Precious Claire....

Claire is one of the children that lives at the Foster Home. She just recently turned 7 years old!

I remember meeting Claire...she came into the preschool on my first full day working there...she had these sparkly eyes and GORGEOUS hair that had a trillion bows in it!

I noticed right away that Claire was not your "typical" 6 year old. Working with 4-6 year olds on a daily basis, I know the developmental milestones for a child her age. She was very behind--as in not speaking or interacting with her peers.

But something about Claire struck a chord with me....

Claire is happy. She is beautiful. She is determined and stubborn :) She has so much potential. Her health was not great, yet she kept right on going. Claire loves to ride bikes and play outside. She does not let anything stand in her way. Her smile lights up an entire room. She literally runs to the preschool room every morning and slams the door open as if to say, "I am here!" Claire loves music, especially "If You're Happy and You Know It". She knows the motions and hand signals for all the preschool songs. She is bright, charming, curious, and did I mention, adorable???

(she is clicking her tongue to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle") 

Right away, I felt like God had laid Claire on my heart. To others, she may have looked like a child that was not going to accomplish much or go very far in life. But I know that God has incredible treasures for her--unique gifts, for that is how He created her--truly unique.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!"

 Psalm 139:14

I prayed for Claire as soon as she entered the preschool everyday. I asked God to bless our interactions with each other. For me to be His hands and feet to His child. At night, I remember praying for God to make Himself known to others through this special girl. I begged Him to please show me a way to help her. My heart was burdened for Claire, though I knew that she was in an incredible place and being very well taken care of by people who loved her whole-heartedly. But still, I longed to get to know her better, to love her, and to show her her potential.

Long story short, I tutored a woman in English who worked in the foster home every afternoon while the kids were napping. I really enjoyed getting to know her and so appreciated her sweet disposition. Exactly one week after I started working in the preschool, I went to her office for the English lesson. She was standing at the door with the preschool teacher. The preschool teacher says to me, "Instead of teaching English, we would like for you to work with Claire. We noticed she responds well to you and she wakes up before all the other kids. You can work with her one-on-one in the preschool room on skills you think she needs to know."

I was in shock. Truly, this was a dream come true! I honestly couldn't believe this was happening. I rejoiced and thanked God for answering my prayers--I had no idea how He would answer them but this seemed like a wonderful way to me! Sometimes God so blatantly answers our prayers you just have no doubt that He is the great I AM.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

My afternoons with Claire were a joy. Watching someone work so hard at this journey we call life is amazing. Sometimes it was hard to prove to her that she CAN do it! But with a little encouragement (and an occasional M'n'M) she began to master more and more tasks such as: putting a puzzle together, sorting things by shape and color, stringing beads, drawing circles, and saying simple words. Despite the language barrier, Claire was accepting of my help. SHE taught ME more than I actually taught her :) How to find joy in the simplest things, that patience is a virtue, about perseverance, showing me that each day is a gift, and the list goes on.  She will always have a very special place in my heart. 

"Taste and see that the Lord is good..." Psalm 34:8

Several months after I left and returned to the states, Claire had major surgery. In the beginning, things did not go well at all--in fact, according to the doctors, she was not supposed to make it. So many people prayed for this child and against all odds, she made it because of the power of The Great Physician. 

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up all their wounds" 

Psalm 147:3 

Claire is a miracle. There is no other way to say it: her life is a miracle. She is a testament to God's grace, mercy, healing, goodness, and faith. He has a story to tell with this one :) Her one and true Father. 

 I love you, Claire, and think you are perfect just the way you are! I can't wait to see you again!