Land of No Expectations

I find it funny when I jump into something with no expectations, and I end up surprised at the things that happen. Most the time, it is the things that come out of my mouth. For example, “Snails are not weapons! Thanks for getting him out of my room, now please put him outside!” or “Growling is not good church manners.” The more time I spend here, the more weird situations I get myself into. Going to the market turns into fighting off date and marriage proposals, and traveling turns into “what is the weirdest thing I can buy from this taxi?” I have got pretty good! Once I was offered a Taylor Swift photo album. I would have bought it, but I have a deep conviction to never listen to her music! Day by day, I am surprised at how connected and in love with two little boys who speak no English. Recently, Redeemer House brought in two new children. Their lack of English and my lack of Luganda leave communication difficult. Yet I have fallen in love with these precious boys!

Alex knows no stranger. He has the most precious toothless grin I have ever seen. His first morning, I walked out of my room, and he gave me the biggest hug I could imagine. He is one of those kids who just captures everyone's heart. He became my instant buddy, and I love chasing him around the house or cuddling with him during prayers. I am so thankful I am able to be apart of his beginning at Redeemer House. Stephen differs from Alex in many ways. He is so quiet, and took time to open up to us. I can imagine what he is going through! Being taken away from everything he has known, and needing to learn where his place is as he learns the ropes. He had malaria this last week. We had some visitors over, and when I got home from a Bible study, Stephen was curled up on one of their laps with a raging fever. The next day, he still was burning up. I tested him for malaria and it came up positive. His sickness was an opportunity to cuddle with him and give him some well needed TLC. He came through once we got some medicine in him, and has been a ball of love and joy ever since! Every morning, I will walk out and Stephen comes to me and just puts his head on my stomach. It is like his own way of asking for a hug. Now he will come to me and grab my hand, and sit next to me completely content with all around him. He will ask for me to tickle him until he falls on the ground. I am absolutely in love with both of these boys!

Love abounds through all languages. Love transcends to every culture. Love is the unifying element in this world. Words are not needed to show love to another. It is the language that reaches every nation and every tribe. I am so thankful to experience a love which needs no words. As I learn this, I am opened to just a whole new level of Christ's love for me. He speaks to my heart not in words but in comfort and care. He takes away the sorrow by His tender mercies. His love breaks all chains, and places every wrong thing in my life in place. No English needed, and He didn't do it the American way. His love is simply that: love.

In coming to Redeemer House with no expectations, I am blown away by the love I have experienced. I will continue to be blown away, and I am so excited to see what God throws at me next.