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Saidah is a new friend. She’s the beautiful bundle of joy front and center with an orange button.
I met Saidah on Tuesday night last week; this picture was taken Friday morning. In three short days she stole the hearts of me and my high-school friends. I learned from a guy named Bob that love is contagious. And Bob learned it from a guy named Jesus, so it must be true. Last week I got the privilege to bring six amazing young women to a camp called Washington Family Ranch. The beginning of our week was a little rough. We didn’t know each other very well, and had to try a lot of new things we didn’t always like. By the halfway point we were friends but we were tired. Then our new friend arrived. Not only is love contagious, love unifies. Saidah was our server in the dining hall from Tuesday night- Friday morning. She smiled, she laughed, and she wore hot red lipstick and always had something nice to say. By our third meal with her we were screaming and clapping before she even reached the table. We didn’t know how it happened but we loved her. We loved her together because she loved us. Our last meal with her we decided to write her a letter. It was a tattered, three-page novel written in green gel pen. It was love. Then in the passion of our love we decided to get a group photo with the girl who filled up our hearts every meal. Pay attention, because this is how love works. When we sat down I started quickly shoveling food in my mouth because our shenanigans had used up most of breakfast. I looked up when my girls started pointing out a huddled group of kids behind us. Another cabin had seen us and realized they wanted to love on their Saidah. So they jumped up and ran to her too. That’s what love is like. We pass it on without even understanding it sometimes. We see it, we feel it, and then all we want is to be a part of it. To the girls of Cabin 212- Thanks for living life with me. I hope I grow up to be like you someday. (Or your uncle.) |
AuthorMy name is Lily. Archives
October 2016
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