She was just a toddler. It was my first time to go to the Lakeside Orphanage outside of Kisumu. And there she was in the arms of one of the other childen. Barbie saw her. There was something about her face. It was beautiful—not quite like any I had ever seen before. Barbie quickly scurried over to greet her. And then this cute little girl screamed. And then she screamed again. And then again. I don’t think she had ever seen a white person before.
So Barbie left. But if you know Barbie, she came back again and again. But the screams simply kept coming. When Barbie couldn’t get her to stop, she decided to sponsor the kid. She was new to the orphanage, and we weren’t sure what had happened to her parents. But now she was going to be our child to support.
What was her name? That’s a pretty important question, isn’t it? You don’t get to name a child that you sponsor. So we asked. “Smurf.” Really. I don’t think anyone had seen the show over here. But in some cutesie kind of way—it fit.
Well, I just saw Smurf again this week. She is in the third grade now. She has grown up so much, but she still has that cherubic face. I thought I should do one of those “dad” kind of things while I was here, so I took her shopping. I took her to Nakumat (the African Walmart). “What do you want?” I asked. Here was her big shot. She could have anything she wanted. What would you ask for?
I think I would go for a bicycle. Wouldn’t you? Not Smurf. She wanted shoes. I looked down at her shoes and realized that there were holes in them. They were barely hanging together. How could I have not noticed? So we got some shoes (and even some sandals). I even threw in some socks for good measure.
I asked her before we left if she needed anything else. Finally, she went for something not totally practical. She wanted a lollipop. She wanted one of those little bitty ones that costs only a few cents. She was very grateful. Smurf seemed to realize the difference in wants and needs. And she knew which ones came first. I have so much that I often forget. Most of us don’t even worry much about our needs. They are so easily taken care of. So most of our time and energy is spent on what we want. And my wants are more than lollipops.
I’m proud of Smurf. I am glad that she is growing up in an environment where she is loved. And I’m glad she has learned a lot about life’s values. I wish I got to see her more. I know that many of you who read this blog sponsor children. I want you to know that they are there and goods things are happening for them because of you. Most of you may never get to see them face to face or go shopping with them, but they know you are there. Smurf gets to go to school, has a good place to live, and gets three meals a day. I support her needs, and it doesn’t even cost me my needs. In fact, it doesn’t even cost me my wants. And that is a pretty good deal for both of us.
