Kyah is 4. A true 4 year old. She loves to dance, talk, sing, dance, laugh, read books, dance, paint pictures, tell jokes, and play with her friends. She LOVES to play. I can remember my mom-in-law commenting on the fact that she would rather be outdoors than inside playing…and that’s when she was only a year and some odd months old. It’s who she is. She will always choose playing outside with her friends over just about everything else. The way she plays reminds me of the way we used to play when I was a kid. Growing up my brother and I were always running around outside, riding our bikes, playing with the neighbor kids, playing catch, building dirt towns, shooting hoops, and just getting dirty. So many kids today “play” by sitting in front of a computer or video game, AND their parents are fine with it. Such a sad world that has been created for kids to get wrapped up in. They are missing out on the true joys of just being a child.
One of the things that stuck out at me right away when we moved to this new barrio was how all the kids play together. They aren’t ever separated by age – i.e. big kids play this, little kids play that- or- “you can’t play with us because you’re too young”. They all just get along and play together. It’s truly a refreshing thing to watch.
About 3 months ago we started a kids club here and in another location. This constant and consistent interaction has allowed us to build up a trust with the kids in a way we never could have on our own. The crazy way God works things out never ceases to amaze me. For example, the house we were planning on renting prior to moving here ended up being owned by a loco and so we had to begin the search again. To say we were disappointed is an understatement. Then, we landed the place we are in now and it is the ideal location for all things kids. It’s the perfect place for us. *Get out of the way, Stephanie, and let God take care of things!* On any given day there are between 4 to 15 kids running around. We have a HUGE yard, 10 times bigger than the states, and we’re the place to hang. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve been teaching some of the older girls how to make hair bows and have been able to have some real conversations with them about how awesome our God is. We do not take our work here lightly. When you know you’re where God wants you, even if for a season, life is much more fulfilling. “It is joy unspeakable and full of glory…” true bliss.
