She must be around 3 years old, and she is always there when I sift back through my pictures and memories. I’m not sure how much English she knows. At first, her eyes were searching mine and questioning. Can you be trusted? Do you have love to share?
By midweek, I’m greeted daily by tiny hands atop outstretched arms asking to be held, wrapped in a hug, assured that everything is ok.
During the second week of our trip as our team walked through the village with school staff, a shosho (Swahili for grandmother) beckoned us to follow her to her home by the river. We prayed a blessing over her wood and metal home, built for her by community members after her previous home was destroyed by rains.
We learned that her daughter had died the previous year, leaving her to care for her grandchildren on her own, one of whom recently died during the rainy season, and one of whom is this girl…who needs some extra love, and to know that everthing is going to be ok.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ~John 14:18
Thanks Elaine. I am proud of you.
You write beautifully about this little girl. Her large eyes are so expressive and moving.