While visiting the students at St. Francis school we handed out M&Ms and took countless photos of them (the kids loved seeing themselves on the camera screen!), which understandably caused some disorder. The children were quite well-behaved during our visit, but in all of the excitement some were trying to get our attention by jumping up and down, clapping, chanting "sweets! sweets!" I think while all of us were caught up in the children's joyful and frenetic energy, at times we felt slightly overwhelmed too.
Amid all of the commotion, this girl appeared in front of me, her thoughtful brown eyes filled with compassion and anticipation. Her demeanor was shy and polite as she softly said "hello," then put her arms around my waist and gave me a hug. I closed my eyes and rested my cheek on the top of her head as we embraced. We smiled at each other as we moved apart. She stayed nearby our group for a little while as we walked the school grounds, and then she was gone.
Our group that traveled together often talked about how each of us were trying to remain present in every moment, to soak it all in and remember every detail of this trip, no matter how fleeting or seemingly inconsequential. In that moment that girl's small gesture made all the difference and because of it, I am grateful to her and for her.
And I know I will never forget her.
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