9.16.2010

A simple smile. We take that for granted. Why wouldn't we smile? That's the question, right? Well how about this.. Why do we smile? We smile because someone said something funny. We smile because we are getting our picture taken. We smile because we are happy. So, what if your situation wasn't so funny, no one was there to take your picture, what if you were not happy? What then? Why would you smile? I sometimes wonder how I could bring myself to smile in those situations. Situations the same as those in the orphanages. Orphanages like the one I visited today. Today I went to the snezhnoya orphanage in snezhnoya, ukraine. There, I was greeted by 95 smiling faces. I was taken aback to how these children with practically nothing, could seem so content. But as I looked deeper into their eyes I could see it. Their faces were so full of hurt, sadness, and a need to belong. In such a situation I could not even imagine putting on such a normal facade. But then it hit me. I was there. I was a visitor! Something that these kids rarely get. In fact, in snezhnoya, these children are visited even less than most other orphanages in the country. This is because of their remote location. About 2 hours from the city of Donetsk (where i am currently staying). This visit meant the world to them. As my father, two other American men (Chuck and Tony), two Ukrainian mentors (Yasha and Alyona), and I visited these children, their world was different. The sadness and oppression was left behind. They were happy! I saw some of the biggest smiles, not on their mouths, but in their eyes. I know I can make a difference. I have been told all throughout my life. However, I know now that the previous statement could not be any more true. Their enthusiasm was visible. Obvious. But now I realize that the influence that I have had on these kids cannot compare to the change in perspective that they have given me. How can I say that I am a victim? How can I complain about any situation that I may be in? How is that fair? I have been given everything. And they have nothing. I am privileged to be able to share my hope, my light, my enthusiasm, and the source of my smile with these children. I was able to not only share Jesus, but be Jesus to the kids of the snezhnoya orphanage. The love that was given today is not even comparable to that of any earthly parent. No. This love is one of the healer to the sick, the strength for the weak, and the father to the fatherless. Love and hope. This is where the smiles are from. Love and Hope. Hope in a light at the end of the tunnel. Love from the father to all. Hope in a God who created the whole earth. Hope in the God who created these children. Hope in Jesus Christ. I am able to share this hope! I am privileged to share this hope. I am called to share this hope. And for that, I am thankful.