Stories of the atrocities of war ...close your eyes and imagine a childhood where all you know and experience revolves around war. Seeing people be brutally massacred ...limbs being cut off with machettes. Travelling from town to town seeing the bodies of those caught in the crossfire lying on the street. Having nothing the eat or drink. Soldiers harrassing and screaming at you. Does that sound like a fun childhood? No, I didn't think so either but that is the reality for many of the children we're filming at Rainbow Town. They are orphaned because of the war. These images are not my own. They are the images and words I have listened to from Alice, a 19 year old girl, in Rainbow Town.
Tragic isn't it? Yet, Alice wants to be a missionary. Because she believes God has spared her life and blessed her in such a way that life doesn't make since without faith, without courage, without relying on something constant. She is vibrant, beautiful, hard working and loves to sing. She and her friends sing songs of faith, of peace, of God.
This is the atmosphere I've been a part of for the past 2 weeks. The sun may be hot. We may work long hours and eat little. I may not have air conditioning, running water or electricity but I have learned the meaning of dependence. Dependence and rich faith in God. Each child helps each other, serves each other and loves each other. It's the most basic form of community. People are the focus because, unlike Americans, they have so little to distract them. They don't have video games, or games for that matter. They play tag or kick a flat volleyball around on the soccer field. They are happy. They are happy because they have found a contentment that I believe many of us are searching for in material possession. I know I'm guilty. Such a learning experience.
The film is going well. Conditions and events change so much and we've had to be flexible. "Bit by bit" is our mantra. Making the most out of every opportunity. So much to do with so little time. But it's exciting and hopefully we'll capture this experience richly for you to view.
Well, that's it for now.
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2 comments:
Wow. I've been to Jamaica and seen vibrant faces of kids who are content with their possessions (or lack of) and who love God with their whole hearts just like the kids you are talking about...but I really like the way you write about it. It makes me sad that us Christians in America, myself included, constantly let material possessions and the trivial things distract us from our relatinoship with our Savior, our Provider, our Redeemer. That makes me think what I would be like if I were in the same position as those kids...if I didn't live in America and have all the possessions I do, would I be thankful and content with what God has given me and would I be as vibrant and connected to God as those children are.
What a great lesson and perspective!
What a tremendous opportunity for you, Amy. I'm sure that you feel as blessed just to be there and experience all that you are experiencing. But you are being a great blessing too. Thanks for sharing the "stories" with us...we can't wait to hear more and to see the pictures. We are praying for you daily. Blessings to you...and please pass along our love to the children too.
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