out of all the jobs i could think to have right now, i would pick exactly what i am doing here in tarime. there is no where else my heart desires to be, and honestly, i think this is the best job on the planet.
my job is simply being love. being a person with skin on to kids who haven't always known what love is and have maybe never felt the comfort of touch. i have the great joy of going to MAHOTT everyday and knowing that they feel loved.
this is what i get to do:
the other day i was hanging out in the kind of courtyard and heard a squealing from one of the rooms...i go to investigate and it's sammy, our resident dance master, laying in his bed with a pillow over his head peeking out at me. i go in to see what he's doing and sit down next to him. he cuddles up next to me still under the pillow and i start rubbing his back, as he snuggled closer--there was no where else i wanted to be. it's amazing how much being touched makes a difference and if that's all it takes for them to know it, i am there. everyday.
other perks to the "job" include:
i took a deck of cards one afternoon and literally sat on the porch of the orphanage for close to 3 1/2 hours playing some sort of rendition of uno with regular cards with a bunch of the boys. it was a blast!! during the card playing nossi came to sit on my lap, and of course is always a highlight of my day. she is precious, and a handful all rolled into one beautiful 4 year old. that same day, nossi took my bandana and wrapped it around her as a kanga (material they wrap around their waists, like a skirt) and after that proceeded to comb my hair and try to tie the bandana back onto my head. pretty funny. i also love the moments when the kids just want you to hold them. i will gladly be a jungle gym of affection and God's love.
i feel so privileged to be a part of this place. i feel like i get to see a glimpse of heaven everyday in the smallest of moments, but aren't those the ones that matter and make all the difference? when i get home at the end of the day i always feel that where i was, and who i was with, were exactly where i was supposed to be.
here's an excerpt from my journal: "God is the perfect author--and i am so thankful that He has written part of my story here in this place--this "heaven on earth."
4 comments:
How awesome! ANd I thought that I had the best job on the planet. Hmph! :) So glad to see the Lord blessing you. Praying for you!
Hi Nicole! Ed gave me the URL to your blog (He and I work together in Engineering / Quality at CRU). You have experienced how important touch is in showing love...and that love can be expressed in the simplest of ways. That you would travel so far across the world to just love on these kids...this is true worship. By your actions you are showing these kids Jesus here on earth. Thank you for your heart; I am so encouraged by your words. May our Father bless you during your time in Africa. Ann
Wonderful to read about everything that is going on...and how you are doing!!! :)May the Lord continue to provide grace, for that in which He has called you to do!!! We will be checking in from time to time...keep blogging!! Ann and Bob
What a beautiful little glimpse into what you are doing over in Africa. Truly wonderful. I love that last side note in this post..In my prayers daily!
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