While staying at Khota children's Home we spent our mornings restoring/painting one of their old buildings. I had the privilege of painting Mark 10:14 on one of the walls. It begins where Jesus says: 'LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME. DO NOT HINDER THEM!For the Kingdon of heaven belongs to those who are like these.' It was one of those days where I was tired and I had a whole group of Kids around me wanting to help me/ watching me/ just messing around, while I was trying to get my job done. I had to ask them a few times to go and play elsewhere before they finally listened. I was busy painting the words "DO NOT STOP THEM!" When I found myself thinking: I would NEVER keep children from Jesus! Suddenly I was reminded of the scripture that says, "Christ IN ME the hope of glory"... I was convicted to say the least, but more than that I found myself wondering how many times we've all failed in this area because of selfish reasons like: I'm tired now, I don't have the time, I'm not dressed appropriately, I'm not really called to children's ministry...
I'll be honest India is not for softies. My biggest regret is that I feel like I spent more time on the loo than with the Children- but it was a good time of reflecting ? No, really, God did work allot in my heart in those times.
( Left: Girl's on their way to their Hostle after their afternoon Prayer. Right: Boys room No.21- Each one of us got assigned a roon that we were responsible for- I was so cool, they would mock me and call me UNCLE VICKY- because Vicky is a boys name in India;)
India has really humbled me and caused me to appreciate the little things in life much more. My very first morning at Khota Children's Home, I was sitting on the veranda, when I heard voices of hundreds of little children singing "we bring a sacrifice of praise..." And I realised that I don't know the first thing about what it truly means to bring a ‘sacrifice of praise' to God. These children do.
That afternoon I took a walk to where the girls were getting there supper. No sooner had I reached there, when a little hand slipped into mine and I turned to meet 14 year old Kensi saying: "Aunty, aunty, you come to my room". As she led me
into the room I was met by the curious stares 18 little 5-6year old girls who were quietly eating their supper. I sat with them and Kensi started explaining to me that she was their leader and that these little girls were all new there. Looking around I saw only three beds so I asked where they all slept. "On the floor," she replied casually, she then told me how it's hard for her as their leader sometimes because they don't speak Hindi or English, so she often has to get someone to interpret for her. "I was worried that I wouldn't be a good leader, but I pray every day and God helps me." She continued. I sat there bum struck just listening to her speak. As I left the room that night, I found myself asking, "Farter what can I give these children?" ' MUSIC ,' " Lord, how special would it be If Kensi could lead these little girls in worship every night before they go to bed."
We had planned to meet the next day but I was ill in bed- so she sent word to me that she was praying for me, the next day again she sent me a message that she was still praying for me. (this is a 14 year old girl!) The next eve I felt compelled go, so I mustered up the strength, took my guitar along- Just as I thought Kensi was delighted and so eager to learn.
Well my "sick days" continued on and off and got a 1 more students Jenifer - but with not enough time to teach them properly. So I invited them to come and practice by me while I painted. I can't explain to you the dedication of these children- Kensi sat with me the one day for three hours in the heat faithfully practicing "the love of Jesus is so wonderful" ‘till she could play and sing it properly. If I didn't have to pack up to go eat, who knows for how long she would have carried on?
In the end, the practice played off, Jenifer (who usually leads all the children in worship just with her voice), got so good, that with just a bit more input, I believe she could start to lead with the Guitar. At the farewell concert that they held for us, Kensi and Jenifer got to play their songs in front of everyone.
I had another guitar student Sammuel. He came and stood by me every time I was painting, assisting me wherever he could. Eventually with only four days left there he mustered up the courage to ask me to also teach him too. Well I started teaching him but with all my sick days I was running out of time and needed to get the wall done so I got Kensi to teach him while I watched and painted. He never got to play at the concert but as the meeting was ending (and we were about to get on the bus to leave) I went and sat down behind Him and quietly slipped a guitar pick (little plastic thing used in strumming the guitar?) He didn't make eye contact with me but I watched as tears ran down his cheeks- I had no Idea how much one small piece of plastic would mean to this little boy. I hugged him from behind and encouraged Him to keep playing for Jesus.
Saying goodbyes has hard but as we drove away there- I find it hard to explain emotions in my heart, not a sadness, but a type of fullness.
Will I ever go back? Before I left Kensi told me that she will pray for me every day- asking God to lead and guide and protect me, but not just that she would ask God that if it is His will that He would bring me back again. I know she is praying.
It would be great to come back or bring a team for a season to come and teach some of the older children so that they can teach the younger ones- I don't know where God will call me next but I'm willing to do His will.
The guys from room 21. What a fun bunch- The lord provided for us to be able to bless each room with a kricket bat and ball. They did try to teach me - but it was a hopeless cause:) I must defend myself by adding that these little guys live to play cricket. They beat our 'South African Men' not once but twice!- I say no more.