Kodak Moment
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7
Kodak Moment
Morning came quickly and the team was up and ready to get on our way. We were concerned that Esther's mom would have once again changed her mind so it was our intent to get to the village before dawn. We still needed to pick up yet another family member and get the signature of the village chief. As we raced against time across the dirt roads to pick up the family member we were reminded once again that indeed this mission was pulling out every ounce of fortitude we had. After picking him up in his village we had a choice to make. Turn left and once again head down the land mine road or turn right and go the long way which would cost us much valuable time and we could risk missing Esther. We discussed this amongst ourselves and agreed, " Land Mine Road" was it. We took off down the muddy road, this time speeding against the clock. The truck was bouncing and sliding all over the road and I joined my Cambodian team member in closing my eyes and praying hard! I have decided I really hate land mines! ALOT!
We found the home of the village chief and dragged him out of bed to sign our papers. I am not sure if that is even okay or acceptable in this culture but there he was in his shorty shorts, hair a mess, sitting at the table with our team leader signing our official paperwork. I wish I had a real picture of this but trust me, it was quite a sight. We raced to Esther's house and burst out in joy to find her there. Her mother had washed her up and was ready to send her with us. We quickly got her in the truck and once inside with doors locked I think I breathed for the first time that morning! The funny thing was the mother climbed into the back of the truck. Oh heck no she didn't! But....yes she did. Apparently we had to deliver all signed paperwork to the family home and we were to deliver Esther's mother with it so off we went. Esther in the front of the truck, mother in the back staring in the window. Not funny. As we drove away with Esther, the villagers who had silently watched her nightmare for so many years came out to wave and say goodbye to her, calling her by name. Bye Bye Esther. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child but in this case it took a little child to raise this village to a new understanding of compassion and love.
After jumping through what seemed like a thousand hoops we pulled up to the family home and delivered the papers as well as Esther's mother. The really cool thing that happened next was that the whole family walked out. Esther's mom and her three adult children, all who had previously rejected her and had not showed an ounce of care for Esther walked up to the truck and asked if they could take a family picture. Yes, you heard right, a FAMILY picture. Okay, just seeing them all line up side by side with little Esther in front brought tears to my eyes. Reconciliation of this family is happening. They were going to keep Esther's mom there and you could tell she was elated. She was actually happy to send Esther with us to her new home and the whole situation took on a new perspective. They clearly saw a new value in Esther and were excited about the possibilities for her future. Esther, this little one who was never even given a name, who was never given a thought for her care, and was looked at as merely a commodity all of a sudden stood with her entire family behind her and had the most wonderful Kodak moment I think I have ever seen. I quickly shot a picture of them and will keep this close to my heart as a reminder that God is not finished with this miracle.
I believe that Esther is the first of many special needs children who have been so neglected and abused in a culture that does not understand their value. I believe she will be a voice for them and her story will break through cultural boundaries and open the prison doors for many, many children just like her. I believe there will be healing in this family and they will one day be a part of the story telling.
As we drove away from the family home, I finally let myself cry tears of joy over this child bouncing around in the back seat with me. We had a full day ahead of us in the car with this little peanut. She was feeling safe and happy, talking away and excited for her trip. I have taken so many pictures throughout this journey but the picture of Esther finally passing out from exhaustion on the way to her new home and sprawled out in Kristens lap in the backseat...right after she peed on her...will be one I will forever hold dear.
Ha Ha...all I can think to say is we serve a God who sees every sparrow that falls. He sees every tear that we ever cry. He sees our joy and our pain and He holds our future in his oh so capable hands.
I am beyond thankful to be only a small part of Esther's story and so privileged to have been able to tell about it. My prayer is that you would tell it as well to anyone who will listen. If enough of us speak of it, I believe that light and truth will begin to burst forth and we will see the end of this dark night of child trafficking.
As for me, well I am home now, recuperating from several days of no sleep, long airplane rides and really bad food. My body aches a bit and I somewhere along the 20 hours of plane travel, my feet and ankles grew to be twice their normal size. No more Pringles for me! The beginning of my varsity season of life has really started with a bang and I am not sure what else is in store for this old bird but whatever it is I am jumping in with both swollen feet and heart filled with hope and expectation.
Love from home,
Julie
