Upon returning to the farm...

As we rounded the corner and the farm community came within eyesight, my heart leapt a little. Would the kids remember me? Would the babies be all grown? Would the good times be forgotten? Yes, I know I was only gone for a month, but still, in ministry that feels like an eternity, especially in the lives of these kids. You always fear a little for their lives. Are they warm enough? Do they have food? Is there someone there to bandage their wounds? Some of a child’s most basic needs are not met when they live in this sort of poverty.

But there is no poverty of spirit and love in these children. They have so much joy: more than I could ever dream of having. I seem to have it all, blessed. And yet, I think they that have not are the ones who truly get it. When you have nothing, you look past the details. You realize that all you might have is yourself and those around you, so you take advantage of that. We can completely miss relationships right in front of us in our own homes, because we are too busy with details. I’m going to start living like a farm kid, at least in spirit. To act rather than to think of how great it would be to act. Our lives are but a vapor on the scale of eternity, and we need to savor every tiny moment we have to love, to live, to hope, to sing, to dance, to give, to hold.

Remember back in the day, when you were in preschool, and the teacher busted out the parachute at recess? It was the greatest thing ever; almost so great it seemed magical. Well, today we granted that same joy to the kids at the farm. It was so much fun. The kids didn’t know what to do with themselves, they were so excited. Young and old came out to enjoy the parachute. The sound of laughter rang throughout the farm: such a glorious and beautiful sound. Such a simple contraption to bring such a big impression. I look to the little things while I’m here. God moves in the littlest smiles, the littlest children, and the littlest actions: the little actions that have the biggest impact. That’s my God.

As we were wrapping things up and heading for the cars, one of the sweet girls, Courtney, jumped on my back. She was the first to greet me as I got out of the vehicle, and she wanted to be the last to say farewell. She and I became very close in my first 5 months, and it is such a joy to be back in her life again for the next 6 months. What a wonderful young girl. I just wish she knew that. I just want everything for her, but I know there’s only so much I can do. Nonetheless, I will do everything I can to make her feel loved while I am present. We laughed and danced and skipped. She just gets me, even though most of the time we can’t understand each other verbally. Her smile just warms my heart. It is just a glimpse of the purpose God has for me here. As we drove away, I looked back to see her waving and flashing that lovely smile… I saw God’s face in that moment.

Everyday here in Cape Town can leave me awestruck. But the farm will always hold a special place in my heart. The sights, the smells, the smiles, all of it… pure, true love. It’s great to be back here. I needed to reclaim this part of my heart.

-Kristen