Some things change, but others never do

Four years ago after Matt and I got married, we had an internship here in Honduras.  My parents had not moved here yet, so we stayed in their house for the summer.  That summer was one of the most difficult summers of my life, but it was also the best.  We desired that each child in the home knew that we loved them no matter how they behaved.  That summer they tried to see where the limit was of where we would no longer love them.  The ones we had the most difficulty with are the ones that have the most special place in our heart even today. 

Pamela had lived an unthinkable life until she came to Casa de Esperanza.  Her eyes were dark, and she hardly ever smiled.  She back talked all the time, and refused to listen to anyone.  Somewhere during that summer we connected with her and welcomed her into our hearts.  She knows we care for her, and she knows that will never change.  Now Pamela is somewhat of a perfectionist, and would rather be in the kitchen helping the staff than playing with the little kids.  She is beautiful and smiles a lot now.  So much about her has changed.  Pamela really does not like new people.  She stays away from them as much as possible.  That makes it even more special to me that she cares for us so much. 

Cindy was abused many times, and was one of the most difficult children to deal with.  It seemed that there was not a single punishment that would calm her down.  Nevertheless, we made sure to tell her many times a day that we loved her and that she was a very special little girl.  Cindy still has her stubborn streaks, but she is so much calmer.  When I was here in the summer, she said to me that she knew she was bad the first summer we were there, but that she also knew we had a place in her heart forever.

As we have not been here much in the last few years, we can very easily see the physical and behavioral changes in all of the children.  They are all growing up and changing immensely.  But in the midst of all of the changes, one thing that never changes is their desire to know they are loved regardless.  Tonight, I was putting Adonis and Lupita to bed because their house mom is off for a couple days.  They are brother and sister and have just been here about a month.  As I tucked them in and told them I love them, Adonis' face beamed.  Everyone needs to hear that they are loved, especially people who haven't heard it much in their lives.  Pray that God continues to teach us the importance of love.