Just Show Up

Most times God's only request of us is to "Just Show Up." This has become one of my favorite sayings, especially this week. We were originally scheduled to do "GAMES" but the plan got changed. Each day has been an unknown, we continue to just show up. Today we were asked to assist with 6 children while they got immunized. 4 adults and 6 children all packed into a Toyota Camry. Obviously car seats are not mandated here. As we pulled up to what looked like a pavilion at the park district, I realized it was the medical facility. It was open and dirty. There were about 50 women holding their children, either by the arm, in a sack or layered in blankets. Apparently, children with Malaria are cold so they are covered heavily. We sat on a cement slab for nearly 1 1/2 hours. The children (all under the age of three) sat patiently, quietly and content. No one whined, complained, or fidgeted. No one was bored. Finally it was our turn. The children were stripped and weighed in what looked like a sling and a luggage weight. Emma (Emmanual) had tears rolling down his face and his lip quivered the whole time. I could not tell if it was because he was afraid or because his dignity had been stripped as well. The shots were administered and each child was held until they calmed down. The children were so strong and courageous. Their faces of fear will forever be in my mind. There is more to the story but it will need to be told another time. I was reminded that when we "show up" we can be used and even encouraged. The children "showed up" as they were instructed to do because it was for their greater good. When we "Just Show Up" for God knowing there is a always a greater good we need to imagine the possibilities. Today was one of the hardest days of my life, but it was also one of the best...

Love and blessings,

Robin