Day 3: Fertile Soil

Journal Entry:

After teaching, we drove to a place where we expected to have to play with around 100 kids who were revved up and ready to play hard. Instead, we arrived and did a small presentation for a group of about 20 kids aged 3-6. Then, we spent the rest of the time playing with the kids. We started off with Pato, Pato, Gonzo (Duck, Duck, Goose). In my circle, there was a little girl who looked half asleep and when her mother walked her around the circle for the second time, she started whimpering.

Knowing that I was wiped and didn't really want to be active, and because she was cuter than a button (where does that saying come from, anyway?), I picked her up and sat on the sidelines. It took a while, but after some soothing and a heart-shaped sucker, she calmed down.

It's an amazing feeling to have a small body nestled on your lap and I love the feelings of motherhood and protectiveness that come over me whenever I do. Whenever I would readjust her, she would lean right back in - effectively making my heart melt.

She loved it when I would bounce my finger on the end of her lollipop and then ruffle her hair or squeeze her nose or tickle her. I prayed over her, my little K, and begged You to watch over her. Most likely, she'll grow up in the same situation her mother's in and that makes me wish that I could help her escape from this endless, vicious cycle.

When I told her that I had to leave, she shook her head and flung her hands around my neck. It felt so good to be needed, wanted, and loved back. She kept on clinging and I had to set her down and convince her to let go. It was hard - but thank You for such a wonderful opportunity.

Only one picture today, but suffice it to say that the kids there were extremely adorable (and we were delighted to find a girl with Down Syndrome there, too!)

As for prayer, this organization is run by an amazing woman who is trying to reach out to the parents of these kids, and so was expecting us to present the Gospel to them because she had asked them to come early. We were not quite prepared for that and were really there more for the kids, but pray for a continued passion for the parents of these kids. Also, for finances for them to send their kids here because they are being taught valuable life lessons about God while being cared for physically and mentally, whereas at home they would simply be another person running around. Many of these children have no hope except to go back into the cycle, and someday send their kids to someplace like this. Pray for a break in this vicious cycle, and that His saving power would make a difference in these kids' lives as they grow up.