Something wonderful happened today. I was (finally) able to go and visit with some beautiful little people that I have been wanting to meet for some time now.
The visit went well. The girls I went with visit frequently and have built relationships here. I was surprised to find out that the room was airconditioned. As I might have predicted, the major events of the visit included pee, spit up, and exclamations of, “OH! HOW ADORABLE!!” I was trying to carry on a conversation in Zarma and French with one of the nanies when someone pulled on my fular (head wrap).
I looked down, into her beautiful brown eyes, and then she smiled at me.
For the first time, I saw her. I had been sitting there beside her, but somehow I hadn’t seen her.
We began to play peekaboo with my fular. She loved to watch it floating above her head.
As I ducked out from behind it, I said her name. Then, for some reason, I put my hand on her face and loved her with a gentle touch like I have so many times for my own little boys.
In that second, her mouth opened and a small delighted sound came out. Her eyes grew large and sparkly.
We started the process again. I hid behind the fular, peeked out saying her name and gently stroked her cheek. Same delighted response. However this time she began to slowly move her head so that I would not stop touching her sweet cheeks.
Needless to say, I did not move from her side after that. So hungry for love, this sweet angel of a girl.
On the way home I thought about my new friend and how much she had touched my heart. I have only met her once. How much more does my Savior love her. How much more does my Keeper watch over her. He says it plainly.