"They Call You Sister"

I do not know how to speak the language here. Nor do I understand it. But we have been created to speak a language louder than words.  A language that can surpass all barriers; even cultural.  That language is love, and it is global.

When I am working with the children here, I feel like there is not much I can do. Even if I knew the language, I still would not be able to understand most of them.  All I can do is hug them, and let them cling onto my hands and hang on to my arms. I sing songs over them and they smile.

I like to twirl the girls around and let them feel special, because they are.
I tell them they're beautiful, because they are.
And I tell them they're loved, because they are.

And the babies, they are my favorite. I love to hold them and stare into their eyes.  Just a simple pat on their tiny tummy and a smile is plastered on their face.  Sometimes they even let out a little giggle.  And no matter how small and soft to the ears it may be, a baby laugh always heals the soul.

But what also heals the soul?
To find out that I am being called sister.

These people.  These beautiful people who I cannot speak to, and who I cannot understand, call me sister. So I will continue to sing. I will continue to dance. And I will continue to tell them that they are beautiful and that they are loved....because they are.

Blind Bitty

She cannot see me, but she can feel me.
She cannot see me, but she can hear me.
She cannot see me, but she can take my hand and follow my lead.

She can only experience me by what I reveal to her. By what I let her discover.
I offer her my hands to hold.  I offer her my arms to touch. Her arms drape over my shoulders and her head presses into my neck as I carry her up and down the stairs.

Other times, I sit on the floor with her and watch her play.
She is not wrapped in the comfort of my body, but I am still real.  I am still with her and I am still there.  As she plays I am silent. She cannot hear me.  But I am still real.  I am still with her and I am still there.

Whether she knows it or not, we spent the whole day together. Just me and her.
I offered her my care, and she offered me her trust.

....

I cannot see him, but I can feel him.
I cannot see him, but I can hear him.
I cannot see him, but I can take his hand and follow his lead.

Thank you Bitty.