Wandering Jaimee: The reality of not enough

"Jjaja, these children, they are saying their mother left them four days ago and they do not know when she will be back. They have not eaten since then."

The oldest of these children was perhaps 11, the youngest just learning to walk. All I could think of was that I thought I was used to this by now, seeing the reality of people who have not enough. Clearly I am not, and maybe that is not such a bad thing. And I started to wonder what kind of mother could leave her 5 small children all by themselves for the better part of a week. But just as the thought entered my mind, I quickly realized that I don't know what it means to go hungry. Not even a little bit. And my feet are just leaving the starting blocks of starting a long term journey in a foreign culture I don't fully understand. I have been reminded more than a few times these past few weeks that this process is going to take more patience, understanding, and grace, than I alone posses. It is going to be difficult, but I am frequently reminded that the things in life that are worth fighting for are rarely easy. I stand here and I want to become a student of paradox, learning to embrace both the joy and the challenge.

I have been reminded in some small ways these past few days of how this foreign land is becoming home. I walk along the red dirt path and I hear a course of excited voices calling out "Auntie, how are you?" We assemble in one room and they announce I am here to stay, at least for a few years, and the room erupts in applause, cheering, and screaming.

A young man comes up to me and says "Auntie, now we will see you lots. I am very happy because I know that you love us."

I don't know what kind of challenge the coming months or years may hold. Perhaps that is a good thing. But I know as I walk this journey, I am loved. And for now, that is enough.