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The Tickle Monster

I see him across the room, as he tries to conceal a smile. Creeping over, I peak around walls and furniture with my tickling fingers ready to pounce. The closer I get, the bigger his smile grows. He tries to sneak away, but I reach out and grab him and tickle him until we are both on the ground, laughing so hard we have tears running down our face. This, of course, starts a full on tickle war between me and three little boys, two that speak no English.
I cherish these moments. I cannot express the joy that fills my heart, as I am able to be apart of bringing the hope of Christ to children, especially with the language barriers that exist. Being able to pour into a child without speaking sounds terrifying and impossible. However, I always let my mouth get in the way. I say the wrong thing, or let angry words slip my lips. Mix in a language barrier, and my words no longer pose such a threat. I am able to use the international languages, such as laughter. Tender actions and loving touches speak the love of Christ in more powerful ways than I will ever be able to understand. As the language barriers slowly are chiseled away, then knowledge of Christ can partner alongside the actions.
I stand awe struck before God. There are so many more qualified people in this world, people with better education and more experience, people who know the language and fully grasps the culture. Yet He chose me; a twenty-two year old girl from Idaho. He allows me to spin little ones until we collapse! He brought me to pour into kids who are thirsty for knowledge of Scripture. I will never be able to wrap my head around that, but I am forever grateful.

I will continue to tickle and love. That is my calling. So simple, and I am the one blessed.

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