The Filling and Breaking of a Heart

Snapshot of a Memory #13

The highlight of my entire trip was the day I spent with my sponsored child, Hassan.  Our mutual initial nervousness was soon dissipated through whole group games.  Within a span of roughly half an hour, I was his mother and he was my son.  Even when he was in the field playing with other children at times, he would immediately react to my call for him.  He dropped whatever he was doing and ran to my side, grabbing my hand and looking at me with expected anticipation.

 

 

I was able, along with many other sponsors and their children, to take him on a boat ride on Lake Victoria.  He had never been on a boat nor seen a body of water bigger than a large mud puddle.  His squeals of anticipation were like salve on my heart. 

 

Once on the water, he took in every aspect of the ride with great wonder.  This picture was taken just after the driver switched directions on the water and the boat started rocking slightly with the waves.  Hassan's eyes became worrisome as he jumped into my lap for comfort.  I assured him that he was completely safe.  To be able to provide comfort to him in a time of need filled my heart with maternal joy. 

 

 

 

Our day went by too quickly.  After tearfully opening presents from one another, it was time for him to leave with the other children.  He sobbed as I rocked him in my arms.  Even with my trying to “SHH” him and tell him it was OK, there was no denying our mutual heartbreak.  As he pulled away from me, I heard the sweetest voice say the sweetest words I have even heard, “I Love You.”  My mother’s heart broke as I then led him to the bus.  With a quick kiss on his forehead, he was on the bus and gone.  All of the sponsors held one another and cried as the bus drove off.   It was a day full of emotions and worth every one of them. 

 

To change a life of a child as well as your own, consider sponsoring a child through Compassion.

Comments

[Billie Loewen]

Indeed, that was one of the most beautiful days i have every experienced. You and Hassan were especially fitting. It was clear you were made to love each other. Thank you for taking me back Mama Laura!

[diane loewen]

As I read this I have tear filled eyes. Only love can break your heart and only love can heal your heart. Thanks Laura for being willing to love, unconditionally with your mama heart. Thank you for reminding your readers of the children around the world. Real children. Real children with needs and hearts. Children who will remember in the midst of all the troubles in their little lives they are loved. Loved indeed !

[Laura Hecht]

Dearest Baby Girl and Mama Diane,
How fitting that you two are the first to respond to this post. True love is felt only by the heart. Baby Girl and I felt it that day and you, Diane, are the one who lived it from your spirit to ours. Sponsored children live in a state of total need and unconditional love. We could all learn from "the least of these" as the world may see them. They hold the purest of love I have ever known. My prayer is that people may see the connection of Compassion and sponsor children. God has appointed children for us to be stewards of. My honor is that for a time, I have Hassan. Whether he is biological or not, he is mine. Praise be to the One who IS the I AM!!