My sweet sweet girl,
Yes you, the one walking down the streets stepping into coffee shops begging for money from customers.
Yes you, with your dirt covered hands and unbuttoned shirt.
Yes you with the shiny most beautiful eyes and timid little smile.
The one who goes home to an alcoholic father.
The one abused if she does not bring enough money home from begging on the streets
The one who clings to her sister and never says a word.
You took my heart and broke it today.
You took it when you smiled and linked onto my arm.
You took it when you twirled around the sanctuary, dancing with me.
You took it when you gazed into my eyes and finally spoke words even though I will never understand because I don’t know Albanian.
You took it when you jumped up and down while worshipping Jesus.
You are so loved.
Every little ounce of your well being is loved and cared for.
It might not seem like it when the other girls won’t play with you… or when you get home to your raging alcoholic father but just know you took my heart in Albania.
You broke it when I found out your father was an alcoholic.
When you rapidly left the sanctuary because you knew if you were not home by a certain time the pain would be too much to bare.
My eyes watered when I tried to follow you and you stopped me, pointing your finger yelling “NO”
You broke it with those beautiful eyes gazing at me waving good bye.
You are so loved though.
You deserve the world my sweet sweet girl.
I believe Jesus feels the way I felt.
Pursuing and loving yet being denied and pushed away.
Being so in love yet broken hearted.
Having someone continuously on your heart and knowing they don’t.
Watching as someone walks away when you want a relationship with them oh so badly.
My last day in Albania a little piece of my heart was left.
Praying for you both, Brittany. And, yes, I’m pretty sure that feeling is what Christ feels for us. Safe travels to Belgrade, and rest for X Squad. You’re all doing great work and being the hands and feet of Christ.
I cannot even begin to imagine the situations you all have already seen and are yet to encounter. My heart is breaking for this sweet little girl as well.