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| Billy In School |
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| Billy always finds the IPhones! |
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| Josue Daniel |
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37
When I first went to the Malnutrition Center in January 2011, I met Billy, the little boy who changed my life. At that time, Billy was in the chicks, very ill, and at one point so malnourished, there were doubts about whether he would live. By the time I met him, he was better, but so developmentally delayed, there were concerns about whether he would have brain damage. By the time I came back that Fall, Billy had started walking enough that he was moved up to the Ducks, the older boys group, but he still did not talk and had some muscular problems and it still appeared his brain had been affected by the lack of nourishment at a young age. The following Spring, I was there when he said what I think was his first word, Cube, referring to the IPOD cube and his desire to hear the music and see his reflection in the screen. In July of 2012, he was whispering and put together a Mr. Potatohead toy all by himself in record time. I knew then, that he was not mentally handicapped just slower to develop. In the fall of 2012, he was singing aloud, saying prayers and being a typical mischievous boy. But, unlike the other boys of his age, he had not yet started school. Every visit to the Center starting with that very first time I met him in January 2011, I have taken the time to pray over Billy. I hold him, rock him, sing to him and call out his name to God. My prayers since the very beginning have been that he would not be handicapped, that he would learn to speak and that he would get to go to school. I have prayed that someday, he would be a leader in his community. That he would grow up to be married, to be faithful to his wife and have children, and most importantly, that he would be a Christ follower. In those early days when he could not walk or speak, it seemed like an impossible task. But, we serve a mighty God. Today, when I walked in the Center, where did I find Billy? IN SCHOOL! IN SCHOOL! Sitting at a table with his friends, playing with playdough and having the opportunity to learn. Oh, how thrilled I was. Now, today, those prayers do not seem so impossible. I do not know what the future holds for Billy, but I do know this. A little boy who could not walk or speak can do that now. The future is unlimited when God is on our side.
It is no secret to my friends that I prefer my children old enough that I can talk and reason with them. It is incredible that I would find so much joy with a group of toddlers all these many times, but I always said I would not work with the babies. But, Nanny Christy now works in the babies so I swallowed my fear of dropping a baby or breaking their neck and followed her in there. I was incredibly nervous today, but focused on helping her until I was handed five month old Josue Daniel. He is so tiny, but sweet, smiling and trying to talk. I could not put him down and instead of helping change bedding, fold laundry or fill bottle or even play with the other children, I sat in a rocking chair and held Josue Daniel all morning long. Instead of being afraid, I was guilty for not helping more, but I could not pull myself away from that sweet bundle. And what did I do while I held him? Prayed for him, of course. Just like I prayed and still pray for Billy. God can change their lives. He can change the country of Guatemala through them.
I think it is good when they get them so young – perhaps it will prevent some of the developmental delays that have plagued your precious Billy. Love and prayer have certainly helped him come a long way! May it be so for Josue and the other babies!