The other night I went to check on one of the little Gems at The Gem Foundation who hadn’t been feeling well.  His diaper was being changed by one of the nannies when I found him.  The nanny and I began visiting for a speck (the Gem nannies are so precious!) as she finished changing his diaper. I was so relieved to see he was feeling so much better!  (Three cheers for essential oils!)

While I stood talking to both the nanny and the Gem, I noticed some fussing coming from under a nearby mosquito net.  I know most of the Gems fairly well, but I am definitely unfamiliar with where each of them sleep.   I wondered who was fussing.

As the nanny stepped out of the room, I continued to talk to the little Gem who had been sick.  I told him how I had been praying for him all day, how much the Lord loves him and how thrilled I was that he was feeling better!   The longer I talked to him, the more I began to realize that the fussing under the nearby mosquito net was becoming louder and louder! It had actually turned  to loud squawking!

Finally, the fussing, squawking and carrying-on grew so loud I went over to see for myself.  Slowly lifting the mosquito net, this is what I found…

OPIO!!!!    (Pronounced “O-pee-o”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I literally laughed out loud when I saw his ear-to-ear smile!  And through my laughter I questioned him, “Did you just need Jaja (“Grandma”) to pay attention to you too? Were you wondering how come I wasn’t talking to you too?? I’m so happy you called to me!!  I love you so much little buddy!”

Look at his smile. I mean.  It’s contagious!

Precious, broken-bodied Opio, loved immeasurably by our all powerful God and everyone who has met him.

And longing, just like each of us, to know he matters.

You matter Opio, you matter so much and we all love you to the moon and back!