Commitment.

You’d think, having gone through so much, that the kids here at MITS would have attachment issues. You’d think, having been abandoned by their moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, they’d have trust issues. You’d think, having begged on the streets for a piece of your trash for their dinner, and being scorned over and over again, that they would be skeptical of people who come and go.

They don’t have attachment issues, they trust from the beginning, and they love whole heartedly for as long as they have you around. Yes, they have been forever changed by what they’ve gone through, but every time a visitor comes, even for just a week, the students throw themselves into their welcome. They ask for one thing in return – though the request is not verbal. Their desire to be loved, accepted, and nurtured, though silent, is felt as strongly as if they were shouting the words at you. Their shy hugs, their handshakes, their excitement when you read a book aloud to them…it speaks volumes. Don’t take for granted the small expressions of love you receive every day. To you it may seem small, that smile as you enter the office, or that hug of greeting you received from your friend, but to these kids, that is all they want, to know they are loved and accepted.