Last week I had the opportunity to visit apprentices serving in ministry at CGA Guatemala. Our first stop was an orphanage named Casa Shalom. While there, I witnessed first hand Joe’s boundless energy and Shannon’s unconditional love for these adorable children.
One at a time, Joe would hoist the kids up onto his shoulders and spin them around, arms flailing and laughter encircling them. There was soon a line of kids, waiting for their turn to fly.
For just a few minutes each, these kids got to forget why they were there or the painful parts of their stories. They were simply kids.
One girl was a little more hesitant. Just two weeks before my visit, Shannon wrote a beautiful blog about a new girl coming to live at the orphanage. It was understandable that she felt shy and unsure of her surroundings. While the other children were jumping in line for a chance to spin around on Joe’s shoulders, she stood a little off to the side, chin down, reluctant to join in the fun.
My second visit there came just a few days later. This time I watched as the same little girl shyly made her way over to Joe and was hoisted up onto his shoulders. A smile lit up her face, and I stood back in awe of the incredible transformation that had occurred in her little face in just a few short weeks.
My time at Casa Shalom with these little ones painted such such a beautiful picture of the Father’s love for His children. Although it may take some time… once we finally choose to trust and let go, that is when we realize we are truly safe in His arms.
