I have to take a few moments to share my meeting with Wendy. My team (Team 2) has been assigned a project to literally clothe the orphans. We are going through all of the SCH locations and making sure every child has clothes that fit and are labeled as theirs. This is something that needs to be done badly, but they do not have the man power to do it on their own – which is where we come in! 🙂
Yesterday we went to the first home – the largest – and started sizing each child. There was also a ton of time to hang out with the kids and give them the individual attention that they are not able to get otherwise.
That’s when I met Wendy.
The moment I walked through the gate she ran up – as best she could – and gave me a huge hug and a giant smile. From that moment on, she seemed to be always at my side. She held my hand as we got a tour, kept kissing my hands and cheeks, and was happiest when my arm (or arms) were around her.
The only word I heard her say all day was “akka” which is a term of endearment meaning literally older sister. Everyone was akka and she was full of love and hugs for all of her akkas.
Smiles followed her wherever she went.
As the day went by, she constantly reminded me that happiness is not based on situation or possessions. She is 22 years old, mentally and physically disabled, living in a home with dozens of other kids and nothing to call her own, and yet she is filled with the most amazing joy. Genuine joy. Joy that comes from the Lord.
May we all learn from Wendy and find our joy in Christ alone and what He has done in our hearts and in our lives.
I can’t wait to see more of my new friend and I pray that she continues to teach me without even realizing it.
Thank you, Wendy.
