Personal Reflection from Eunice

Hello Friends,

Our whole family recently spent three days at the Living Love Children’s Home in Ol-kalou. We often make day visits but Timothy and I had not spent the night there before. Solomon always thought it would be too cold for Timothy since it can get quite chilly at night. Timothy really loved it and made himself busy opening and closing the many doors in the house. He enjoyed the vast space outside and wanted to follow the sheep and chickens everywhere. He also enjoyed playing with the children but only if Abby was in sight. Abby loves to be at the home and would go there everyday if she was not going to school. She likes helping, especially serving food to the children.

Solomon spent most of the time outdoors fixing and mending stuff. The children enjoy when he is around since he fills the father figure gap. One of the small boys (William) who was living with his grandparents before coming to the home calls him grandpa sometimes. But he says it in the cutest way, so we don’t mind.

It’s always fun to be with the children, I have realized at the end of the day that I always learn something new. My highlight was getting down (I mean physically) and playing all kinds of games with them. The children seemed to enjoy the sight of me being on the floor and running around as much as they enjoyed the games.

This reminded me of John 13 where Jesus washed the disciple’s feet. It’s obvious that he did not wash them standing, as that wouldn’t be practical. He must have been kneeling. I realized how much it means to the children when we get down to their level and be like them. In Matthew 18, Jesus responded to the disciples question regarding who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, by calling a child and using him as an example. He told them that unless they change and be like little children they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. While it may have spiritual significance, I believe the literal part is important too.

Some of us grew up without ever seeing our parents get down to our level physically. We always felt small before them. I remember how much I looked forward to growing up and become “somebody” and cease to be a “nobody.” While our parents had good intentions of bringing up nice kids through discipline and punishment, I now realize what we missed. We never felt the same intensity of love like we felt anger towards our wrongs.

Jesus, our role model, has shown us how it is done. Now that we understand, may the Lord help us to do it right. Our children and those the Lord has placed under our care need us to get down where they are and let them know they matter, no matter how little as they are.

Next time you talk to your child or to any child try getting down to where they are. You will see the smile you have been missing. The twinkles in the eyes or the tears. Give them a hug or lift them up. As you feel humbled, they will feel great and know they are valued.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Eunice