Lenkope

Lemoshan is my sponsor child from Kenya. He is 5 years old and such a riot. He wrote me a letter a few days ago and this is what it said..

Hello Farid Miss Sara,
I am very, very very happy that you write me. I love to get receive mail. I am doing good in school and I like cows very much. But all the animals in my land have migrated because of the drought. There is no rain and only dust. I like school and I want to be a teacher when I grow up. Thank you for your sponsorship, very much.

-Lemoshan Lenkope

He then draws me a picture of a cow that looks more like a fallen over corn stalk to me. But truth be told it is better than any piece of art I think I've ever seen in my life.

But, it got me thinking. This piece of paper (that is actually the letter AND the envelope all in one) is so dirty and thin, like tissue paper. This same piece of paper that I hold in my hands in my nice home with all the luxuries of a Canadian life came from Africa, from Kenya. From a remote village with no electricity, heat, proper shelter and likely only a handful of food varieties. It probably still has pieces of his skin tissue on it. (creepy?) To know that just a few weeks prior his eyes saw this very paper that I hold... Gah its just such a powerful moment. Here I am, worried about tuition and rent. Gas prices and getting new winter boots and that new coat I've been eying down in the mall.... and Lemoshan..... Lemoshan wants a cow.

A cow.

But he can't even see a cow cause they're all gone, because there is no rain and the land is dry. Sometimes I wonder why I live in a place where its surreal to even entertain the idea that I would want a cow and cant even see one, let alone have one because the land has no grass because the skies hold the rain. Like... what?....?!

I love him, and I dont have to think twice about it. I often think of him, and what he's doing. Is he playing soccer or dreaming of being a teacher? Where does he rest his head at night? Who is his best friend? What do they laugh at and find funny? This morning in my car I asked Jesus to help me love uncontrollably like He does. I think I am starting to understand what that feels like. I think He is showing me what that looks like. Sometimes I feel like moments in my life linger, and they give me strength as they push and pull around in the space inside me. Holding this letter, is one of them.

I wonder if I'll write this post and forget all about his tiny heartbeat. And if not him, the millions of children like him all over the world.

Ughhh. What the frig am I doing with my life?


-S