!