A Cry From Within

Yesterday late afternoon after I had worked in the morning a group of us went out to Lakka Beach and enjoyed visiting with the locals, live music, the ocean, and the gorgeous scenery. First, let me just say it was an adventure in and of it self just getting there. Instead of taking one of the Mercy Ship Landrovers we decided to just take a poda-poda. What the heck is that? Basically it is a very rundown van with wooden benches, very unsafe, very uncomfortable but provides a cheap way of transportation. We fit 16 people in ours, pretty sure the locals would laugh at us when they can cram normally around 20 plus people. Just imagine yourself sitting on this wooden bench with fabric nailed ontop just to give it some character, did I mention that the bench has an extended seat that you can pull out to fit extra people on once you close the van the door? HA yes, brilliant right? Yes, your bum feels like death by the time you finally reach your destination.

As I was sitting in my chair just looking out into the ocean, observing and taking everything in a little boy came up to me carrying a cooler on top of his head. He just sat right in front of me, there in the sand and said, "Will you please help me?" I responded with great joy, "Hello. What is your name? How are you?"

Emmanuel was 11 years old although, he looked more like 7 because we was little and malnourished. As I began to carry on the conversation and ask him his favorite things my heart hurt as he replied saying, "I want your help. My Mother is dead and I cannot find my Father. All I want to do is go to school. I want to learn."

What do you say? How do you respond? All I knew what to do was to show him love. So, right then I looked down and saw my frisbee in my backpack and said," Hey, Emmanuel! Do you want to learn to play some frisbee?" He nodded. As we walked towards the shoreline, away from the crowd, he had lit up and I wish I could've captured his adorable smile. Because this is Africa, as soon as Emmanuel's friends and I saw us playing they all came running over. It was so fun and something I will not forget.

Meeting Emmanuel that day stirred the yearning inside me to continually love on those in need. I may not have the money to provide schooling for the poor little boy but, I can show help in other ways. After saying goodbye to him, I watched him walk away and cried from within that the Lord will protect him and bless him. I pray that I will meet with Emmanuel again someday soon.