It was with her smile that she stole my heart..the little girl sitting in the front row. A kind, loving, just-because smile. I smiled back at her and remember thinking how easy it is to let these kids into your heart. She stood up, walked over to me where I was sitting on a plastic chair and gave me hug...a kind, loving, just-because hug. She stepped back a bit, looked at me, turned around, grabbed the child closest to her by her arm and pushed the poor unsuspected girl towards me.
"Give her a hug" she ordered. The girl spontaneously gave me a hug and that spurred 6 or 7 more kids to do the same. There I was thinking I am here to let these kids know that THEY ARE special, and now I find myself being showered with their love and joy! Unconditionally! They're the ones wondering where their next meal will come from, that have to deal with the threat of gangs and safety issues, and yet they find love and joy to share.......The surprises of life!
This was at an "end of year" party for the kids, arranged by the I am Special Ministry Team in Cape Town. I will be volunteering with them next year and I cannot wait! This was the first time I joined them while visiting a school and I'm hooked!http://www.iamspecial.org.za/
No comments:
Post a Comment