"A Heart Like His" By Christina T.

This past summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to go on a two-week mission’s trip to the nation of Latvia. Bordering the western edge of Russia, Latvia is a small country with a large percentage of unreached population. So, on July 11^th, I, along with a group of five other people, prepared to travel half-way across the globe in hopes of sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with these people.

            Arriving in the small, rural town of Ropazi on a Saturday afternoon, our team was introduced to the members of the town’s church and instantly began assisting with preparations for the Vacation Bible School which would begin the next day. As we worked to transform the local cultural center into a vibrant VBS, we fell in love with the Latvian people. Falling asleep that night, I still remember my sensation of giddy anticipation as I thought of all the precious children I would get to meet the following day.

            Less than twelve hours later, I stood on a wide grassy field watching the first group of children making their way to the game station. Welcoming them with waves and smiles, my partner and I began to explain the rules of kickball to them. But, due to the language barrier, the children had no idea what we were saying and were thus utterly confused. Improvising, we attempted to demonstrate the game, but this also proved to be a complete failure. Recognizing that the kids were still not grasping the concept, I decided to simply interact with them. Walking up to one of the little girls, I began to tickle her and as her soft peals of laughter filled the morning air, the other children joined in. Within minutes, their expressions of bored confusion had changed to beaming smiles as we all proceeded to dance, make funny faces, and tickle one another. From that moment on, every minute I spent with the kids was filled with hugs, piggy-back rides, tickle-fights, and endless laughter. As the days passed, I was continually shocked as my love for the children continued to grow and grow. It didn’t matter whether we were playing football (soccer), eating lunch together in the town’s only café, playing catch (tag), or simply walking hand in hand, our hearts were being knit together.

            One of my fondest memories of the entire trip took place on the last day of VBS. There was a small river which ran alongside the cultural center, and having access to several boats, we decided to take the kids canoeing. Rowing through the dark blue water, four little Latvian girls sat in the boat with me: Paula, Anniea, Anna, and Kitiea. Throughout the week, they had become like younger sisters to me, never straying far from side. As I had done before, I asked them to sing one of the worship songs which they had learned during the VBS. Without hesitation, Paula began to sing the chorus “stipri mes” (which translates to “stand strong”). The other girls eagerly chimed in and for the next few minutes, proceeded to sing loudly and uninhibitedly. Since the lyrics were in Latvian, I knew only portions of the song and sang along whenever I could. But, regardless of whether I was able to sing along with them or not, I was content to merely sit and listen to their beautiful little voices being raised in praise to Jesus. It was through humbling moments like this, and many others like it, that Jesus did a huge work in my heart over the course of the trip.

            Through my relationships with the children, He reminded me of how we are all children in His eyes. Through the heartache I felt in having to say good-bye, he showed me how immeasurably greater His love for us is. Though the lasting friendships I made with the Latvian people, He reminded me of the unity which exists within the family of believers. But most importantly, He reminded me of His own majesty, His own beauty, His own love, and His sacrifice. He showed me the areas in which I had drifted away from Him and provided me with a renewed passion for His name by drawing me to Himself. He picked me up, brushed me off, and whispered in my ear, “Look to me child, because I alone am your satisfaction, your joy, your love, your hope, your peace, your contentment, your salvation, your life.”