Often in the US, life seems full only when big things are happening. It takes a great deal to stir big emotions, especially emotions related to Joy.

But here in Addis Ababa, it’s different. Smiles and laughter are quick to happen. A raised eyebrow can elicit peels of laughter from strangers.

At Bring Love In, time between lessons is filled with games; hand games, language games, games with rocks. Time is there, it seems, only to create connection. And in any moment, something small will happen, sending a teenager rolling on the ground (literally) with laughter. The first day I experienced this here, all I could think was, “When was the last time I have seen this”? Unadulterated joy, so freely given and shared.

Today in VBS we were talking about emotions with the littles. And when we asked how they were feeling today, most of the 17 children said “happy”. But their “why” is what captured me. One little girl, Adebe, said “Happy, because I get to pray with my sisters today”. Another said, “Happy, because I get to learn about God”. Yet another said, “Happy because I am here at Bring Love In”.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; In your presence there is fullness and Joy; At your right hand are pleasures forever more.”

Here in Addis and more specifically at Bring Love In, is a fullness of joy that can only come from the presence of our Lord.  It is a great reminder and a true gift to remember the beauty and pleasure found in small things.

Hillari Ladd