The boys love their new home and it is a miracle that we were able to move. Our old home was so small and cramped. When I told people about it, they usually just stared at me bewildered trying to figure out how we all fit. Our neighbors hated us and so did our landlord. There were always kids around, more than just the ones that lived there. It was never quiet or calm. Usually it was complete chaos.
When we were preparing to move, 2 street boys had been hanging around for quite sometime by that point. They ate at the house everyday and sometimes even slept there. When the other boys found out that they couldn't move with them, they were so upset! When I called, they begged me to let them move with us. I hadn't really made my mind up until I spoke to Ronald.
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| Ronald |
Ronald is as equally sweet as he is stubborn and strong-willed. There were nights when we first moved into the house that he would insist I read 70 page books to him at once! He rarely back downs or gives in. He is a natural leader and the boys follow whatever he says. Ronald was the ring leader in trying to get me to let the 2 other boys move with us. He got everyone fired up and had the boys begging and pleading.
When I finally spoke to Ronald, it was his selflessness that made me give in. He begged me to let them move. When I asked him why, he said because they had been on the streets for a while and deserved a chance. He told me it wasn't fair for us to leave them behind, they were his friends and they should get to come to. When I told Ronald that wasn't his choice to make, he said something that I will never forget. He said, "Fine, I will stay behind, just let them go please."
He was willing to return to the streets, so his friends could have a better life.
He was willing to go without, so they could have.
That is what I saw in him from the first time we met and why I love him so much. I don't even want to share my room with anyone and he was willing to live on the streets again, just so his friends could have a chance. He was ready to give up everything because he wanted his friends to have a chance.
Remind you of anything?
Jesus gave up everything for us, so we would have a chance. He didn't have to. But He loved us so much and believed that it was our time and we deserved a chance. So he gave up everything, so we could live, so we could experience the greatest love of all, so we could be saved.
Ronald said that knowing if I accepted his offer, he would probably never have another chance. But he offered anyway.
Jesus made the offer knowing the great pain He would endure. But He offered anyway.
Everyday, I feel like Jesus speaks to me through these boys. They are so hurting and broken, but their hearts are incredibly amazing and generous. They push me beyond my comfort zone and teach me about true love and selflessness. They are the ones that challenge me to be a better person.
Needless to say, I let the boys move with us. The newest 2 members of our family are John and David. Sorry I don't have a picture of David yet.
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| John |
The greatest gift we give our world is children. The greatest gift we give our children, love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your gift!