Today at the Ed Center one of the students, Kabo, came in and right away I could tell that something was wrong. His face was downcast and there was no trace of a smile or sparkle in his eyes which is almost always there. When I asked him if something was wrong he slightly shook his head no and walked to the other classroom to carry his things while I went on setting up the room for class. A few minutes later Theresa walked in and asked if Esther would come and help translate because something was wrong with Kabo's tooth and he was crying. I stayed back for a few minutes because I didn't want to overwhelm him.
When I went out he was lying face-down on the wooden bench with a small pool of tears collecting near his face. The other kids were playing around him so I took them away to play so Kabo could have some space. (Side-note: during this time I was playing ball with Happy and Israel. This was the only time I played ball with Happy. On my last day teaching all the students gave me a picture they had drawn of their favorite thing that we had done together and Happy's was playing ball!)
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This is Kabo with his beautiful smile! I'm just |
After that Theresa went back inside to talk with Esther about what should be done while I remained outside rubbing Kabo's back, comforting him, and continuing to pray for him until he finally sat up. When he did there were still huge alligator tears falling from his eyes. I sat with him, rubbing his back, while the other kids were braiding my hair (aka twisting it and making knots which almost brought tears to my eyes haha). I felt a small nudge to ask the children if they wanted to pray for Kabo. They said yes. After a few quiet and shy moments, Esther (the student) finally prayed for Kabo in Hausa. I don't know exactly what she said, but it was such a beautiful moment watching these children gather around their classmate, friend, and brother seeking the Lord on his behalf.
I am so grateful to have been given this experience that I know brought glory to the Lord. I desire so deeply for these children to know the love their heavenly Father has for them and the peace that He can give them. I want them to know and experience El Roi, the God who sees. I want them to know and experience Jehovah Rapha, the God who Heals. I want them to know they have a God who is faithful and promises to never leave them nor forsake them.
P.S. God is faithful and answered our prayers by taking away Kabo's pain until Back2Back staff was able to take Kabo to the hospital a few days later where he got his tooth pulled.
