Overdue reflections.

I haven't been able to put the past two months down in words. I wish I could just rip it all out and put it in black and white so that they'll stay fresh. Even with the aid of pictures, I could never tell you how I felt, what I experienced over there. That said, I'll attempt to now, and I'm going to be very real about it. 

I don't miss Watoto per se, because I did after all grow up with washing machines, stoves, clean water and busyness. One month there clearly wasn't enough to convert me to simplistic living although more than once too many, I found myself wishing that we could have more activities like beans/rice-sorting, playing in the sand/mud & a prolonged time away from technology. I've always been pretty old-school, preferring snail-mails over emails, hands-on activities/games (think five stones) over computer games. Where oh where have the simple joys in life gone? I think these are what us city kids are truly missing out on. If not for the fact that I had the obligation and necessity to report my status and well-being to my family, I did not exactly miss the lack of communication with the outside world. It actually felt really nice being estranged from the noise, from the complications of relationships. The only two times I really craved technology was 1) to get in touch with my mum ASAP who was worrying herself sick and 2) the blank pockets of time I had when the blazing sun literally halted all activities.

But what I really got from the kids there was that their joy was overflowing. They are such bundles of joy and you can't help but let a smile creep onto your face when you see them beam at you so innocently. Considering their backgrounds, I think that's a joy that has to spring from internal. And I'm really glad that they are taught to know God from such a young age. Before I left, I prayed that God will continue to guide them in their paths ahead and to keep them safe from any harm and danger. I really don't wish to see these kids being led astray because they deserve the right to be happy. I really miss Caroline with her roundish face and tinkly laughter. I might just be a passerby in their lives, but they have given me something that I'll keep for life.

And I also miss the warmth of people. The woman who so readily and kindly showed us her plantations, allowed us to eat off them, and even sent us packing with some. And her parting words were: "You're welcome to come again." How could I not be touched at this stranger's hospitality? It takes more than courage to allow someone to step into your house, much more to show them everything you have and to give so selflessly. I saw in them the kind of love I lack.

And most importantly, how can words express fully how thankful I am to Him who protected me from all danger and harm? I was literally sleeping and eating with all kinds of whoknowswhat bugs, but He has allowed me to return home unscathed, aside from some self-inflicted blisters. I don't know what to say. That He has shown such grace and mercy towards me is mind-blowing in itself. 

My bundles of joy.

 'Baked' a banana cake for them using the old-school stove in the bg.

How they wash dishes.

 On the way to school.

Rice & beans. Yes, what we eat (almost) every day. Not my favourite for sure.





*Updated*

After writing this post, nostalgia overwhelm! I really miss the kids. Lying in bed, I was wondering what they were doing at that moment. But it wasn't even dinner time yet, they must be out there playing with dirt. Did any of them scrap their knees again? Do they have anyone to cuddle or hug them? Are there any volunteers there right now giving them the love they crave so much?

... Do you even remember me anymore?

And the night sky with the oh-so-bright stars. This song would loop in my head every single time.

在無數的黑夜里，
我用星星畫出祢，
你的恩典如晨星讓我真實地見到祢。
在我的歌聲里，
我用音符讚美祢，
 你的美好是我今生頌揚的。
這一生最美的祝福，
就是能認識主耶穌。
這一生最美的祝福，
就是能信靠主耶穌。
走過高山深谷祂會伴我走行，
我知道這是最美的祝福。