A few days ago, I met an 8-yo girl in the Social Welfare Office named Elizabeth.
Her English was limited, but we made conversation the best we could.
I showed her pictures of my children. We made shy smiles back and forth, as she scooted closer and closer. We played all the clapping games I could remember and laughed when we made mistakes and had to restart. I complimented her on her little gold hoop earrings, she complimented me on my little gold bracelet.
When I took my bracelet off and put it on her wrist, she immediately jumped up and wrapped me in a huge hug. I couldn’t stop the tears that started - and continued on/off as she delicately touched the bracelet.
We gave her the granola bars in Morgan’s bag and she quietly took small bites as she looked at her feet.
I overheard tidbits of her story from the past few days… She had been found on the streets. She was then picked up by a family member, but wasn’t fed for days. She was found on the streets again. A different family member was called, but never came. She had been sitting there all day, in a hard chair, resting her head on the desk as different people came in/out of the office. And she would wait the rest of the day before someone finally traced her family and then transferred her to a care facility.
My heart broke into a million pieces when it was time to leave. I promised her that I would find out where she was placed and come visit her as soon as I could.
Each day, she is still on my heart and mind. My hope is that the bracelet on her wrist will serve as a comfort and reminder that she is loved and cherished as a beloved child of God.
Please pray for Elizabeth.
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Blessings, dear friends,
Laura
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