This is my second longer-term trip to One Family. Being an
apprentice leader has a unique set of joys and challenges. It is difficult when
the kids let you in more and more, when they begin to share their story, or
talk about their parents and siblings they long to see again. It is hard to see
the first-time experiencers have their hearts broken, because I know what it
feels like.
But the joys! They are numerous. Being recognized and told
"I was counting down the days until you came, I am so happy you are
here!", learning more Creole to better communicate with the community
around me, and having the opportunities to share my passion and dream alongside
fellow young women close to my age.
One thing I have learned this trip is that joy and sorrow can
coexist in my heart. In fact, both are inevitable when you love others well and
fearlessly. It means the love runs deeply and the relationship is genuine. It
means the relationships I have here will be maintained.
My favorite moment of this trip has been the discovery of a
new song. The kids here at One Family tend to get stuck on one song they love
to dance to. They have a repertoire of about six English songs that are played
repeatedly. In recent months, the crowd has been a tune called "Say
Yes" by Kelly Rowland (and featuring the former members of Destiny's
Child...no joke). I can't tell you how many times I've heard this song.
Thankfully, the last few weeks the kids have been asking for
a song called "Not Forgotten".
The chorus goes:
"I am not forgotten,
I am not forgotten,
I am not forgotten,
God knows my name,"
Seeing countless children, many of whom have been deemed
unworthy somewhere along the way, excitedly sing the words "I am not
forgotten," and believe them is indescribable. Seeing children who are
currently separated from their earthly parents, but know they have a Heavenly
Father, is indescribable. I feel it is a privilege and an honor love them and
have a small role in the way they experience God's love. That I know their
names, commit to them, and ensure they know their worth- to myself, but most
importantly to our Father.
This trip has been full; full of sorrow and joy. Sorrow for
the kids who are growing up without a mom and dad, but joyful that God does not
forget us, calls us child, and knows our names.
