Linda

Last summer in Nicaragua, our Team and the kids from Casa Bernabe went on an outing to a local pool.  The place looked rather peaceful, but when we arrived, the scene was similar to the pool scene in the movie "Caddyshack" on Caddy Day.  Nerf footballs, Frisbees, and beach balls flew as diving catches were made, all worthy of slow-motion NFL highlight reels.

One of the girls, Linda, and I played volleyball the entire time we were there.  Apparently, Linda arrived at Casa Bernabe less than a month before at the tender age of 11.  (I found out later that her family lives in a remote and extremely poor area in northwestern Nicaragua, a 10-hour drive from Managua)  This past January, our family sponsored Linda and we've corresponded with her on a regular basis ever since.

Now, Linda is an amazing 12 year old girl, having her sights set on becoming a doctor.  In the meantime, she takes full advantage of her athletic and musical abilities playing futbol and the flute.

This year's trip would be special - being able to see the kids again and how they've grown physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I was careful, though, to not have any expectations for time spent with Linda and her friends.  It seems that she's a bit on the shy side and is still adjusting to her surroundings.

Throughout the week, we were able to compete against each other in pick up soccer (we lost) and baseball (lost again), and it was as much fun to watch Linda interact with her friends as it was to play.

As amazing as the week was, my entire trip was made when I received a letter from Linda (She was so shy, she had one of her friends hand-deliver it to me).  My heart melted as one of the staff translated it for me.

In part it read, "Thank you for the things you've sent me and for sharing your time with me during your visit.  May God bless you and give you a safe journey back home.  Remember that you are part of my family."

That last sentence got me.  How could we affect a child to the extent that she would consider us part of her family?

I fully believe that our newly formed relationship is part of God's plan.  Psalm 139 tells us that our days were planned before we were born, even before time itself.  That means that, in this tiny sliver of eternity, we have a plan to live by.  We have a plan even though our entire lives are like a vapor compared with timeless eternity.

Through our exchanging letters, a bond was made to encourage and nurture each other.  It's so amazing to realize that Linda counts us as part of her family while we cared for her as a child in need.

Our families are bound by a 12 year old girl named Linda.