boys, boys, boys

When I was in Sierra Leone this past July, I hung out with the younger boys at the center a lot. They were just so fun and wild and I guess they reminded me a lot of home. One day when I was doing community out reach with the team the kids at the center watched a version of Superman. When I returned I went into the boys’ room and they all screamed “Aunty Louse, Aunty Louse!” I just stared at them confused. I knew they all knew me as Aunty Ashley and surely they didn’t forget in the few hours I was gone. So I said what are you talking about who is Louse?? They all chanted, “you know Superman’s wife!” I said Lois? “Yes! You like like Louse!”

…So for the rest of the week the boys referred to me as Aunty Louse. I loved it. It was hilarious that first of all they couldn’t even say her name, so no one else knew what they were talking about and two, I look nothing like Lois! But it was just one of the many ways God assured me this is where I was supposed to serve.

…

As we were pulling up to the center last Sunday after three days of traveling I started getting a little nervous. All these thoughts were going through my head…like how none of the kids would remember me and none of them would be excited that I came back. BUT God shoved his way through all my stupid earthly thoughts yet again.

I got out of the poda (which is an old VW van with all the seats taken out and 4 plywood benched put in in their place) and the first kid who saw me yelled to all his friends “Aunty Louse is here!” They remembered. And my heart was full.

I love this place and there’s nothing I more that I need. Except maybe a little running water and more internet access J But 120 hugs and love from precious precious little people trumps both of those any day.