One night I decided to read the book, The Princess and the Kiss, to Tsion and Mahder. It is a fairy-tale type story about a princess who has a very special gift for her husband - her first kiss.
That night I decided to embrace the opportunity to teach Tsion about God’s desire for His children to live a life of purity. Though Tsion’s understanding of English was limited, she really enjoyed the story. Well, I should say, she enjoyed it until I told her that she is like the princess, and that she has the special gift of her first kiss to give to the husband that God brings into her life.
She told me very adamantly that she was NOT going to get married. I could get married if I wanted to, but SHE was most decidedly never going to have a husband. In her words, “Me no like married!” This made me laugh, and look forward to the day she will be a beautiful, pure bride.
Tsion and Mahder, both from Ethiopia, have become very special to me and I love them very much.
I love it when they give me hugs so hard I can’t stand up and give me half a dozen kisses on each cheek.
I love listening when they chatter to each other in their own language. I can’t understand a word they are saying, but it makes me smile because they are so thoroughly enjoying each other’s company.
I love cleaning up after them when they get water all over the bathroom floor from showering.
I love hearing them giggle (and believe me, they can giggle!) and laugh in pure-hearted merriment.
I love it when they tease me and make fun of my singing.
I love washing their clothes when they spill spaghetti sauce on their pure white Sunday shirts.
I love it when they do things that try my patience and make me cry out to God for help.
I love listening to them pray for those who have even less than they do.
I love worshipping with them, as they sing with all their hearts on stage, worshipping the God who saved them.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
- Auntie Carrie
