Shoes

Today started out rough.

Something was stolen. This happened a few months ago also, and was one of the most painful things that I think I have ever experienced. It hurt. I felt so vulnerable, exposed, betrayed. And today it happened again. All those hurtful, vulnerable, frustrating feelings came rushing right back. It sucks.

What does that have to do with shoes? Nothing really, except that we got to help some pretty amazing kiddos get some new shoes today. They were so excited! Can you imagine a room full of kids jumping up and down-excited about getting a new pair of shoes? You would have thought they were just told they were going to Disney Land (although they probably have no idea what Disney Land is.) The place erupted into screams of joy and laughter because they were told they were going to get a new pair of shoes (and they weren't even really new-- just new to them).

Last week our friend Momo's son had his school shoes stolen. He was at school and his shoes were stolen. Sad, I know. In Liberia you are sent home if you don't have the right shoes, or a stain on your uniform. You can't possibly learn anything if you are not dressed appropriately. We were able to get Soko a new pair shoes so he wouldn't miss any school, but really?

So this morning we were having a meeting with our staff, discussing the missing items. Everyone is shocked and embarrassed and has no idea about it. It reminded me of the Family Circus cartoon I used to read where the mom is standing there holding a broken vase or spilled milk or something and all the kids are gathered around her saying "Not me!" I mean, there are only so many of us around the house. Unless the stuff somehow ended up in that place where socks go, somebody has to be involved. But, I'll probably never know who for sure.

As we are gathered around the table, Elena and I trying not to dissolve into tears again, explaining to our staff, that I love and trust (but are stealing from me) how we are going to have to change some things around here-- beef up security, add some locks and take away privileges. Momo, of all people, dear, goofy Momo sits there sure as anything and says, "We have to pray God this is the end. He will take care." From Ma Mary I would expect this, but not from Momo. Leave it to God to use the most unlikely one to push us in the right direction. So we all bowed our heads and prayed together for the "rogue inside the house" and for the rest of us to remember to trust God, in all things.

And then I got to go witness some kid's day's being brightened by a new pair of shoes. And somewhere in the midst of all the new shoe excitement, I forgot about my own situation and rejoiced.