DesanaGiving

This is a reprint of an email Kathy had sent in December 2009 to a few close friends. We visit this orphanage everytime we come to Cusco. After our visit this time, I thought that sharing this short email would be appropriate.  Sister Rosa and these children touched our hearts.....again. Enjoy...

From: Kathy Houk
Date: December 21, 2009 7:28:40 AM CST
Subject: A Glimpse of Heaven

I hope this lifts your spirits....

We had discovered an orphanage for young children run by Sister Rosa, a member of an Italian order. We decided to visit, bringing suckers and hoping we could partner and help in the future. MAN O MAN, I was not prepared. I expected I would have to turn my head to hide my tears for these orphaned toddlers, but instead I found that a most unexpected glimpse of heaven can be found in the most unexpected places.

When we walked in about 30 2-4 year olds ran to greet us. All chubby from that good Italian cooking, all laughing and raising their arms to be picked up. I sat on the floor and was immediately covered in children telling me stories, playing with my non black hair and wanting to touch my non brown eyes. They were trying to lift up my shirt to examine my very white skin......causing me to laugh freely at their innocence. Soon they were eating strawberry suckers and each one had to show his pink tongue and cover me with sticky, slobbery kisses. I though: dear God, thank you for creating these moments of joy, thank you for showing me that heaven exists in the laughter of a child and thank you for sharing Your love for them with me. Heaven exists in the most unlikely places, and I have seen a glimpse of it. ;)

Kathy