Kati’s Laugh

     The first time I saw her I cried. We were at the dump and had just gotten all the kids to sit down on the wooden floor of the open shelter where we serve them lunch. Alyssa, who was standing next to me, discretely pointed out one little girl who was sitting rather sheepishly on the wood plank wearing a pink shirt and muddied little skirt.



     I hadn't noticed her before this week. As I looked at her, she leaned over a little and the swoop neckline of her pink shirt fell just low enough to see that her chest was covered in bruises, burn marks, and open wounds. Her face was so angelic, seriously she looked like the sweetest girl I've ever seen, yet she was covered in these horrible marks.

I was heart broken.



     That day I sat with her as she ate lunch. We braided hair, colored and she started opening up to me. I later asked her what had happened to her chest and I understood some of what she said about falling on something the night before. My first thought was that's code language for abused kids, the typical falling story. I'm still not sure.



     Since then I go to the dump and everytime she sees me she lights up. Yesterday she ran and jumped into my arms when we made eye contact. Kati loves to be held but even more she loves to be swung around, held upside down, and thrown into the air. She laughs incessantly.

It's contageous. Everyone who comes near her can't help but smile. She's so full of life.

     I've never heard her complain once. Even when other kids are pushy she doesn't push back. I've met her Grandma Ruth and older brother Selbin. Selbin is 9 years old and Kati is 7. She also has a baby brother Justin and a young mother Naomi. She clearly loves her family immensely and Selbin watches out for her.

     
     It's easy for me in life to get caught up. Caught up in the day to day grind, going through the motions, always focused on what's ahead. Also, getting caught up in the deeper meaning of it all; what is my purpose? What is God trying to show me through this situation or that relationship? But there is just something about seeing Kati that makes me stop and slow down. The simplicity of child-like faith and love of life makes me pause.



     Dear Lord, please show me how to be more like this child. Allow me to take so much joy in the little things that I can be perfectly content in the moment with exactly what you've given me.

I pray that I can radiate love the way Kati does and give love without holding back no matter what hurts I've had in the past. Just like Kati.

Please bless her and keep her. Thank you for putting her in my life and giving me the privilege to share her laughter with the world.



I love you Abba.