November 4: A Rottweiler...and a tattoo??

Today was another Sunday filled with worship and fellowship.  At our morning service we were reminded of God's global church, as two pastors from Panama brought greetings and encouragement.  It was a long service that included communion and then there was delicious food sold after the service to raise money for local families in need.  We got home 4.5 hours after we left this morning, had a little bit of down time and then it was time to head over to Casa de Amor (House of Love), the Christian drug rehab center where we have been going two Sundays a month.

We were all really looking forward to our time of games, worship, fellowship and food.  However, it was really disappointing to find out that three of the guys had left the program since we were there two weeks ago, including Jonathan, the incredibly gifted artist that our kids had really enjoyed learning from.  He had given them 'homework'...a drawing that they were supposed to do which they did and brought along.  We were all saddened to know that he and the others had left.  It is a large commitment (9 months) to complete the whole program and it's a huge life change from where these guys come from so it's not surprising that not all of them complete the program but you quickly start 'rooting' for them and praying for them.  It feels like you've lost a member of the team when someone leaves.

Immediately after finding out that Jonathan and the others were no longer at the home, we had another huge shock.  One of the guys walked up and handed us some papers.  They were three beautiful drawings that Jonathan had made for the kids.  He kept his promise that he would draw Angelina a dog, and he also did two other drawings.  It was humbling to realize that before he left, he made sure to give the drawings to the other guys so they could give them to us tonight.  It was a huge gift.

I think what struck me the most is that if Jonathan was walking down the sidewalk in Zeeland or Holland I think he would get judged (negatively) simply because his body is full of tattoos. People would judge him strictly because of his outward appearance.  Tonight, however, we were reminded of what selfless love looks like from someone society would not have suspected it from.  It served as a reminder that we are quick to look at outward appearances but God looks at the heart. 

It is our prayer that Jonathan and the others who left Casa de Amor would continue to be reminded of the seeds that were planted in their hearts.  May God remind them how much He loves them and wants a relationship with them.  And may they understand the greatest selfless act of love shown to us by Jesus on the cross brings forgiveness, renewal, joy and eternal life.

And the crazy thing about tonight?  Meeting Jonathan and receiving his gift of drawings makes me want a tattoo...so much to remember about lessons learned tonight.  A tattoo would be a permanent reminder of those lessons.  NEVER in my life did I think I'd consider getting one :).  Will have to think about that some more.

Jonathan (right) gave the kids some drawing lessons two weeks ago.

Jonathan's gift of a Rottweiler to Angelina.