I finally got to meet the new girl who just arrived at A.L.H (Abundant Life Home) her name is Bing Bing! She is seven years old and looks like she is four, but her face is precious. Karen told me a little of her story and it is quit amazing! She lived on the streets with her mother and was forced to beg for food, she also has HIV. Fortunately, the only evidence of that life style is a slightly protruding stomach which is a sign of malnourishment.
When Jillian and I decided to go and meet her, we brought all the girls coloring books and crayons that we got at the local book store. As we came up to the house, the three girls (Du-aun, Oiy and Noon) raced out to see us. They were so excited to get our gifts and immediately sat down to start coloring. Pa Nom, the girls house mom came out to see us and Bing Bing was hiding behind her leg. That precious girl was so nervous to meet a white person and she reminded me of a scared little mouse. When she came over to get the book… she was so Brave! We only stayed and colored with the girls for a little while, and then left, not wanting to overstay our welcome.
The next day we got a call from Karen. She told us that all four of the girls had lice and she asked if we could come over and pick the lice from their heads! On Thursday, all four of us TREKKer’s went to the girls home with juice boxes for them from seven eleven. I spent the next two hours picking lice from Bing Bing’s head as she watched a movie on the floor. At one point, Karen’s daughter Tassanee Sanchez (age 9) asked Bing Bing if anyone had ever picked the lice from her head before she came to A.L.H. Bing Bing thought about it for a while and then shook her head “no”. For some reason, Bing Bing’s answer made me very sad. By the time I was done with her head, she was sprawled out on the floor asleep, with her head in my lap. Bing Bing and I really bonded that afternoon. She was so afraid of me on that first day, but now when she sees me she runs and gives me hugs.
I think Bing Bing’s story is a lot like becoming a Christian. You spend your life begging and craving for something more. Suddenly, your plucked from that place and taken to another place, filled with real love and real joy. At first, you can’t help being afraid, not understanding and not believing that that love is for real, but as time goes on, you consistantly see how much your life has changed. You start to meet people who want to love you and support you, people who want to care for you and believe in you. You might even meet people who are willing to pick lice from your head.
February 10, 2008 at 4:58 pm
It’s good to see you posting again! Thanks for your hard work, I believe that people like you and other group, will one day make the different countries see that all people can and will one day understand each other!God bless your group and your work! Greetings from you aunt mary and uncle bob and the rest of the crew in oklahoma and texas.