Thursday afternoon, the last day of the 4 day school week here, we celebrated the 4the of July and welcomed home our director and his wife who'd been ministering in India for a month. What a party! Each class pooled together and some of the mother's backed tasty treats. Cake and doughnuts were passed out for almost an hour straight until everything was gone. Top that off with some soda-pop and extra sweet Tang, and it was mayhem in the best sense possible. But what fun to hear those kids sing songs! The teachers opted to sing God Bless America for us.
I spent most of the later afternoon in the medical clinic. Seemed every kiddo in the school had some bump or scrape. At one time there were 6 little ones all crowed around to watch. There are some nasty thorns that the kids get in their hands, feet, or heads from time to time that work themselves deep. We did our best. I'm not on the hunt for some topical anesthetic. One little gal, she had one real legit cut up knee, but as for the rest of the ailments, I think it had more to do with the one on one attention, and love than anything else. And I'm perfectly content to give out bandages and kiss cut fingers and pray with these kids, speaking over them that they are precious, loved and meaningful. I smile hearing a little 6 year old say "Aye, Britt-ny, girl"! with that amazing island accent as she stood up to the pain better than I thought she would. Just when it was all cleaned up and everyone shuttled out the door I heard the now familiar "Miss Brittany!!!" A beautiful little 7 year old had been running with the rambunctious, sugar-filled crew and ate it on the path. So scooped her up and it was back to the clinic. She'll be fine. Skinned knees and gravel in her palms, but nothing that won't heal up. Probably more hurtful was the harsh reprimand from an onlooker when she came up bleeding and sobbing. She's a little kid full of sugar after a party! I think she's suppose to be playing tag and having a good time. It's a lot easier to mend a scraped knee than a hurt heart. Independence day. Freedom. Freedom of soul, freedom from shame. I want so much for these kids to know that they are loved, that God has a plan for their lives, and that they can be free to become all that he purposes for them.
Sweet Birdy: You are a conduit of God's grace.
ReplyDeleteTake good care of yourself so you are full to
overflowing to others with His grace and love
as I know you do. Hugs!
Hi Britt, my name is Kathryn and I just stumbled upon your blog. Weird, right? It's kind of a bizarre story, but definitely a "God-moment" in my life. The short version is, I've been reading Radical by David Platt and recently went to a mission's conference in St. Louis, MO. The combination of these two things, a couple of other books, participating in Intervarsity on my campus, and chatting with others, I've been really wrestling with what to do in my future. I'm an occupational therapy student in PA and I've been trying to figure out how I can I use the gifts, education, and resources God is giving me to share Jesus' love. So, on a whim, I googled "Serving Jesus as an Occupational Therapist". Through many clicks and scrollings, I came across your blog about your journey in Helene. It has been so encouraging to me today. I just wanted to let you know that your dedication and love to Jesus is not just touching those you're working with, but also those in the states. I will be praying for you as you continue to learn more about yourself, your Savior, and those around you. Many blessings, Kathryn
ReplyDeleteKathryn, thank you so much for the comment. This brought a smile! Will be praying for you and would be happy to chat some more through email and such if you even care to :-) May your delight in Jesus grow and grow!
Delete