Simon!

          Those of you who were part of my Kenya experience last year know ALL about Simon. Simon is a little boy who stole my heart in 2 minutes. Last year during home visits I followed a social worker named Freshia into the home of a sweet 5-year-old boy. He was shy, but had a smile that could stop anyone in their tracks. I heard his story about how he was left an orphan, and bonded with his guardian who fed me my favorite Kenyan dish. Since the moment I stepped into Simons home that day I knew it was different than any home visit I’d done before. He was new in the program and he needed to be sponsored still. I had been praying about sponsoring a child and asking God to show me which one… He brought me to Simon!

            I went back to Simon’s home the next day to tell the family that I had decided to be his sponsor, and the joy in that moment is a memory forever planted in my heart. Since that day, Simon became my little shadow… He was attached to me the entire remaining time of my trip. He said few words the whole time, but loved on me constantly and flashed that beautiful smile nonstop.

            Getting to see my Simon again was one of the most anticipated parts of my trip this year. We’ve communicated through letters, support and pictures over the past year, and when the time finally came to see him again, I was ecstatic! I brought Kristin with me and we walked down my favorite road in Kawangware. We turned the corner to his home, and there was Simon, washing his face in a basin of water outside. I called his name and he looked up. Still no words, but there was that smile… this time missing some teeth! He was hesitant at first, but the next thing I knew he was sitting on my lap squeezing my arms tighter to him. My Simon! His guardian remembered me joyfully and we spent a few minutes hearing the latest family news and Simon’s progress in the last year. It wasn’t much, but to me the moment was perfect!

            I have been able to see Simon several times since that visit in the past 3 weeks. I was able to take him shopping to buy him new clothes, shoes and food supplies. The entire time we walked, he wrapped his little arm around my waste and never left my side. I've continued to visit his home every couple days, and with each visit I grow closer to his family and the love of that little boy. He holds to me tightly while I chat with his guardian and as I leave, he grabs my hand and walks me out as far as he is allowed. I can’t get enough of my time with him, and am blessed each time I am given the opportunity to squeeze him tight and experience his unforgettable grin.

            This week will be my last full week working with CCP. I can’t believe it will be nearly a month of being in this amazing place, and I hate the thought of leaving it all. However, my last week will be spent working in the newly added CCP kindergarten class, with none other than… my Simon!

I know it is no coincidence that this opportunity came up while I am here this year, and I am overwhelmed by God’s hand in this entire experience. I will live each last day to my fullest potential, striving to give the glory to God in every moment… side by side with that shy, sweet little boy who has forever changed my life!

                                                         I am so blessed!