We are half-way through our second week in Belo. It's been awesome here so far, as I alluded to in my last post. We have LOVED every day so far, and I've been super impressed with the team as most have gone for days without having a "low moment" to talk about when we debrief at the end of our day. That's pretty impressive! I'm so proud of them too, as they have all taken it on, some jumping completely out of their comfort zones into an unknown abyss that is over-seas missions.
Not speaking the language is always a real downer though, and we ALL struggle with that every day. Sadly, there are never enough translators to go around. But never underestimate the power of a smile! The other night we were out on the streets ministering to the street kids, (one of my personal favorite things to do!) and I sat and listened to a 12 year old girl "playing" my guitar and singing. She had an amazing and powerful voice, and a strum on the guitar that you just have in you - nothing like that can be taught - but she knew no chords, so simply moved one finger up and down the neck of the guitar as though she was creating the most beautiful sound there could ever be. And you know what - it was! I listened to 5 or 6 songs played exactly the same, yet watched as she was lost in what I have to assume were compelling lyrics… all in Portuguese, so a mystery to me, but I immediately followed her when she randomly broke into singing "Agnus Dei"first in Portuguese and then in English.
I had tears in my eyes wrapped up in the moment… and the ironic fullness of that moment. I looked at her tattered clothes and filthy face, hands, legs and feet… imagining what life on the streets for her must be like. I wanted to take her home… let her take a nice long shower, or soak in the bathtub, create one of my meals that people say they love so much, and then jump up on my couch together where I could teach her some chords so she will come even more alive while she plays and sings. But I can't. I can't even talk to her, let alone take care of her. But I said to her through the translator… "You are beautiful, and so were those songs you just played for me." We aren't supposed to give them things… but without thinking, as she handed me back my pick, I put it right back in her hand and said - "No, you keep this." She very gently put it in her shirt pocket and smiled at me. She said, "I will keep it as a remembrance." I don't know if she will remember that moment or not - but I pray she does. Not because of our interaction, but because God loves her so much… and that night He asked me to sit and listen to a 12 year old girl living on the street play my guitar… sing the songs she knows and loves… and affirm her worth and her God-given talent. It was a priceless moment.
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