India is beautiful. Although I have only seen a small part of it, I know I will likely return. I must admit that my love of this place has grown. Initially I expected to be enamored with India immediately– this was not the case. The development of my love has been a process…much Like most things in this country. Interacting with the kids at the orphanage has helped my love grow as well as the support and encouragement I receive from my FABULOUS teammates. In addition, the food here is the best…I Have never eaten so much spicy food in my life…American Food might feel slightly bland upon my return.
Despite the fact I have only been here for a bit over a week, I have already seen and learned much. I have witnessed INCREDIBLE faith, kindness, encouragement, and devotion. For the purposes of this blog I will share a bit on love…
CONFESSION: Loving these kids is not ALWAYS a simple task. I wrote a journal entry which aptly captures my feelings.
" At times I find myself struggling to love these children. Most of them have lice, many of them have snotty noses, occasional poopy diapers, and many of them drool. Things that naturally would repulse most…When I sit next to them in their beds, I interact with them carefully, as to not get too dirty or get lice. These are my honest thoughts. But in my struggle to love I am reminded heavenly love. If it is a great task to love these children, how much greater is the love of Christ for us? Shouldn't our sin look far more repulsive to a holy God? Yet, he chose to snuggle up with us in our lice infested, poopy, sweaty, slobbery beds, and take that filth upon himself."
I do not want to be misunderstood, these children are wonderful. Anyone who spends time with them will undoubtedly fall in love. But caring and loving can be taxing, uncomfortable, and sometimes a bit dirty. Remembering, however, that HE first loved us gives meaning to the love we share and compels me to extend it.
This is one of the girls at the orphanage. She is loved dearly at the orphanage.
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