One of my goals this year is to seek out and intentionally spend time with persons who are different than me.  Last Sunday the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda came to our church to sing and dance in worship.  I jumped at the opportunity to host two girls from the orphanage and Auntie Ritah who traveled with them.  Saturday evening I anxiously awaited the arrival of Grace, age 12, and Susan, age 9.  I prayed that they would feel peace and love in our home.

I met them at the driveway waving my arms of welcome as their big smiles appeared first.  They leaped out of the car, and wrapping their arms around me they immediately snuggled into me. We each held the hug for what seemed like forever.  I felt my prayer was already being answered.

As they sat at the kitchen counter on bar stools eating ice cream, we all had lots of questions and stories to share.  All the while I felt their big eyes staring at me with wide-eyed wonder. Before bedtime Auntie asked if she could pray.  We all held hands and she prayed the most beautiful prayer of blessing upon us, upon our home, giving God thanks for us along with all the gifts of the day.  After getting them all tucked in for the night, I turned to Bill, “Oh my goodness!  When have we ever had anyone in our home pray for us like that? ”  His quick response was, “Never!”

Grace was tall and the big beautiful smile was naturally constant.  Her stature and movement lived up to her name…she was full of grace.  Susan’s big eyes filled her face.  She was petite and pixie-like.  Her styling hairdo, always with a bow, added a good 4 inches to her height. She seemed a bit more shy until I saw her perform on stage the next morning.  Wow!  She was a powerhouse of lively energy and joyful expression.

Here is the entire Watoto Choir, and Grace and Susan dancing…

And now…Susan singing a solo, “I am a child of God”.  (Please forgive the less than perfect photography.  There were bright spotlights and limited wiggle room for me in the congregation.)   Just listen to this 9 year old sing!

I held my little African friends in my arms for just one evening and morning, a brief moment in their lives.  But I will never forget them.  Did they need my hug as much as I needed theirs?  Perhaps.  They gave and received so readily and abundantly.  I wonder how many hugs they get in the orphanage?  I think of them and wonder about lots of things in their lives.  Yet, this I know….they left an imprint on my heart forever!  This poem entitled “Second Sight” by David Whyte expresses it well…

nk