In America, when I saw pain or fear in the eyes of one of my students, I made it a priority to find out what had happened. If i found out that he had been hurt at home, was not eating healthy meals, or did not have a peaceful place to sleep, a stack of paperwork and some urgent phone calls would ensue. Here, I assume that most, if not all, of my students are experiencing those things every single day.
Most days, I feel swallowed up by the waves of emotion. I want to learn to ride them better. Sometimes I wish I could un-see the things I have seen, and un-hear the things I have heard, and just go back to “normal.” I do not have that option. The only choice is to get my hands dirty, get to work, listen for direction, and ask God for peace.
Our new Ugandan volunteer (a true God-send), asked me, "So how did you choose these children? There are so many out there who cannot afford school, and are living on the streets! They are so lucky."
I’m thinking: What? Are you kidding? These kids are lucky?! They are the most unlucky people on the face of the earth.
But the truth is: God chose them. For some reason, He chose these children to be fed, educated, and loved. The massive, all-knowing God of the Universe looked down and picked out these people, one by one.
Psalm 12:7 "You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked."
This is hope.