Kids, cookies, and cards

The other day I was in the middle of making some cookies. It never fails that whenever I am in the middle of something there is a knock at the door. This time it was some neighbor kids with requests of “ompe massi” and “ompe cards”... give me water, give me cards. It is a constant battle for me to have a gracious heart, but today it was hard to resist their smiling white teeth (or lack there of) and mischievous dark eyes. Kiemanual always tries to hide behind the door and jump out and scare me. So I obliged with the water and gave them the cards, but told them I was cooking and couldn’t come out and play right now. As I was inside baking away I could hear them outside talking and laughing with each other singing even as they played. Wonderful sounds really. And my heart went out to them. Behind their demands for water and whatever is a desire for love, acceptance not unlike my own. I just seek it in different ways. I decided to bring out some of the warm cookies and play a round or two of cards. Africa is slowly teaching me to lay aside some of my task orientedness. God is showing me how to love others more than myself and also showing me that it actually will bring me more joy if I rely on Him and do it. My heart was full today when Kiemanual came and took my hand today at church. God still has a lot of work to do on my selfish heart but he has promised to not give up on me.