The Baby

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For two weeks, all Jackie could think about was that baby boy. That sweet baby boy with the cleft lip. Why didn't the mom hold him? Why was he always in the bouncy seat? Was he just too hard to hold? His little body twisted and turned and didn't ever relax.

When visiting day arrived, Jackie was unprepared. She'd hoped to have a Bible story ready to share, or some game for the kids. Nothing. Sorry, Lord. I just am not prepared. Can You work through me anyway? This time I'm not going to be concerned with practicing language. I'm going to love on that baby and maybe another kid or two while I'm at it. Love. That's what we're doing today.

And that was the theme, even if that's not exactly what Liya and Jackie would have liked. They would have liked to tell more Bible stories. They would have liked a big response from the family..."We all believe in Jesus!" But Jackie knew they still didn't quite "get" it. Did the family even comprehend the gospel message?

It doesn't matter. Love them. That's what we're doing.

Jackie noticed the family always bounced the baby boy in a bouncy seat. They bounced him vigorously. No wonder he doesn't cry, he's trying not to puke. Jackie wondered if his little brain was getting jostled. But as soon as the mother stopped for a few minutes to get something in another room, the little baby started to whine. Jackie took the chance to scootch across the floor to the bouncy set.

"Hi there little guy!" Jackie bounced the seat softly. The little baby gazed in her eyes. His hand flew up and she held her finger against his palm. His tiny fingers closed into a hold on her finger. His back twisted and her looked at her upside-down. His leg flew up. He cooed. A tube was taped to his lip, to be used for feeding at some point. He sucked at it. Lord, please be with this precious little baby. When he gets older, help him learn about You.

Jackie looked up a Rohiza who was watching and smiling. "What is his name?"

"Fardus."

"How old is he?"

"One year and three months."

Jackie tried to hide her surprise. Little Fardus looked like a skinny six-month old.

"May I hold him?"

"Yes."

Jackie carefully supported Fardus's head and lifted his little body. She cradled him close to her and sang softly. Before she was ready, the mother returned to take him.

Fardus. I know your name now. I'll be praying for you by name.