A Shining Desire

On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, I spoke at a church regarding Africa. I spoke of time spent with the African Children’ Choir last summer and the projects currently running here at Mother’s Fighting For Others. The orphans in need, and my future missions trip to Nairobi. The reception that I received was truly amazing. The entire church was loving and open to hear all that I had to say.

But something stood out. The children. They sat together in the first two rows. They sat in silence and listened. Really listened! At the end of my presentation they all gathered at the front in excitement. They presented me with a suitcase full of coloring books and crayons that they had collected for the children of Kenya. And in one of the most touching moments that I have experienced…all of these little children gathered around me, reached out and prayed for my safety and for the people of Africa. My heart was so full .

Towards the end of my presentation I had stated:

“Above all that I say. Above all that I do. I hope that my children are witnessing and learning the ever important gift of compassion and empathy. Because learning these two very important characteristics, I pray, will help to equip them to be the future generation of change.”

During my preparation for that night, when I initially wrote those words. I was thinking of my own children. And yet, I was witnessing it in these children. To me there is nothing more uplifting than to “see” a child’s heart. A desire to learn and understand things. I saw that shining so bright that night! After the service ended many of them ran up to me and handed me tiny notes of well wishes.

I was asked to speak that night to add insight and understanding regarding Africa. I feel that task was completed. And I did not leave there without learning a lesson myself. And that lesson was, never underestimate the heart of a child!