From Hannah Bucko:
She turned around and gave me a rascally little grin. I ran up from behind, scooped her up, spun her around, and settled her on my hip. Her eyes were big and bright, her smile from ear to ear. She and I ran around a bit, played tickle monster with a few of the other kids, and eventually, I set her down. I didn't think much of the brief interaction with little Bridget.
A little while later I was approached by Phoebe, one of the primary MCM caretakers, with Bridget clinging to her side. "Excuse me?" Phoebe asked. "I wanted you to know...Bridget just came to me to say 'A white woman held me!' I asked her who, and she pointed to you as she said 'She has made me very, very, very happy!' "
I realized later that unlike American kids, who more often than not are very accustomed to attention in the form of hugs, kisses, high-fives, piggy-backs and the like, kids here in Malawi do not often experience such affectionate attention. They do not often get the chance to just play, to just be cared for, to just be loved.
It is remarkable to me that such a seemingly insignificant act could bring such joy. It is amazing to me that God will use such a brief and simple interaction to encourage a child. It is exciting to me that I had the privilege of being a part of that encouragement, that God was able to use the little I have to offer. I got to love this little girl, and God got to love me in return.
She turned around and gave me a rascally little grin. I ran up from behind, scooped her up, spun her around, and settled her on my hip. Her eyes were big and bright, her smile from ear to ear. She and I ran around a bit, played tickle monster with a few of the other kids, and eventually, I set her down. I didn't think much of the brief interaction with little Bridget.
A little while later I was approached by Phoebe, one of the primary MCM caretakers, with Bridget clinging to her side. "Excuse me?" Phoebe asked. "I wanted you to know...Bridget just came to me to say 'A white woman held me!' I asked her who, and she pointed to you as she said 'She has made me very, very, very happy!' "
I realized later that unlike American kids, who more often than not are very accustomed to attention in the form of hugs, kisses, high-fives, piggy-backs and the like, kids here in Malawi do not often experience such affectionate attention. They do not often get the chance to just play, to just be cared for, to just be loved.
It is remarkable to me that such a seemingly insignificant act could bring such joy. It is amazing to me that God will use such a brief and simple interaction to encourage a child. It is exciting to me that I had the privilege of being a part of that encouragement, that God was able to use the little I have to offer. I got to love this little girl, and God got to love me in return.
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Hannah...you made me cry...so much I take for granted...thank you for the glimpse into your experience. I am so thankful that God brought you to Africa to love this little girl..and others. We can't wait to hear the stories when you all return.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mata
what my sister said... :) tears for me too.
ReplyDeletepraying for you so much, hannah! sooo good to hear how God is using you! i have loved seeing some pictures and getting to hear your reflections was amazing. you expressed it so beautifully.
i will miss reading over this next week while we are in king city, but i will be missing you, thinking of you, and praying for you still!
can't wait to hear stories in person! love you!!
Hannah...we love you and miss you but could not be more excited for you to be realizing your dream of being with those African children! Happy Easter dear one, Mom and Dad
ReplyDeletep.s. I wrote you a message on Facebook at the start of the week! Next one I will send to your e-mail account since you probably only have time to check there for news. The LA team got back safe and sound last night. All else today and tomorrow...:)