It’s amazing how God places people in your life that can change your view on your own circumstances. I met an incredible woman while working at the preschool in Maramba named Donka. She is the caretaker of the pre-school, so she basically does all the dirty work. Her circumstances are unfavorable; her husband left her with four kids to provide for on her own. This past year her house burnt down and she lost every possession she owned, so she was forced to pack up and move to Maramba to live with her sister.
While playing with the kids I saw her cutting up vegetables to serve to the kids for dinner. She looked very alone. I got to sit down with Donka and listen to her story (even though she could barely speak English) and there was such a beautiful smile on her face because for the first time in a while someone wanted to listen to her. Someone had paid attention to her. Most days, I like to just be in her presence because I want her to know someone is here to just be her friend. I can’t buy her a house or give her money to give her children an education, but I can be her friend and that’s exactly what God calls us to do. The brand of love that Jesus offers is more about presence than using her as a project to give her everything she needs. That’s the kind of friendship that the Lord has with us, he just wants us to be in his presence.
Her circumstances are not good but she has a joy and hope in her heart that outweighs any earthly possession or want. That joy and hope is all she needs and all God wants.
