My work in the village is made up exclusively of the instruction, discipleship, and organizing of recreation of teen girls. Part of the blessing of working with teenagers is once comfortable, they feel free to say just about anything. One specific role I fill is helping girls who score between the 30th and 50th percentile speak better English. Upon my arrival earlier this year that included six girls. I call them my Suubi (hope) girls. Working with these girls three days a week in such an intimate setting with no translator builds such a close bond. I truly enjoy those girls' company and the very diverse personalities they have. Of those original six, only four remain. Of those four is one named Patricia. Patricia is a little spitfire. I am convinced she fears nothing except maybe being alone. She is always the first to speak and the loudest to speak. She can make a room laugh and is constantly humming, sometimes even when you are trying to teach. She is so particular about the way she writes her notes, often writing everything whether she is meant to or not (don’t inquire about the spelling). About a month ago, I got the privilege of seeing Patricia move to the next level, and I am no longer one of her direct instructors. However, I still interact with her often. Just recently, as I was leaving one of my classes, Patricia also happened to be out walking, so we walked together, exchanging pleasantries. As we strolled forwards away from the classrooms I happened to notice that she had material on the book of Esther and inquired how she was enjoying the story. Being the sweet and bold girl that she is, she said, “Madam, I hope you are Queen someday like her.” (Cultural context: There are Kings and Queens in every tribal district of Uganda. They have no legal authority but are highly respected and hold the highest social capital in their region.)
Now, I don’t know how far she has gotten in the story or what characteristics she sees Queen Esther and me as having, but I wish she knew just how kind those words were to me. In my mind, that moment is now captured like a picture, a picture of sweet Patricia as we walked hand in hand. While not knowing her intent, I can and shall always appreciate the sincerity with which those words were spoken at that moment. I think, as is so often shared by people serving the Lord around the world, we are so blessed simply by knowing those we work with, it's hard to understand the truth of how they see us. Every great once in a while, however, someone says something that helps you see both of you in a new way.