What Matters

I stood with the kids for their morning sermon.  Seeking affection, Josephine had grabbed my right hand as I was passing her.  As I settled into the hallway, with one child at one hand, another little hand grabbed for my other.  Fritz, who has cerebral palsy and cannot even feed himself, focused enough to reach out and hold my hand.  I was touched!

I looked across the hallway and smiled at Lazar.  He said something to me.  Not knowing if it was Kreyol or nonsense, I asked him to repeat himself.  I still couldn't understand him when he did.  "Pas comprend," I responded.  He said it again.  I shrugged and apologized for not understanding.  I began to look away when he shouted it out clear as day.

"I love you."

My eyes welled.  My heart filled.  Don't cry -- I told myself.

Before I had come, I had a lot of anxiety and was questioning myself on whether I could add any value during my short stay at Wings.  I was trekking to a country under distress that I was not familiar with.  I didn't have a background in physical therapy and did not have much experience working with children with disabilities.  I didn't know Kreyol and only had some basic French....

But this was a confirmation of my purpose to be here.  This was not a home where the ratio was two parents to a child.  Though these kids have a wonderful support system, they are still children who want attention and affection.  Well, lucky for them, I am great at giving hugs and kisses!  I can provide this!  And you know what?!!  These little guys are fantastic about returning the favor too!

It's love -- this shameless, uncomplicated, simple feeling.  No strings attached.  Just a reminder to one another that YOU matter.