So we’re here. And already this experience has been like none other. That sounds so cliche, but I can’t articulate it any more truthfully. I haven’t ever been on a trip like this before, and I can already see how God has and is going to use us all in so many amazing ways. Forgive me if this is poorly written and choppy, there’s so much I want to express and only so many ways that I can say it all. Bear with me.
After two solid days of nonstop sweating, I have fallen in love with India. It is overwhelming in every way you could probably think of. The crowds, the smells, the heat. Oh my gosh, the heat. It is incredible. I have never appreciated air conditioning as much as I do now.
One thing that I have been persistently asking of God is a softened heart. I didn’t want to go into this experience feeling calloused and incompassionate. I really wanted God to give me a spirit that empathizes with these people. He has definitely been quick to answer that prayer. The children here are so lovely I want to cry. On the street, they run up to us as we walk by, shouting greetings, smiling, and wanting to shake all of our hands. Never have I ever felt so much love from anyone as I do from these kids.
Along with this, yesterday we had our first experience working in the special needs orphanage. To be honest, that terrified me. I tried to go into It with an open mind, having zero experience with special needs children.
One girl, Wendy, really struck me. She was laughing, hugging all of us and holding all of our hands, with a huge grin on her face the entire time. She looked at me with so much appreciation, like I put the stars in the sky. I got to thinking, I didn’t do anything to deserve this girl’s affection. She just loves that strongly. There was no need for me to impress her; she loved me the instant she saw me.
I have never seen a truer picture of Christ’s love for all of us. What a cool thought that is. God wants so badly to hug on us and love us, just like that. When He looks at us, He’s proud. We did nothing to earn it, that’s just how God works.
Thank the Lord for Wendy. This world would be a more beautiful place if we all followed her example.
