David had a rotting front row of teeth, he was dusty from all the African sand floating around, and he must have been hot in his puffy jacket, but he clung to me like he’d never had a hug before. My team and I spent the morning at Amazing Grace Preschool, teaching the kids Sunday school songs, our limited dance moves and just loving on the kids. I find it ironic that a school that I was teaching at, taught me grace.
I picked David up and asked him what his name was and then told him mine pointing at my chest. He giggled, flashing his rotting teeth and pointed at his chest and said “David” , he put his little palm on my chest and then repeated “Essica”. He must have pointed back and forth from his chest to my chest saying our names 50 times, and told me he wouldn’t forget my name. Just when my arms would get tired of holding him up against my chest I’d let them drop and he’d pick them right back up, grabbing one hand at a time, counting off each finger and then weaving his tiny fingers through mine.
David is a hugger. Every couple of minutes he reached his little dark arms around my neck and squeezed real tight and I wrapped my long pale arms around his little back and squeezed tight back. Saying goodbye was the worst, he wouldn’t let me put him down for the two hours I was hold him and he clung to me as I tried to peel him away. I whispered in his ear I loved him and I’d see him tomorrow, finally detaching myself from him.
It made me realize that we’re all children at heart, clinging on for dear life to love, and I’m so thankful to have a God who’s love is as infinite as the love we all desire.
