The other day, Sheena and I went downtown Seattle to view an exhibit called ‘Bodies‘. A strange and informative exhibit where you view real bodies that have been preserved, giving a glimpse into what our bodies look like under the skin. As a nurse, she loved it! She could barely contain her excitement as she pointed out parts of the body, remembering names and functions. My main concern was…this is all gonna keep working inside me right? I was assured that it would for awhile!
Before this we hit up a fabulous chowder spot, using a coupon to get half off our order. If you are ever downtown, you need to go to Pike Place Chowder!
It was between our chowder tasting and the bodies exhibit that our lives were changed. We were meandering around, in and out of different buildings, just enjoying the day. As we stepped onto the corner across from the exhibition hall, I caught the eye of a guy who appeared to be selling something. Another glance across the street told me that there were a couple of them out here! I looked back at him, and he laughed, started walking towards us, and said “uh oh! Don’t make eye contact!” Then, because sometimes I am actually a nice person, I asked him “why not?”
Convo starts up, and crazy enough, Sheena went to the same high school as this guy. He lives simply, is in a band, just got a small house with buddies and offering it as a halfway house for homeless guys, plays his guitar at the market for extra money to sponsor a little girl. When he was broke, without a job, he was persuaded to sponsor a child who had less than he had. Did he really need a new pair of shoes? Couldn’t he give up a beer every week? Caught on the day he wore his $70 jeans. It’s because of that little girl that he stands on the corner. He is an advocate (yes, he is also paid) for Children International. He loves Jesus and his way. And today, it’s our turn to feel guilty.
Sheena and I have always talked about sponsoring children around the world, but it was always that. We talked about it, said we should do it, and waited until we were making more money to do it. Well, here was a guy, who lives on less than we do. Doesn’t shop or eat out near as much as we do. And he can sponsor a child. Sort of made our excuses seem lame. He was only sharing his story with us because he knew Sheena, but in the end, we told him we’d like to sponsor a child. Should have seen his face! He lit up! “Seriously?! Like, right now?!”
All that to say, our ‘adopted’ (sponsored) girl’s name is Rosalia. She lives in one of the poorest areas of Guatemala. She is 10 years old, and has 7 siblings. We like to think she is apart of our family now, as well as her physical family. For $22/month we are providing for her basic needs. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? (1 John 3:17)
We aren’t rich. We aren’t perfect. We aren’t without reasons that would keep us from giving. But we are blessed. We are being redeemed. And we are loved beyond all units of measure.
If you have ever thought about giving out of your blessings to help a child around the world, I encourage you to check out Children International. Check out their website here. Yes, there are other “Christian” organizations out there, but this is the one we have chosen to partner with – and we will do the work of sharing Jesus’ love with Rosalia. If you would rather, World Vision, Compassion International and Latin American Child Care are incredible organizations. (Rosalia pictured below)
