Making a difference

Friday was filled with such sweet moments. A day off school for midterm break. A visit from a sweet young lady I haven't seen for over 2 yrs. An afternoon of Cayle and a new friend singing praise and worship songs in the guest house living room. Edwin, Gamali and Amenyo asking me to read "You are Special" by Max Lucado, followed by a conversation about the way God created each of them and how special they are. And a great conversation with one of our short term volunteers. 

Some days though, I feel so unqualified. I wonder how in the world I can make a difference. I look at the faces of not only the CORM kids, but also the school kids and wonder how God will use me while we're here. I look at the sweet faces of the kids I've already come to love and think, even if I only speak into one child's life, it still matters. There are so many kids at school that I know need someone to love them. I think of Angelo, a boy at school whose parents are deceased. He is being raised by his aunt, but asks repeatedly to come live at CORM. He comes to my room after school and is so shy and sweet that I want to hug him. Then there's Christabel. She's such a funny, energetic girl. I have been reading "Charlotte's Web" to her class. She came to my room and opened the book and read the first page aloud with such animation that I couldn't help but laugh. As I leave school, little ones waiting for the 2nd bus route will run up and grab my hand to walk along beside me or give me a big hug. These kids matter. I want them to know that. I want them to know that the God who created them loves them with wild abandon and that they are "fearfully and wonderfully made". Over 180 kids at Faith Roots Academy NEED to know that! I hope and pray that God will use not only me, but the staff and volunteers they come into contact with to SHOW them the love of Jesus. 

How about you? You may not be in Africa, but there are those that you come into contact with that may not know how much God loves them. Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone and SHOW them? I pray that you will realize that no matter where you are, what your "job" is, or your age that you will go through your day with eyes and heart open to where God wants to use you. 

Dawn